Saying good-bye....

such a bitter-sweet thing to say good-bye in moments like this. Your emotions are being pulled both directions....being excited about what lies ahead and yet realizing that friends and family are out of sight for 4 months. Thank God that we have the modern technological equipment we do to stay in contact with those back home. For instance, I recently have been spending time on Skype, o by the way my skype address is Lanita.Kauffman, so now I figured it out enough to talk with people. This will be great while in Africa.

This morning my congregation prayed over me. I am so thankful that I belong to a local church body that believes in missions. My pastors prayed over me and commissioned me to the work of the Lord in Africa. During the hard times ahead I will remember those praying for me back home.

I am back in Hayward for my final week. Trying to "fit" everyone in my "good-bye" list. So needless to say lots of coffee times, lunches, and dinners in the next few days:)

I unpacked everything last night and now will focus on repacking it all back up again. I am trying to get everything into a small sized Kelty backpack for 4 months. Because after Africa my friends and I are touring Europe for a month so I have to be able to carry everything on my back. Will see how light I can pack :)

Until next time.......