Tomorrow is also the day I say goodbye to my family. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking of it. And I've already hugged and cried with many of my friends and family as we share the thought of not being with each other for three months.

Letting go of these people is a sad and fearful thing to do. But it brings me such joy to think of what they will each become over the next 3 months as God works in their lives.

God, how will You change us all during this time?

Who will we all be in 3 months?

What does God have to teach us?

"Teach me Your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to Your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor You." – Psalm 86:11

I can't even IMAGINE what I will experience while I'm in India. Just the thought of holding the orphans, worshipping with the lepers, and visiting the slums FILLS my heart with such JOY that I can't even describe. And the thought of doing these things with my 9 other teammates gives me a sense of security and peace.

I get so excited as these thoughts fill my mind. And at the very same time, I am so sad at the thought of what I'm leaving. I feel like I could jump for joy, and cry like a baby at the same time right now.

This sadness ... and fear ... and excitement ... and nervousness ... and hope – it's all here. I bring all these God-given emotions before God Himself as I embark (yes, I just used the word, "embark." My mom would be so proud) on this Journey.

Praise God that He, IMMANUEL, is with us in all of our emotions.