A Brand New Year!

Yes, this is two blogs in one day, make that one night, for me. But, I am leaving the country tommorrow and felt this would be a good time to start documenting the journey properly. And really, who doesn't want a picture with fireworks on their blog, really? It's great. Totally New Year's material. I thought it fun to share with you! I spent New Year's Eve in Jackson, my last night in Jackson, and tonight is my last night in Birmingham...well, my last night on the continent, really. Okay, for two years. Maybe I am being a bit dramatic tonight. (smile) You can only imagine, huh? I am actually strangely calm. I know I am experiencing without a doubt, the "peace that surpasses all understanding," written about in Philippians 4:6, which can only be found in the Lord.
We have been to the grocery store twice today, Walmart and Publix. Oh, and we've been to Walgreens once. We have packed and repacked two oversized suitcases, two large duffel bags, one small carry on suitcase, one backpack, and a small over the shoulder purse more times than I can count today. Every time we come back from the store with Easy Mac or that last pair of shoes I forgot to pack...it's a game to see who can actually fit it into the suitcases. We'll just say they're rather full. I'm a girl, and well I'm prepared...for absolutely all and anything. Bring it on Central Asia, I'm ready. I say this today. Pray for me if you read this tommorrow or any day after that! Truly, God has been so faithful, though, to lead me and equip me emotionally, mentally, and spiritually for the next year and a half. He's always been faithful to me. How could I expect any less now? It's a brand new year on a brand new journey.