I'm Going to the Philippines...

and I am so excited!!!!

Early in November I'll be headed to the Philippines to meet with folks who help to coordinate prayer and communications efforts for Bible translation organizations around the world.

I am really looking forward to hearing about the things God's doing around the world through these organizations, learning how to more effectively communicate about these exciting things to the Church and seeing where God leads us as a group.

I'm also excited because I'll get to see Manila again.

To be honest, there have been times over the last several months when I have felt less than excited at the thought of moving overseas. It's a hard thing to think about when a loved one at home is dealing with cancer.

But at the same time, God has been dealing with me.
He has been challenging my faith and trust in Him.
And, He is renewing my vision and excitement about being engaged in this work from Manila.

So, I'm looking forward to being there for that week. I'm praying that God would use this time to continue to build excitement and confirm again this direction I'm heading in.

And what are my long-term plans for moving to Manila??
As long as my mom's recovery continues to go well (which we are hopeful and prayerful for), I hope to move to Manila at the beginning of 2009. After my November trip I'll head home, pack up what's left to bring to Manila (hope to bring a lot with me on the first trip!), spend the holidays with my family and finish final preparations and make the move!!

I've been realizing that as much as I thought that the last couple of years and this whole process has been about getting me to Manila... it's not really. I'm realizing that in each stage in life it's not so much about getting closer to a specific place, as much as it is about getting closer to Him.

So, as I look forward to being in Manila... yes, I am excited about the place itself. But, I am even more excited about how my living there, the work that I'll be doing there, the challenges I'll face during that time, the lessons I'll learn... will be used by Him to show me more of Himself, show me more of myself and experience greater intimacy with my Lord.