counting down the days.

Someone please tell me something- can it really be November?

In addition to the fact that it was, in fact, 70 degrees outside today and breezy, it just seems impossible that the penultimate month of the year could be upon us already. Thanksgiving is peering in through the doorway with Christmas coming fast on her heels, and I still feel like I'm trying to wrap my head around the academic calendar again. Summer leaves slowly at first, with all of our vacations winding down into back-to-school shopping and final hurrahs at the pool, and then all of a sudden she's gone, the season has changed and autumn comes in to sweep us off our feet. While I am still reeling from the shock of that change, November is setting up camp in my front yard again, and she's bringing all the holidays with her. And in spite of the Christmas commercials now being crammed between re-runs of "It's a Wonderful Life," I just still can't believe it's already that time of year.

Similarly, about a week ago, the Liberia team gathered in Brent's living room and marveled over how quickly December the 27th is approaching. As we discussed our very flexible tentative schedule, I was reminded again that this is really happening. In 43 days, I will be taking three very long plane rides to arrive at my destination across the ocean, where I will spend 9 days living outside of anything I've ever experience before. I think all of us probably felt it a little, that nervous-but-thrilled feeling of getting close to something really huge, like when you're third from the front in the line for a roller coaster after waiting for two hours. Suddenly, you can just see yourself suspended 200 feet off the ground, upside down and nothing to keep you from falling, having the time of your life. That's when the butterflies invade your shivering stomach, and that's when your heart girds itself up in determination and says, like a battle cry, "Let's do this."

So, although maybe it doesn't seem quite that dramatic just yet, the trip is getting so close and I can feel the excitement building steadily. Sometimes it's hard to see past the stack of paperwork that stands between us and the Liberian border, but I believe we will all get there, and it will be worth every minute of preparation and more. And honestly, even the preparation can be pretty wonderful at times. If you scroll half-way down this page, you'll see the stories that God has been weaving in our team thus far. It's definitely worth checking out; there is nothing like being surprised by the beautiful nature of our God, especially as it is shown through the life stories of His kids.

For example.

Danielle, our co-leader, and I are on the dance team at 12Stone Church together. Last Monday, after our weekly meeting, we were standing in the room where we meet when suddenly Danielle starts jumping up and down and squealing. I, as you might expect, was slightly startled and extremely curious in response to her sudden effusion of happiness, and I tried to slow her down enough to understand what was going on. Between shouts of joy, she managed to tell me that she had just gotten a text telling her about a $1,000.00 check that someone had sent to support her trip! Praise God! I can't tell you the kind of relief and happiness that come in a moment like that. There's nothing like it. She had been at the $2,500.00 mark when that check came in, meaning that her trip is completely and exactly paid for now. That is such a gift. And if there's anyone who knows how to celebrate God's gifts, it's Danielle. Obviously.

So, the intricately woven plan that's bridging the gap from here to Africa just keeps getting more wonderful. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Also, we got to find out what kinds of things we will probably be doing while we're on Liberian soil. Brent talked about how the mutual interests of every team member converged into some vital points, like working with orphans, child soldiers, and those who have been abused. That was very exciting to hear! Those things, in addition to possibly getting to visit a hospital in Monrovia, are what we will tentatively be spending our time and heart on during our stay. That is so okay with me. I could spend the whole week holding onto little Liberian babies and I would feel just fine. I think we'll be doing a lot more than that, though, which is even better.

More information regarding our itinerary should be forthcoming, but nothing will be set in stone until the morning of each day. You'll be reading every night what we planned that very morning; I hope the stories happily surprise us all.

And lastly, here are some facts about the country that we learned:

- Liberia has the 4th highest infant mortality rate in the world. 138.24 deaths / 1,000 live births.

- Liberia is the 4th poorest country in the world, with an average GDP per capita of $500.

- Liberia is approximately 40% Christian, 20% Muslim, and 40% indigenous beliefs.

- The agricultural products of Liberia are rubber, coffee, cocoa, rice, tapioca, palm oil, sugar cane, bananas, sheep, goats, and timber.

- The heat index in December and January can be around 108 degrees. Happy New Year, right?

So, everyone, thank you as always for reading and please continue to fight for us in your prayers. Pray practically and with intensity- your voice does not go unheard (1 Peter 3:11-13). Right now I am experiencing the worst headache, and it has been following me for about a week. Those are the kinds of things that the enemy would probably just love to use to wear us down, to keep us from fighting anymore. Pray against his schemes and pray for the covering of the Almighty to surround every person on this team (Ephesians 6; Psalm 91). Pray for our prayers, that we would be strong and consistent in our conversations with God, and that our love for His word would deepen. Pray for our unity with one another, and for what God is already doing on the Liberia side of the world. Thank you, thank you, thank you for every word that you pray! I pray that God's love would meet you as you do.

Be blessed! More soon.