I wanted to dedicate a post to thanking EVERYONE for the support I have received so far for this trip to Africa...

First, I want to thank God for being my stronghold and showing me that I can fully rely on Him for anything in my life.  God is my shepherd and He is giving me amazing, clear direction for His will for me on this mission trip to Africa.

 

Next, I want to thank all of you who have been praying for me and my trip.  I have sent out several letters asking for prayer support and many other requests, and let me tell you, God has been answering every one of your prayers.  He has provided more for me than I could ever have imagined.

 

I also want to thank all of you who have financially supported me.  I know that I am going on this trip as a disciple of Christ and a representative of all of you.  It's a wonderful feeling to know that so many of you believe in Christ's calling to witness to the lost that you would donate your own money that could have been used for something else.  I greatly appreciate the sacrifices some of you made to help me achieve this goal. 

 

I want to thank my parents for raising me in an amazing home and always witnessing the way a Christian man and woman should behave.  Many of my thoughts and morals come from the example that my parents set for me growing up.  They have also been extremely supportive in my decision to go to Africa for 9 months.  At first they were unsure about it, but as God worked in all our lives, we all grew to the idea and have since been working toward the same goal together.

 

Then, I want to thank all my wonderful friends who have listened to me stress about getting things ready for Africa and about all my fears and concerns.  I would not have gotten through the past few months without them!

 

I also want to thank my teammates going with me to Africa.  Unknowingly, they have been encouraging me to live up to the standard Jesus set for us in my daily life, as well as, encouraging me to persevere through the rough spots of preparations for this mission. 

 

Finally, to all the other people who have helped me in random ways.  There is a lot that has to be done to prepare for this trip (as all of you know) and I have been helped out in every way by people I never expected.  God has shown me that He does indeed work through so many people to make His plan complete!