I'm not sure how to start this entry. I leave America for 3 months in 6 days. I'll be living in Nairobi, Kenya. There's a ton of work to do before then. There's a sea of mystery after that.
My wonderful girlfriend Nicole threw "Lance's going away party" yesterday and it has got me reminiscing. Twenty-some people showed up and we spent the afternoon talking, laughing, and playing "hacky-sack." Many of my greatest friends showed up, and it reminded me of where I have come from. Several years ago I would have described myself as "quiet" or "introverted." I always wanted friends, but just didn't know how to go about it. After a long lonely road, I finally asked God for "friends to do life with." Oh, how he filled the order. God has blown me away with more friends than I could have dreamed. Along with friends have come dreams for community and everyone living a life connected with others. I think I see a bit of what Jesus meant when he talked about "abundant life."
I was hoping to write an inspirational entry, but I guess I just want to say "Thank You." Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for sending checks to send me to Africa. Mom and Dad, thanks for always being there. Wayne and Alice and Heather, thanks for always and unwaveringly believing in me. Nicole, thanks for cheering me on and always smiling. Sarah, thank you for your wise counsel. Sean, thank you for your encouraging words. Anthony, thanks for all of the camp fires. There is so many more of you, and thank you thank you thank you.
As of now I have finished college and just became a commercial pilot last week. I guess the only mystery left is the entire future. What will Africa hold? Am I called to Africa for the long-term future? How about after coming back? I'm not sure. I guess all we have is the present.
I will be back September 29. Until then, I love you all. Thanks for being my friend. I'll use this blog to tell of my travels, so stop in and read up!
-Take your love with you wherever you go,
Lance
Here it is July, Lance, and you are so close to that next big step. We are excited to be able to follow your every move! Has the life of a "missionary" ever changed since we were "your age" and missionaries were out of touch basically for years at a time! We will read your blog with sincere interest and prayers! Bruce and Linda Ewing
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