Half way there- London!

It’s really here, and I can’t believe it. Today is the day I am making the long haul across the Atlantic Ocean. I’m 20 hours in and I’ve got over 10 to go before I hit Ugandan soil.. This leaves me with a lot of time to think. At times, the biggest, ugliest wars are waged in our minds. Those battles that you can’t really put into words, but are ever so real and ever so present inside our head are the ones that can make or break a lot of things. This morning I said goodbye to family and 2 really close friends. I have no desire to be dramatic, but I do have a desire to be real and authentic- that was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I’m sitting on the plane, thinking about my sisters, parents, and brother. Hoping they are rejoicing that God is holding my hand and providing for every one of my needs, but also praying that God would comfort them in this time of separation. Carter has been with me on 5 out of 6 trips out of the country, and being on the plane without her doesn’t feel right. I’m hoping she is rejoicing that God has called her to Paducah and me to Africa, but also praying that God would make this time of separation such a sweet time in our friendship. I’m thinking about Anna, and how I will miss the birth of her son. But I am rejoicing that I won’t miss much of his little life, and praying for her as she transitions into being an incredible mother! I’m thinking about cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents who were hard to leave, and praying that they are encouraged, protected, and comforted during this time of separation. And lastly- I am thinking about, praying for, and so encouraged by my incredible friends. God has lavishly showered His love and grace on my life through them. They have loved me endlessly, and for that I am forever grateful. As I think about these people, I am reminding myself to take every thought captive to Christ.. 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ”.  With the cross before me, I press on in this journey trusting that God is holding me, and guiding my every step. Instead of being sad, fearful, or anxious, I make the choice to walk with joy, and as the song writer said, “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow”. I’m choosing strength for today and relying on bright hope for tomorrow. He is my shield and my portion- enough for each day. Satan is lurking, ready to destroy this with my very own thoughts.. No way am I going to let that happen.. I’m learning now more than ever how to take thoughts captive to Christ- every one of them. 

Let’s do this!!

-Olivia