Well, the adventure that we’ve all been waiting for begins at 7:00 am tomorrow morning. As the goodbye tears are falling fresh every few minutes, I can assure you that deep down I am excited to see what God has waiting for me in Dabeiba, Colombia. He has prepared the way and I will follow. All the details are still fuzzy, but I will keep everyone as up-to-date as I can once I know more specifically what my next year entails.

As for now, I will, despite what so much of my upbringing has taught me, have to be content with getting on a plane that will take me to live in a completely unknown town with strangers for a year. It’s mysterious. It’s thrilling. And it’s terrifying.

My prayer is that each day will be long—full of good conversation and laughter and moments when I am awestruck by the power of God—but that the year would be short. I am taking a step into an exciting adventure prepared by God, but I will never forget my roots and the people that made me who I am today, at this moment, ready to step into this new chapter.

I surrender all, Lord.

I surrender all.