isaiah 40:31.

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. [NIV]

God's word really is true. I'm living, breathing, soaring proof of it. This scripture is fresh and alive within my heart today, for He has given me a hope and strength that far surpasses anything I could have imagined.

I met with Pastor Gustavo today at the Callowhill Cafe (http://www.hopeofthenations.net/callowhill-cafe <-- shameless plug!) Ninety minutes of wonderful conversation - and a delicious berry smoothie - later, I walked away with a full and happy heart, in utter awe of my God. (I then got into a somewhat heated "debate" with the Reading Parking Authority worker in the process of giving me a ticket, but that's a whole other story.) It felt so good to be able to share my heart and my story with the pastor that I love, respect and admire dearly. Seeing someone respond so positively and with such encouragement to my vision flooded me with and hope and strength and gave even more confirmation to the message I keep hearing over and over: "This is it."

I see how God is using me for Liberia even now, even here, as I'm preparing for my return. I get to tell the stories of the precious people I met while I was there. I get to show the pictures of the children I fell in love with, the children I ache to hug and hold again. I get to open eyes to see a nation torn apart by war, desperate to have hope and strength again. I get to be a voice. I get to be a verb. I get to act - whatever that may look like on any particular day.

So needless to say, these are exciting times. God is moving, and I just get the sense that He is up to something bigger than you and I could ever dream of. Please continue to pray. Pray for Liberia. Pray for relief and for revival. Pray that God continues to ready me for this next part of the journey. Pray that I find my "place" there. Pray for His provision. Above all, pray that I illustrate Him in it all.

Much love to every one of you and my sincerest thanks for all you have done and are continuing to do.

"this. is. it."

Ok, so all who know me know that, since I got back from Liberia in November, I've been doing anything and everything I could to return. Well, it appears that patience and prayer most certainly do pay off because all those plans are starting to come together. It looks like I should be able to head back in early September - less than five months away! I have most of the money for the plane ticket and fully believe I'll have the remainder that is needed soon. I also have a wonderfully supportive church and amazing friends & family who are doing what they can to help and will continue to assist and encourage me while I'm gone. I've seen God's hand move so mightily these past few weeks and heard from Him so clearly that there is no longer any doubt in my mind.

I'm going back to Liberia.

I'm still working on/praying for a place for me to serve (and stay) upon my return; that seems to be the final piece of the puzzle, the only one that's missing. Please join me in prayer for God's favor and provision in this area. There are so many needs in Liberia, so many people and places to help. Pray that God puts me in the exact place that He wants me and uses me there.

Thanks in advance & much, much love. I'm so excited that you have joined me on this journey!