Full to the Brim.

Grateful.

Hopeful.

Joyful.

These describe my feelings at this exact moment. (Sunburned is in there too, but that's beside the point).

This morning Baxter and I had the joy of standing before our church body, and sharing with them the wild ride God has had us on through today - one month away from leaving this side of the world to plant our lives on the other.

We had the privilege of being challenged by a dear, dear friend to say "yes" to whatever God might have for us, so that as a church we are obedient to finishing the task well, and as individuals we may live for the purpose God created us.

We were blessed as fellow church members came through a line, committing to go with us in spirit and in prayer, asking God how their "yes" might partner them with us.

We were challenged to hear these same church members say things like "I want to do what I can financially to help. It's not much, but it's what God would have me do".

I am so overcome with joy and gratitude for this body. . . and how one tiny muscle behind my left ear can hurt so bad from holding back tears the better part of the morning.

Who would have thought that a church - 2o miles from no where, full of cattle ranchers and farmers - would so deeply shape and share our calling? Who would have thought that the Lord would allow our lives to intersect with such authentic, passionate believers in such a way that we would be forever changed?

It seems almost inadequate and cliche to say God is good, but there is no other way to explain the fullness of my soul right now.

God is so undeniably good, and we are unquestionably undeserving.