One Last Hurrah!

This weekend my family and I went down to East Texas to spend my final weekend together at our family lake house. We all decided we wanted some time to spend as a family before I left, so Brady flew down and we all made the drive to Nacogdoches (my birthplace as a matter of fact!).

I know it doesnt look like much, but the forest was so green and just awesome!

The weekend was short but fun. Ivan and I played chess. We all went swimming and hung out by the lake, played on the boat, watched Wall*E. (which is an awesome movie), and just sat and talked. It was an awesome way to spend my last weekend.

Me, rocking in the boat!
This is my brother-in-law, Ivan. This picture I love, so I put it up.

I am now realizing how soon it will be until I leave. I have 5 days left. I'm excited. I talked to a few people tonight online for the first time that are pretty new in my life. First I talked to Zach Barnes, which, if you havent read my earlier blogs is the guy who I am taking over for in Czech. He was up late and in his final days there. We talked about the anticipation for both of us starting a new period in our lives. His time in Czech ending while mine just beginning. He was even kind enough to give me a tour (since it was a video chat) of my future home. I'm not picky on where I live, so it looks great to me!
I also got to talk with Britt Baumgardner tonight. Britt is one of my fellow teammates. Basically I just harassed her and kept her company while she finished up packing. She is bringing me a pen that says "if your smoking around me, you better be on fire." I'm pretty excited about that one. I guess Britt is the first person on the trip that I really know, even though we havent met. It will definitely be nice to have someone familiar when I get there... you never know, there might be a serial killer in the group... so alliances are needed!

My schedule for the week is finish driving back home to Abilene tomorrow (we only made it to Dallas today), then Brady, Ivan and I will hang out, I will masterfully dominate Ivan at chess. I have to finish up some web design stuff for my mom's store. Tuesday I bring Brady back to DFW to fly back to Nashville. Then drive BACK to Abilene. I have to finish moving the last of the boxes out of my house. Say goodbye to Cody, Jenni, Chase, Crystal, (peeps from work!) probably have a final drink and hookah with Brandon and Cody. Double check all the stuff I have packed, and on Saturday, I fly out! And it will be another 11 months until I set foot on Texas soil!

Thank you to everyone who has sent in responses to my support letters. Your prayer and financial gifts have been amazing. I feel such a peace and excitement about this transition and I know that this is where the Lord is wanting me right now.