I'm leaving on a jet plane!

In just over 5 hours I will hop in my parents CRV and drive down to LA to get on a plane to Thailand. Weird. I have been so eagerly awaiting this day for so long. And now it is here and it seems a bit surreal. My luggage is packed-was ready by 10:30pm--that has to be a record for me! I only have two, rather small, pieces of luggage. I am feeling quite impressed about that! It is a weird thing, packing up your life into suitcases, leaving your parents house which isn't home, but is closer than anything else you've got, boarding a plane with a descent idea of what is going on, but still lots of unknowns, leaving people I love, going to meet people I know I will soon love. I am left thinking that it has to be the call of the Lord or why else would we do things like this? And that is comforting. I gotta be honest, I've questioned myself the last few days...really Lord? There? For 8 months? I'm scared. I don't want to go alone. What if I don't make any friends? What if the food is weird? I'll miss family and friends. And then I am reminded of those family and friends that I love so dearly and I know that they will all be in heaven with me one day and I can't not go...because there are so many that don't know, whose family and friends will be suffering eternally with them. People whose lives are less than abundant and purposeful. I am filled with such abundance and such purpose. And so I go. Not in fear or anxiety or sadness, but in confidence, excitement and joy. I am so excited and honored to be a part of the kingdom work of the Father in this part of the world. And to know that he is at work in me as well. So, I am off. I ask for your prayers for protection, peace, confidence, boldness, comfort, simplicity, and love. My hearts greatest desire is to overflow so deeply with the love of Christ Jesus. I am ready to fall in love with SE Asians, their people, their land, their smells, their food, and the hope that they have for a Savior. Thank you for all your love and support and for joining me on this journey! The Lord has already been an abundant and gracious provider and I have seen his hand mightly at work. To his glory and for his renown! Much love. Kovonne