Deep Fried Butter??

This is America. Paula Dean would be proud. I mean, I'm not above saying that mom and I went to the fair today specifically to walk around and stuff our faces. But when I saw this I kind of wanted to throw up...even though we purchased something from this particular vendor. It WAS NOT deep fried butter, I assure you!

Let's Interrupt This Silence, Shall We?!

It is now less than a month before I move to Moldova. I am incredibly excited and can't wait to be there! I will say that I am partly dreading this next month too. When I think about all the details that have to be completed, the goodbyes that have already begun to be said, the miles that I will put on my dying car visiting as many people as possible, the research I have to do, the lessons I have to write, the contacts I must start to make, packing the most essential items for a year in 2 suitcases, the shopping that has to be done, the bank stuff that must be taken care of, and so many other things I fight this overwhelming tendency to just hide and hope that it will all take care of itself. A very wise friend asked me recently what I would do if I just didn't go to Moldova. Without thinking I just blurted out that that wasn't even an option. That was such a liberating statement. All of the details and to do lists are exhaustive, but I do them with joy knowing the purpose behind them.

So as I sit here and reflect on the fact that this very day next month I will be moving into my flat in Moldova, I smile and rejoice in the greatness of God. I ponder if He is really serious about using me...ME...in His great redemptive plan for His nations. I praise Him for His righteousness that I carry. I am overwhelmed by His grace and love the freedom and authority that I have through Him. I am comforted by the fact that He has gone before me and has prepared the way.

I don't pretend to have it all together, but I'm grateful for the One who does!