'Twas the night before launch date and I could not wait. I said my goodbyes while everyone cries. Step into the shower, I'll leave in an hour! Strap on my backpack, secure and steady. Oh, how I feel so ready! As we drove to the hotel, what great excitement befell! With all the amazing and new friends to meet, there is no way that this day can be beat. Nine whole months of learning, growing and exploring, not one of these months will ever be boring. Though trouble will come, commence the frustration! I will fix my gaze on the source of my salvation. He will see us through, day in, day out. He's the one this is all about. Let us work and serve, all for his glory. When we get home we'll all share our stories. By the power of his grace I embark on the World Race.

Here I sit in a hotel room in Atlanta, Georgia. How do I feel? I'm excited! After a couple hours of driving, we arrived at the hotel and I got to meet the rest of my squad. It's so crazy to process the fact that I'm gonna be doing life with all these fun and amazing people for the next nine months, sharing all the good times as well as challenges that we'll face. While I am a little sad that I had to say goodbye to family and friends back at home, it's a bittersweet sadness because I know that although I have to temporarily give some things up I'm stepping into an exciting new chapter of my life! One of my squadmates shared this verse with us:

fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

To me, this verse is a reminder that as we go through this next nine months we can be comforted that God is with us and will give us the strength we need to carry out his work on this trip.

Until next time,

Micah