Elated.

I leave in less than twenty-four hours for Cambodia. In twelve hours, I will be leaving my house for the airport. At 1:36 tomorrow afternoon, I will be boarding my first plane from Indianapolis to Cleveland. From Cleveland, I will fly to Los Angeles. After sixteen hours and thirty minutes, I will land in China, where I will board a plane to Cambodia six hours later.

How excited am I on a scale of one to ten? At least an eleven. I am so so so excited that I won't even know what to do first once I'm outside the airport. There are dear dear people in Cambodia that I love very much and I haven't seen them in eighteen months. So much has happened, and I have hated to miss it - rejoicing and mourning.

But soon, I'll be there. I know this trip is going to change my life. This trip is also going to change other peoples' lives too - both in Cambodia and Stateside. It really is amazing what God has been doing, and my prayer is that He will receive the glory for all that happens. I serve an amazing God, and it has been an incredible opportunity to travel the world and to worship Him in among many tribes, tongues, and nations.

Thank you Jesus for being born in the manger, dying on the cross, and bringing joy to the whole world. Thank you for calling me to serve you in Cambodia.

Love love love, Jewel

The Real Countdown Has Begun!

The real countdown has begun. I'll be in Cambodia in 25 days! With the stockings hung on the mantle, the trees lit, and Christmas music excitedly playing in the background, I can hardly believe all that is happening.

With the friends who took me to the airport for my departure - June 2009

25 days. I am leaving on the morning of December 21st; and will be arriving on December 23rd in the afternoon. I will be in Cambodia for one day short of three weeks, and will spend my time with friends, visiting churches, encouraging pastors, playing with children, etc. I will be talking, listening, eating, laughing, praying, singing, and learning. I will be graduating from IWU on April 30th, and I plan on moving to Cambodia within one year after graduation. I still have much to learn, and I hope that while I am in Cambodia this Christmas, I will gain some direction on how to better prepare myself -- financially and otherwise -- before I make the big move.

Vandy, Titus, Tess, and myself

I have no tentative itinerary for my three weeks in Cambodia, and no idea what I'll be doing on Christmas. My plans will primarily be established by what Titus and my hosts (Vandy and Tess, and filipino missionaries Greg and Resie Fernandez) are doing.

A few people have mentioned to me already that they read my blog, and I am so happy that you are. My friends and family -- although you are staying and I am going -- are a significant part in my journey to and ministry in Cambodia. Thank you for your prayers, support, and encouragement!

Love love love, Jewel