FPO

Just wanted to publish a quick post to say that I have arrived in Virginia and started orientation. The first couple of days have gone well. Even the medical information session that seemed destined to be boring was actually entertaining as the nurses put on a little skit/role play what NOT to do when we come to the clinic for immunizations.
Last night I stretched beyond my comfort zone and went with my roommate to play volleyball with a group of people. Later in the evening we had a wonderful time of spontaneous praise in the quad where I live. (The quad has a shared living area with 4 "apartments" that each consist of 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. Everyone in my quad is headed to Mexico. I share an apartment with another single female, there is a couple in one apartment, and there are families in the other 2 apartments.) Three of the people in our quad brought guitars, so they were playing and most of the rest of us were singing praise songs . . . some in English and a few in Spanish. It was such a blessing! I am looking forward to many more of those times among our quad "family."

Commissioned

To me, being commissioned means to be sent out with a promise to support through prayer. Based on that definition, I have been commissioned to the mission field by many people lately. Specifically, my church family at Springfield Second Baptist commissioned me as part of all 3 morning worship services yesterday, July 26. It was a very special, meaningful time for me. This church has played such an important role in my spiritual life and provided so many opportunities for me to serve. To be sent out and prayed over by them was very precious to me.

But this was not my first commissioning. About a week ago, my dear friend Barb essentially commissioned me in an unexpected and powerful way. Barb's husband Phil passed away suddenly, and I went to his funeral. In addition to being a friend, Phil was my pastor several years ago. At the end of the funeral when I had an opportunity to hug Barb, I was overwhelmed as she said to me, "You are part of Phil's legacy. Go and tell." I was trying to support and uplift her, yet she was the one who was a blessing and encouragement to me.

As I go, it is an honor to carry with me a part of Phil and Barb, a part of Second Baptist, a part of my family and other friends, etc. Most of all, it is an honor to serve in the name of our Lord Jesus.