TO OLIVIA

olivia, you are a genuine friend. i'm so thankful God crazily let us meet in Kentucky and that we made it a goal to stay connected. getting to know you has been such a blessing! you've convicted me of sin, brought joy when we met up in Louisville, and made me laugh at how alike we are. and now, well you're about to embark on an incredible journey that God specifically made with his own Hands for you, and i get to play a big part, with all humility...
tomorrow is the big day. the day that you fly to Uganda to serve, without a return ticket home. that excites me, your complete obedience to the Lord, i mean.
as you buckle yourself into that plane, hugging your only belongings that smell and remind you of home, know that i am praying for you; for strength; for health; for boldness; for radical, selfless living. i want those Ugandans in the village to know Christ because you reflected Him so well and because God is good. but ultimately, i want you to give Him all glory and honor and praise when you see miracles happen, because God deserves every ounce we can give in this earthly life.
the thought of you hugging sweet, dark-skinned and wounded souls stirs a deep emotion in my heart. it makes me realize how much i love people, even those who are vastly different than me, only to find out, they're not so different after all...
every time you post a picture, a blurb, a blog post, or shoot me an email i will rejoice with gladness over your life and your Life in our Savior.
i cannot wait to give you the biggest hug in august (Lord willing), i love you sweet friend.
so the last words i leave with you are the Best that i can ever say,

"The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)
In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.