Goodbyes aren't fun

So tonight I began the goodbyes with someone who really means a lot to me. It's going to be really tough not seeing family and friends for two years. Right now its still so surreal. I leave Tuesday morning bright and early for orientation. I'm nervous and not sure what to expect, but at the same time I'm extremely excited to see what all God has planned for my life. He is in complete control of all of us. Just pray for me, my family and friends as I leave. Pray that God gives us comfort.

Prayers for the Portuguese

"If we assume that a typical church has 150 members, then there is one church for every 1,766 people in China and one for every 2,413 people in India. In contrast, according to the European Spiritual Estimate, there is on average only one church for every 27,749 people on the whole continent of Western Europe". -

When I first read that, it really did take me back. A lot of the time before I studied in Spain, I did not realize the lostness of the people. The people are broken and longing. The focus is on rituals. Be in prayer that the people of Western Europe and Portugal in particular will realize that it isn't about works or traditions, but that it is about a relationship with Jesus alone.