t minus 4 days

It's hard to believe this is really happening.

In 4 days, we leave for Tanzania! If you pray, consider praying for us--it's easy to feel a bit isolated already, and we've not even left the country yet!

1. For safe travels
We fly from Houston to Dubai to Dar es Salaam to Mwanza starting this Saturday. We'll also be traveling during the first few weeks in Tanzania for language training and orientation.

2. For our stuff to get there too
We tried hard to pare down to bare essentials, but even then, it's 6 maxed out suitcases + our carry ons.

3. For good working/community relationships
We've had fun meeting most of the other doctors who will be working with D at Bugando Hospital. Pray that this team will work and play well together.

4. For us to stay in good spiritual shape!
To be as the tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.

5. For us to handle all the upcoming challenges with grace
We feel one with the Hobbits of The Lord of the Rings: caught up in some adventure that was surely meant for Bigger, Tougher, Smarter, Braver people. But here we are anyhow...