Dog days.

Ever get the feeling dogs know when you're going on vacation?

You know, when they do that cute/depressing thing where they sit and stare at your suitcases while you're trying to pack. Or that uber-cute/depressing thing where they go ahead and just get in the suitcases.

Right. So. I think my dog has got that going on, just it's not vacation, it's two years in Africa. And it's not just an afternoon he's looking pathetic by my suitcases; it's more of his identity right now. The poor guy trails my every move, waits up until I come from work, snuggles in bed with me. And he's always giving me these really sad, sad eyes. He's downright sullen. Talk about cute/depressing.

I haven't posted in a while -- and with good reason. I've been busy. Busy going to weddings, rafting down rivers, enjoying lovely picnics, watching subpar movies, playing Uno in kiddie pools, eating waaaaay too much at cookouts ... and, of course, doing all things Africa.

I looked at my planner today and realized I'm quickly filling up every minute of every day until I leave, with stuff. Doing stuff, seeing stuff, getting stuff. Stuffing my schedule full, you might say. I'm not at all surprised, really. That's how I work. But be prepared to see me frazzled quite a bit, especially on the weekends. (I only have four left!) It seems I'm going two or three places each weekend. For example, this weekend: Chicago and Champaign. The next weekend: Decatur, Springfield and Albany. Please pray for safe travels. And pray even harder for discernment. I seem to be doing the trying-to-be-everything-to-everyone thing again. Such a weakness.

Africa is still Africa and I long to be there more than here. I'm a little anxious because the support deadline has come and gone. No word yet on who made the cut and who didn't. I know my teammates weren't really to a place, support-wise, where they could be cleared financially. So keep them in your prayers, too.

Lots of prayin' I'm asking of you. Geesh.

25 days until I leave and it doesn't seem real yet. I'm not sure when it will. Or even if it will.

I find myself trying in every way to be "ready" -- buying the right things, getting the right paperwork, arranging for the right things. But I'm not preparing as much as I should emotionally and -- moreover -- spiritually. This is a dangerous, dangerous road to travel.

I really don't have much to say. Just a quick post before I hit the hay and start my whirlwind weekend.

"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."
:)