Living in the moment is difficult when you're three days away from something that you've anticipated indirectly for six years and directly for six months. That's pretty much where I find myself right now. Africa looms large, filling my mind's eye, and tempting me to daydream instead of packing. Today is another sermon-prep day. Once I finish this post, I'll be studying 1 Corinthians 6 in preparation for one of the three messages I'll preach at the Gospel Furthering Fellowship youth conference, 8/8-10.
To my slight chagrin, Ethiopian Airlines has very obtuse carry-on policies. I am allowed one (1) carry-on bag that may not weigh more 15 lbs or contain more than 2.5 oz of liquids, gels, or aerosols. Well, once you pack my Bible, iPad, and laptop, you pretty-much have a 15 lb bag. Have you ever lost your luggage? I hope I don't lose mine, or I'll be wearing the same shirt for 12 days . . .
Thank you to all who are praying for my sermon preparation. The Lord has been blessing in that area during the last 24 hrs. especially. Pray for the youth who will be at the conference, that the Lord would do plow work in their hearts so that when the Word is preached it finds good soil. S.D.G.
~ Nick
Israel
ISRAEL - I'm looking south along the western edge of the Dead Sea (Toward TZ, which is about 2500 miles due south of Israel).
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Two week countdown
I now have 12 days, 21 hours, and 10 minutes until I lift off from Washington Dulles International Airport en route to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This is the longest leg on my itinerary, lasting 12 hrs 45 mins and landing me in Ethiopia at 7:45 am (local time). I have quite a layover in Addis Ababa--a whopping 15 hours--before pulling up stakes and flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport outside Arusha, TZ. Like a typical American, I will impose on my hosts right from the outset by arriving at 1:30 am. Sorry Aaron...
I have already been poked a half-dozen times with vaccinations ranging from Yellow Fever to Meningitis, and I'll start my anti-malarial drugs on 7.30. No, I'm not a germ freak who worries about getting sick wherever he goes. But when you're dealing with diseases like Malaria which, according to the CDC, can have lingering effects for "months or years" (www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/faqs.html), and your insurance plan covers the cost of the pills...well...that just isn't a hard decision.
Thank you to all who are praying! Please keep me before the throne as I continue preparations for departure!
In Christ,
Nick
I have already been poked a half-dozen times with vaccinations ranging from Yellow Fever to Meningitis, and I'll start my anti-malarial drugs on 7.30. No, I'm not a germ freak who worries about getting sick wherever he goes. But when you're dealing with diseases like Malaria which, according to the CDC, can have lingering effects for "months or years" (www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/faqs.html), and your insurance plan covers the cost of the pills...well...that just isn't a hard decision.
Thank you to all who are praying! Please keep me before the throne as I continue preparations for departure!
In Christ,
Nick
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