It's Sunday afternoon, I just ended about an hour nap while the Falcons were on.  I woke up to see the last couple minutes and see them loose to the Titans.  I hadn't done that in a while.  My body needed it.  Yesterday we were at a band competition and didn't get in until 2:30 AM.  We then were up at 7:00 AM to be at the church by 8:00 AM.  We needed the afternoon to be able to rest before a busy week.

Next Sunday I fly out to Johannesburg, South Africa.  I'll be doing some teaching, some training, some encouraging, and some observation.  We currently have about 40 participants in South Africa as part of what we are calling the Awakening.  These college aged First Year Missionaries are going through ministry training in the mornings and then hands on ministry in the afternoon.  I'll be there for 3 weeks.  This will be the longest time Vicki and I have been apart since we've been married.

As I look at this week it's going to be a busy one.  I need to get everything ready to leave for 3 weeks.  I'll be teaching through the books of 1 & 2 Timothy while over there and need to finish getting that ready.  I need to make sure Vicki has everything she needs for the time when I'll be gone.  It's been a busy time around our house and she is not looking forward to doing the running all by herself.  Josh has band, Jeremy has soccer and they both have church activities.  Fortunately we have some friends who have offered to help as needed.

I know this is where God wants me at this time, but it's hard to leave when I know it's going to create a bigger burden for Vicki.  I know she'll be fine, but I also know it's going to be harder for her.  Josh and Jeremy are a great help as well and have always done great when I've been gone before.  So I know I don't have to worry about them.  It's just a busy time in our lives.  But I thank the Lord daily for my family.  I'm going to miss them.