24 hours 8 minutes

I just attempted to check in for my flight tomorrow, and the website wouldn't let me since it was more than 24 hours before my flight. I guess I was about 8 minutes early:)
Well, the suitcases are packed, the boxes are packed, and I am loading the crate today, so that it can get shipped to Cameroon.
I read Deuteronomy 6-8 this morning. As the Israelites prepared to enter the promised land, after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, God again reminded them of His providence, power, and grace. He reminded them that He was the one who led them out of Egypt and who was their protector throughout the whole ordeal. He told them of the prosperity that they would experience and commanded them not to forget God, who was their provider. God told them that remembering Him and obeying His commands would guarantee prosperity, but warned them against disobedience.
As I leave in 24 hours, I will do my best to remember that it is God who leads me to Cameroon. I will remember the many things He has done on my behalf. I will remember His providence, power, and grace, and I will serve Him only.

Packing

I think I am nearing the last stretch of the packing phase. Almost everything that needs to be in boxes is in boxes and will likely fit on one pallet to be shipped to Illinois and then on to Cameroon (I am not going to IL, but my stuff will be shipped to Cameroon in a container that will originate in IL). The suitcases are almost ready too. I have most of the winter stuff I will need in Quebec in one suitcase and I am living out of the other:) There are several more odds and ends to attend to, but it will be a great relief to have the packing finished.

Not Soon Forgotten

I spent a few days this week with dear friends. This time will not soon be forgotten. Thanks Robyn and Lindsey for sending me off with such fond memories.

Robyn

Lindsey

Upper Yosemite Falls

Is it safe to camp in a tent so close to a mountain made of solid rock that creaks and groans and emits sounds like thunder? With the changing of temperature, it was possible that some of that rock could come right down on us.

A land of contrasts. Gigantic and magestic stone walls surrounding such fragile and delicate small things.

Exploring the thawing valley on two wheels.

North Dome

A shroud of clouds. It almost seems like the mountains aren't even there.

From the most popular viewing point of Yosemite, the famous Half Dome is hiding behind the clouds, but El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls are both peeking through.

Rosalynn got to join us on her day off.

Two Weeks

In two weeks, I'll begin my first term of missionary service as a church planter with World Team. I'll board a plane for North Carolina for a 2 week training and then travel on to Quebec for French language school. Then, after 7 years of preparation, I'll finally move to Cameroon. There's lot's to do in the next two weeks, but it will soon be done, and I will be on my way.

Incomplete Peace

I haven't heard anything official, but the word I have received from friends in Cameroon is that the rioting has come to an end. It's interesting that I couldn't find any news articles on the peace in Cameroon. Peace is not as exciting as violence, I guess. I have heard, though, that the aftermath of the riots is quite bad. It seems that the death toll is much higher than official reports have stated and there is quite a bit of damage. Some friends of mine have informed me that many vehicles were destroyed, fuel stations were demolished and government buildings are rendered unusable. Though some friends who were in the larger cities found themselves very close to the violence, God protected them. Keep praying for peace in Cameroon, as I am sure the tensions remain high. Pray also that the political and economical problems would be resolved and stability restored in this developing country. Pray, most importantly, that Christ's name would be glorified, in whatever way possible, because without Him, our peace is incomplete.

Comissioning and More Goodbyes

Sunday I was honored to be commissioned by my home church of Calvary Community. It truly was an honor to be prayed for in front of the congregation, but the highlight was the opportunity to talk to individuals between services. As always, it was both an honor and a humbling experience, as it is at these times that I am acutely aware that I am just a normal human being. I am nothing special, except for what God has done in me. I serve Him, not because I have to, but because I get to. He doesn't need me, but He chooses to use me to pronounce His kingdom. What an honor.
After church, I hurried over to a potluck with some extended family. We don't get to see each other very often any more, but my impending departure was a good excuse to get together, and I had a great time. It was truly bittersweet to say goodbye to some loved ones who I will not see for a few years.
On my way back home, I used the opportunity to snap a few more pictures of the almond blossoms. Most of them have already fallen from the trees. I love the way the trees are planted in perfect rows, the allusion of snow on the ground as the blossoms fall, and the contrasting strips of green grass between the rows. You might find it funny, but the almond blossoms are a big part of my heritage. I remember going to my Great Grandmother's house every year to watch the annual almond blossom parade. We would sit on folding chairs on the sidewalk and snack on yummy things like grandma's cookies and cream puffs. Sometimes we would visit the bake sale, art show, or other events that went on during the celebration. Grandma VanderVeen had a giant stuffed almond king in her back room, and our family was always somehow involved in the festivities. Those are old memories now, but I get a little nostalgic when I see the trees turn white.

Good Goodbyes

Last week I had the chance to take one more trip to SoCal to visit friends, family, and supporters. I had a great time with loved ones. Some highlights...
Freezing on the beach (the only chilly day that I was there).
Sunday dinner with the Kappen clan.
Thai food with friends.
A walk through a nature reserve.
Meeting one of the newest editions to the World Team family.
Visits with friends and with my Grandparents.
Sale of my Cabrio.

In the midst of all of these fun things, I was constantly reminded just how long 4 years is. Chances are that all of the people I saw will have undergone major life changes before I see them again. Some will marry, others will begin having children, and some may move away. Little Shelby, who I met for the first time will likely be telling me her alphabet (in English and Spanish) and will have developed a distinct personality.
While I complete all of the tasks necessary for moving to another continent, I will continue to say goodbyes. Pray that I would be able to balance the necessary goodbyes with the necessary tasks.