There She Goes.... (again!)

My dear friend Anne left yesterday. For an entire year. I'm so sad to see her leave, but so excited for all that is in store for her! She is off to Hawaii to staff a YWAM school there, and will be heading to a second destination (to be determined) for outreach. Anne has been a huge part of my life for the past 18 years, and it is always so different when she's gone! Trust me, I should know... Evidence: August - December 2004: studied abroad with sister, Katy in Italy July - December 2007: moved to New York City to live with Katy and her husband, Kristian January - May 2008: YWAM in Hawaii followed by outreach to Indonesia March 2009 - ???: back to YWAM in Hawaii followed by outreach to ??? By now I should be used to Anne's seemingly frequent, long-term departures, but it still makes me so sad every time! She is such a loyal, kind, and encouraging friend, and there is always that selfish part of me that wants her to stay close by. Regardless, I am most thankful for her steadfast heart. Anne loves to travel and is willing to go wherever she feels God calling her, one of the qualities I admire most about her. What an impact you will have, Annie, and what joy that must bring to our Father! These are the things we will be praying for you: 1. That your ministry is effective. 2. That you are kept safe and healthy. 3. That the hearts and minds of others are opened to receive the God's word through you. 4. That wherever the Lord leads you will become your home, and you will be comfortable and at peace away from home. 5. That satan has no hold over you: your thoughts, your attitudes, your ministry. 6. That you build relationships to last a lifetime. 7. That God fills you up with Himself every morning, and that you find new, fresh insight every time you read His word. 8. That you find God's pleasure in the small things (and of course the big things too!) You are so loved and so deeply missed back home! And since I've never been to Hawaii, I will be imagining you here: We love you, Anne!