I'm still here...

That's right, friends. While I was supposed to leave April 18th, I'm still residing in Rome, GA with the 'rents. It's a gamut of emotions. I'm ready to leave...really. I'm so anxious to get to Ivanovo and begin my life there. Yet, I'm getting more comfortable at home... yet, I'm so ready to go. Did I say that I'm ready to go? =) It's hard to wait on things that are out of your hands...but maybe that is why He makes us wait sometimes, to remind us that we aren't in control...He is. While there are several of us playing the waiting game, I have watched many of my new family leave, and as they go to the ends of the earth, I feel like a little part of my heart has traveled with them. So I remain before the Father, pleading on their behalf. I know it will be hard, but I also know that His grace is sufficient and His power perfected in our weakness...so may we boast in our weakness and see His power in its stead.
That said... I've been listening to a song lately that really speaks to my heart. It's from Sandra McCracken's The Builder and the Architect cd.

Rock of Ages, when the day seems long
From this labor and this heartache I have come
The skies will wear out, but You remain the same
Rock of Ages, I praise Your name.

Rock of Ages, You have brought me near
You have poured out Your life-blood, Your love, Your tears
To make this stone heart come alive again
Rock of Ages, forgive my sin

Rock of Ages, when in want or rest
My desperate need for such a Savior I confess
Pull these idols out from my heart embrace
Rock of Ages, I need Your grace

Rock of Ages, broken, scorned for me
Who am I that You would die to make me free?
To give me glory, You took the death and pain
Rock of Ages, my offering

Rock of Ages, "It is done," You cried
The curtain's torn and I see justice satisfied
Now write Your mercy here on my heart and hands
Rock of Ages, in faith I stand

Rock of Ages, my great hope secure
Your promise holds just like an anchor to my soul
Bind your children with cords of love and grace
Rock of Ages, we give You praise

Chorus:
Rock of Ages, Rock of Ages
Bind your children til' your kingdom comes
Rock of Ages, Your will be done

Words...

I'm not sure there are words to describe the emotions that I feel. It is a bittersweet dichotomy...relieved and reluctant to leave, excited and overwhelmed at what is to come, happy to see the world at our fingertips and sad to leave my new brothers and sisters. The body amazes and comforts me. Thanks dear friends. It was good.