10354

I depart tomorrow morning! At 7h05 my flight will leave the Calgary airport and I will begin the first leg of my journey. Calgary-Montreal-Paris-Niamey-Ouagadougou is the schedule! I will arrive in Ouagdougou on the 4th at 16h40 local time (12h40 Calgary time). Miriah and I will take the bus to Yako the morning of the 6th.

As I have considered this departure I have struggled to put into words the way in which you (as my supporters, friends and family) will all be with me in Burkina. I know it sounds cheesy so I will call on the words of the wise Frederich Buchener to help me...

“When you remember me, it means you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. I means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us.”

Know that whether I have known you my whole life or you are a new friend you have had an impact in my life. And so while in the next months countless miles may stand between us know that I will never forget where I came from. The people of Calgary, my home church, my friends and family will always remain a part of me.

The thing is, this isn't goodbye but simply a see-you-soon on my part (as I'll arrive home at the end August). Until the time comes that we see each-other face to face know that I carry memories of you with me. You remain a significant part of my journey whether you are near or far.

I look forward to updating you through my blog, and I anticipate news of how your summer is going.

*The actual distance between Calgary and Yako is 10354km (as the crow flies) so it’s not actually countless miles that will lay between us...

Just a quick prayer request...Please pray for safety and rest as we travel. Also please pray for little things like our bags arriving as they should, where they should, when they should.