Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations. -Matthew 28:19

If there is anyone who deserves to wear this shirt, it is my sister.  She is hands down the best aunt imaginable.  She loves Hannah so, so much.  I honestly do not know how we would manage without her.  This week, she took Hannah to gymnastics and to two swim lessons.  She kept her while we went out to dinner for a friend's birthday, she fed her meals, she played with her endlessly.  We did have to manage without her for about 10 days while she went to Midland and Dallas week before last, and while we survived, we were ready to have her back in Houston.  And Hannah was really ready, her reaction when she saw Melissa walk through the door after a ten day absence was priceless.  We all wish there had been a video camera.

Today, I dropped Melissa off at the airport yet again.  This trip, she is headed to Tanzania.  I think this will be Melissa's fifth or sixth (should know this answer, not really sure) trip to Africa, but her first to Tanzania.  She has had a heart for Africa since she was in high school, and I think it is so cool that she makes it a priority to go back annually.

All loaded down, headed into the airport

Melissa was pretty sad to leave Hannah.  It really touches me to see how much they love eachother.



"I'm not sure about you leaving me for two weeks, Aunt Melissa"

 Anyway, you can read about their trip here.  We will be praying for her, confident that she will be doing great things, while we anxiously await her return in two weeks.

While on the topic of Africa, a friend from our growth group and a medical student, Amanda, is working at Baptist Medical Center in Ghana this summer. She also has a blog that is incredibly touching and insightful.

Three other friends from our growth group are headed to Guatemala with Living Water International next week, so we will be praying for them as well.

A Prayer for Missionaries:

O almighty God, Lord of the harvest of souls, we ask You to guide and bless all who have gone forth to preach the gospel. Endow them with the gifts of generosity and concern. Send your Holy Spirit on them, that He may strengthen them in weakness, comfort them in trials and direct their efforts. May He open the hearts of their hearers to receive Your message. Let Your revelation enlighten all minds for the salvation of souls, and let Your love heal every heart and body for the happiness of each person. May all people consciously acknowledge You and serve You by living the teachings of Your Son. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.