Before we get started...

I remember being a freshman at Purdue sitting across from my mentor, Christine. We were talking about trust, faith, and God. I remember saying, “Christine, my biggest thing in trusting God is that He’ll send me to be a missionary in Africa or something crazy like that. I know that sounds stupid. But seriously. I would be miserable and I never want to do that.” She smiled and laughed, “Renee, God’s not going to send you where you’re going to be miserable. He knows the desires of your heart.” I remember feeling so much better after that conversation. Thank goodness!! I do not want to go to Africa. Animals, no friends, whatever… not for me.

Well, four years later I have to laugh a little bit. I know God doesn’t always work this way, and I don’t mean to scare you or cheese it up with my story... Just giving you a little background. I haven't always thought this was the most exciting thing in the world! God will do crazy things with your heart if you let him.

I’m excited to share with you impressions, experiences, and stories while I’m away (Feb 3-May 13). I don’t know how often I will have internet access, but I will try to send an update at least every other week. I want to give friends an opportunity to share in my experiences, so feel free to check in as frequently as you like. And hey, if you forget, I know two people that won’t miss an entry. Phil and Cheryl (my parents) will be loving the blog and that’s good enough for me. :) I don’t plan on writing formal essays and will probably type just like I talk, so please excuse me if things get a bit casual.

I will write more before I leave about what exactly I'll be doing with Book of Hope, so stay posted!

Thankful for you~
Renee