Before I left home, a very dear friend
of mine, Lindsay Manigold, gave me a special going away gift. It is
a hard cover journal, perfect for the rough and tough travels we have
been going through. Yet this journal is filled with little
surprises. Every day or so I come across an encouraging verse (which
always speaks to me exactly where I am that day, such a God thing) or
a note from a family member or friend back home.

To all those who contributed to the
journal and especially to Lindsay for thinking of me and knowing that
I would need these daily encouragements, I want to say a huge THANK
YOU!!! Your love, support, funny and inspiring notes have brightened
days just when I needed it most. It is such a blessing to have a
little surprise from home waiting for me each day or so, especially
through this last month, which has been the most difficult by far. I
am over halfway through the journal now, and while I look forward to
each new surprise, I know a day will come when I finish the journal
and start a new one. While I don't look forward to that day, I
know I can always look back at the notes and verses and be encouraged
and loved all over again.

So for the gift of the daily blessings
from home, I say thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You may
never know just how much it has meant to me. I love you all!!