Tee **minus** Ei8ht Days

Count downs are always fun. There is an aire of importance about them. They signify the importance of a moment in time. We are counting down to Saturday, July 2nd; the beginning of our trip to Ensenada Mexico. And as that date approaches, we mark the days with pre-trip preparations: Passports - 20 days out, training - 6 days out, Concert of prayer - 4 days out, packing - 2 days out, 3:00 am alarm - 8 hours out.... then you see the "van". You look past all other things, and focus on the van.

The "van" is that moment when you know you are really on your way. The "van" doesn't have to be an actual "van". It can be a car, a plane, a trail marker. It's the official location of the start. (Incidentally, we are meeting at the air port and not taking the vans, so, for this trip, the "van" would probably be the air port... it's a metaphor people).

When you see the "van" (insert air port metaphor), it changes your attitude. You know right then that this trip is happening, and you will be thrust into travel where your only thoughts revolve around the trip. It's exciting.

I'm seeing the van now. As I walk towards the van over the next days, I am preparing, praying, wondering, hoping, and engaging the idea of this mission trip. You too can start looking towards the van, start focusing on the van and all the physical and meta realities that the van represents.

Here's the thing... The van will eventually leave.

Have you prepared? Have you packed? Do you have what you'll need? Did you leave behind what you don't need? Do you know what you need? Are you forgetting something?

It's time to approach and focus on the van ladies and gentlemen.