On August 21 with bags packed, all goodbyes said, and an adventure ahead I flew to Toronto for short-term orientation.  There was a group of us short termers;

Jacklyn, myself, Abby and Tom - all heading to different countries.  We stayed with Diana and Murray

who directed our orientation, giving us needed wisdom and answers to our many questions.  It was a double blessing for me, as they been to the same country I was headed to, and had some very specific answers to some of the very specific questions I had :).  August 24 came quickly with my mind buzzing with information, possibilities, anticipation, excitement and a little nervousness.  We had a privilege of flying together as a group to London where we spent our 12 hour layover downtown taking in the classic Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St. James Park, fish & chips and Buckingham Palace.

 From there we went our separate ways and I flew to Nairobi. 

At short term orientation Diana gave me a list of questions to answer in my journal throughout my time in Africa to make the most out of my time journaling but also to record what I'm learning.  One of the questions was "What or whom is the Lord leading you to pray for?"

As my seat was seat "B" (in between 2 people) on my flight to Toronto, I felt the urge to pray for the people sitting beside me.  You might wonder why, but it's because I get antsy flying.  I enjoy getting up during a flight as well as peering out the window, asking questions, rummage through my bags, etc. so I knew they might need prayer :)  But seriously though, I didn't know them, I don't know where they're going, but God knows them and knows where they're headed and has great things in mind for them, wherever they are headed.  And I felt the urge to pray for those journeys and plans.  Little did I know the opportunity God had in store for those prayers.  About half an hour from landing my neighbor pulls out a Bible and starts reading Psalm 135-140.  Curiosity got the best of me and I said, "I hate to interrupt a good read, but I noticed you're reading Psalms, and Psalm 139 happens to be one of my favorites" and thus opened the door to a very encouraging conversation of sharing what God's doing in our lives and where He's taking us.

When you pray for someone or something, be prepared for God to answer, keeping your eyes wide open, because most likely He'll answer it in ways you won't expect.  What am I learning so far?  God has so many opportunities in our everyday situations.  It doesn't take going to another country to find them, just know that wherever you go, whatever you're doing, listen to God's urging.  Pray, seek, obey and watch Him come through.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."