Prayer requests

Alright, before we get to the prayer requests for South Africa, I have a little clarification, thanks to Katie Hill :) Even though South Africa doesn't do Daylight Savings, the U.S. does so the paper they gave me was correct: Until the end of March, I will be 10 hours ahead of California time, and then when you all switch for Daylight Savings, I go down to 9 hours ahead. Okay...thank you Katie for clearing that up :)

Now, prayer requests! Although I'm sure these will change once I get to SA and learn more about exactly what it is that I'll be doing, I thought of some things that I would love prayer for right now in regards to this huge adventure God has put in my path.

1. Missing family and friends. I've never done anything like this before, and I know it'll be hard, feeling like I'm missing out on everything going on at home.
2. Adjusting to the culture and learning to be respectful of it.
3. Developing friendships. There are about 60 people going and I'm so excited to see what relationships God has in store for me while I'm there and we all go through this crazy experience together.
4. Safety. Obviously this is a big one. Safety physically, safety from illness, safety emotionally and spiritually....just everything safety.
5. Gain a deeper understanding of who God created me to be and what He has planned for me. I know I won't be able to walk away from this trip unchanged and I'm so excited for that. Just pray that He would really open my eyes to how He wants to use these 4 months to help me grow and mature.
6. And most importantly, pray that I would be able to see God every day, in everything I do. Whether it's in a class or through relationships or even in the midst of poverty...that His presence and His light would just be evident in that place and in my life.

Okay, that's all I can think of for now. Again, I'm sure I'll have more in about a week. :) Thank you all so much for your love and encouragement! It makes it easier to leave knowing there are people who will be supporting me back home. :) Love you all!