My other "list" posts have been set more or less at random, but everything on this list has been placed very carefully from my highest priority to lowest. They're all important to me, but I'm not losing as much sleep over Number 6 as I am over Number 2. Anyway, here are seven things I need prayer for before and during the World Race:

1. Spiritual preparedness. Pray that I will put my own needs and wants aside for eleven months and take up my cross and follow Christ. Pray that I will have been molded more into His image between now and Launch, and will continue to grow during the journey.

2. Homesickness. I already miss my family and community and I haven't even left yet. I honestly don't know how I'm going to go eleven months without seeing them.

3. My squad/team. As a general rule I can take whatever life throws at me, assuming I'm with people I love and who I know love me. I've gotten to communicate with some of the people I'll be serving alongside and they all seem like great people who love the Lord. But they're gonna be my church and family for eleven months! They're kinda gonna be a big deal and will probably shape my life forever. So prayer that team chemistry will be built and we'll love each other would be more than appreciated.

4. Physical energy. It really doesn't take much to wear me out, and I won't be able to serve if I'm completely drained of energy.

5. Material preparedness. Vaccines, visas, equipment--the lift of things I need to do or buy before I leave keeps piling up. Please pray that I'll have everything ready with time to spare.

6. Safety. Not dying is always a plus.

7. That I'll be a blessing to others, both on the field and at home. Pray that my attitude and demeanor will be positive while I interact with my teammates and the people I'll be serving. And that I'll have plenty of blog updates for my loved ones at home. I'm really excited to share what God's doing in Asia and Africa.

This is hardly an exhaustive list, but these are what I find myself most fearful about when looking at the future. Thank you for your prayers and support.

God bless!