An analogy...

The other day I was going to go swimming with our friend's daughter Aliyah. She and I stepped onto the first step of the pool only to discover that it was absolutely freezing. We practically jumped back out. We were a little more prepared after that and were able to get to the second step, and then the third. Finally I got in all the way, counted to three, and submersed myself completely. These first few trips underway have had a similar feel. The first two day trip was harder than I expected. The next one was a little easier and now that I'm on that third step I'm feeling stronger than ever. Come March when it's time to get off the steps and get in all the way, I feel confident that I won't be overwhelmed. I know there will be days that I'll just want to sit at the bottom, and I know there will be days that I'll have to hold on for dear life to the sides. I trust that God will comfort me and that those days will be few and far between. As J's mom said, my faith will get me through.