Most journeys begin in very mundane ways. Everyday life really is plain. My life is truly unexceptional even though I am preparing for an exceptional experience. There is not much more to say about how my life is going today. My days are filled with prayer and preparation. Not so very different from before except the preparation is not for some presentation or seminar. It is for leaving the country for life and work in Africa. My days are filled with anticipation. Sometimes that is a pleasant experience tinged with excitement and other times, I must admit, I am overwhelmed with the immensity of what I am about to undertake. I am leaving everything behind; all that I know and love, all that is familiar. For what? In fact that answer is unknown. That's okay. I know that God has brought me thus far and will not abandon me. Many years ago, when I inquired into becoming a Franciscan Friar I was unsure if I would qualify. I was older when I entered at age forty. I was told I was not too old. At that point I was done with excuses and said to myself and to God, “Okay, If this is what you want, let it be. Make the way clear for me and I will follow.” That is exactly what happened and continues to happen today. The image I use is that God closed a big door in my life (lost a job) but opened and continues to open doors for me today. My current door is leading me to Africa. I would never have thought God would lead me to where I am today. I suppose that is the risk of beginning a journey, you never know and can never predict where it will take you.