If someone told you that, would you believe them? Now it probably depends upon the friendship and how deep it goes, but in most cases you wouldn't be 100% sure they could keep that promise. This last week I've realized I've lived my whole life thinking like that-constantly doubting anyone would really never leave me. I've never really believed there is someone in my life that will never truly leave me. People change. Life happens.

   Last Monday I was completely in the pits, homesick, and feeling alone. I tried to call several friends from back home to speak with, but nothing helped. I cried out to God-"I am so alone! Everyone leaves, I've had to say goodbye to my family, friends, in a couple weeks 2/3 of my team, and my african friends. Why doesn't anything stay the same, God?"

   I looked up to see a verse from Hebrews 13:5 written on my journal- "I will never leave you."  God spoke directly to my heart, to the deepest hurt I was feeling. I looked back at the past 19 years of my life and I saw He was so right. He has never left me- through my childhood, my highschool years, last year at Bible School, and to bringing me here to Africa. He has held my hand every step of the way and when needed carried me in His arms. When I have to say goodbye to the people in Africa that have become so dear to me- He will still never leave me. I feel my thoughts on life have completely changed since grasping and finally believing that one simple truth that God tells each one of us. Now that I understand that for me- what a comfort to know that, that is his promise for the people here. When I leave in May God will not leave Lusanda, Aya, Victor, Coco, and Thando. He loves them so much more then me.

   I challenge you today to hang onto that, to really wrestle with how your life and be different. Because He- the Creator of the earth will never leave you.