Terrorist attacks notwithstanding, I shall be flying to America on Wednesday. Scary, exciting, unknown and just a long, long way away.

But praise God for lots of incredibly kind people in America who've offered accommodation, lifts, meals etc. And for lots of wonderful friends over here who've listened to my worries and anxieties and patiently offered wise advice in the past few weeks and months. And for many very generous friends who've given me money as well as prayers of support for the next few years. And for a family who've housed me all summer and helped me with lots of the practical arrangements and who are going to get up very early on Wednesday morning to take me to the airport.

And it is a huge comfort to know that the same Lord is Lord over all the earth, even in America. And if he's provided for me here, he can do the same there. And that in Christ I already have brothers and sisters waiting in Philadelphia.

The first official thing is a week on Wednesday for new students' lunch and orientation. Then Greek and Hebrew exams on Thursday morning - lots of last minute cramming needed there! Lectures start on Sept 7th and I'll probably be taking 3/4 courses plus mugging up my French and German.

Right now I think it will just be a huge relief to finally get there and get started. I'm very much missing any sense of routine in my life, so I'm looking forward to getting stuck into a church quite quickly and getting back to the studies.

Next post from America!