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Dearest Persons,
So, I have to admit... I have been struggling with homesickness lately. It's a weird feeling that I have never experienced really before. I've traveled a lot and been away alot and sometimes I have a hard time adjusting, but I've never really been "homesick". It's like there's this weird empty part of me that is longing to just see some face that I know. And it's not that I'm lonely... I am at times, but I have so many great new friends here... I think it's just that everything is new and nothing is familiar and I just want something I know, tangibly, in my hands. I think that explains my over-obsession with my peanut butter lately. ;)
But I'm writing to tell you that the greatest thing happened today!! I got my first letters in the mail!! And! Jonathan sent me a message today that just felt like a bear hug and it was awesome!! Kelly Prichard - you are freakin AWESOME!! How in the world did you think of getting Mrs. Downy and Darlene and Sra. Gibson and the others to sign that card for me? That meant SOO much!! Thank you thank you thank you!! I LOVED opening it. Suh-wheat card too, by the way. And Momma... I got your letter!! I miss you and I love you sooo much. I have come to the conclusion that God is GOOD. He loves me and he hears my prayers and holds my heart in my hands and knew that today was the perfect day to put something tangible in my hands from the States... 2 beautiful letters. Thanks, Jesus for watching out for me!! :)
Mom and Dad wrote me prayers for each day of the week and todays focused on the love that God has for me and I felt his love so much today and I want to share it with you so I am going to pray that same prayer over you. May you feel the love of God today as well.

Dear Lord,
Today I pray that You would fill my friend's and loved one's hearts with an ever-deepening, unending love for You, our precious heavenly Father. Help them to be so aware today of how high and deep and wide and unfathomable is Your love for them. Like pushing their toes into the cool, refreshing sands on an ocean shore, help them to dig in deep to Your love that covers over them and completely encompasses their spirit in You. May they sense the completeness of Your love for them and may they respond with praise and joy and deeper adoration for You than they've ever known.
Thank You, Father, for all You will teach them today as they open up their heart to You. I entrust them to You today, dear Father.
In Jesus' Holy Name,
Amen.

I love you friends and I miss you terribly!!
Still and always: In His Mighty Grip,
Your Kara Joy

P.S. If you'd like to write me a note too... my address is:

Kara Joy Burkey
Middle East Studies Program
P.O. 213
Zamalek
Cairo, EGYPT