Erik's Mom's Prayer

Dear Lord,
I know that you know my heart's cry as I wonder how an occasion can be so joyous and yet so sad at the same time. I am a grateful mother who has known that you would use Erik for your service since the day he was born. I am asking for your continued blessing on Erik's life as he begins this incredible journey of following you to Senegal. In less than forty-eight hours every minute of Erik's day, week, and month will be filled with the unfamiliar - unfamiliar surroundings, people, language, and situations. You have blessed him with an awesome sense of humor and wit and I ask that you allow him to use that gift to make new friends. You have blessed him with a sharp mind, so I ask that you guide him through all the decisions he will be making and give him discernment to know your will. You have blessed him with a healthy body, so I ask that you continue to keep him strong and free from disease. You have given him a high pain tolerance so don't let that keep him from acknowledging signs when he needs to rest. You have given him a strong will that doesn't accept defeat and one that has never wanted to follow the crowd. Allow him to use that to his advantage so that when adversity comes, he sees it as opportunity.
Protect my son as only you can. Let him feel our prayers every minute he is away from us. Continue to grow him into the man you want him to be. And most of all, Lord, thank you for the gift of being his mother.