Preparation for missions

The last 3 weeks I have been learning the ins and outs of missionary work, focusing mainly on it's difficulties. I'll admit, the training itself hasn't done much to encourage me as I take this giant leap into the unknown world of living in an unknown culture, learning a new language, working a new job under unordinary conditions. The stories and warnings in the training sessions have mainly been of the possible downsides of missions, getting us prepared for the bad times. It has been very beneficial, but just not always really happy and fun. Fortunately, however, living with 25 soon to be missionaries has been a great encouragement. To finally have people to talk to that are in the same boat as me, people that, despite the wide ranges of age and life experiences, have all accepted the urging from the Holy Spirit and are stepping into a new, scary world in order to do our part to further God's kingdom. We're an odd group to most people, but it's nice to have common interests.
In a week and a half I will be beginning this new adventure. Will I be successful? Will I avoid the pitfalls that have caught so many missionaries that have gone before me? Will my God be satisfied in my life, my work? These are the questions that are running through my head right now, intermixed with the growing lists of things I need to take care of before I leave.
It's been a good time here in Colorado Springs, but I'm ready to go, ready to jump and splash into a new world. I'll keep you updated on how it goes.
I feel like this post has been boring, I apologize. I'll do better next time, I promise.

Jon