Tim,
While I am sure all of us will miss you during your absence, we know that you will be with us in spirit as I hope you know we will be with you. It takes a rare and special individual to undertake the kind of mission you are about to embark upon, and the people you will be serving will be the lucky recipients of your ministrations and your presence.
You are extremely blessed to be able to fulfill a dream such as this and we are blessed to have been able to count you as a friend. Best wishes for you and your wife on your journey. I will look forward to your return and tales of the adventure.
Most sincerely,
Neil Copeland
Captain Zot