All my finals and papers have been turned and now I get to devote all my energy to this trip to Kenya. I've created a packing list. Anyone who knows me knows how rarely I use lists. I've not traveled this far for this long before, so the list is a safety net. I ALWAYS forget something semi-important when traveling but this time I really don't want to. I just don't know how easy it will be to fix my mistake when I'm half-way around the world.
My passport is back in my hands and it has a multiple-entry 6 month visa for Kenya. How cool is that? My suitcases are out and there is even some stuff in each already. I never pack this early but then again, this is an unusual trip for me.
So there is more shopping for things for the trip, some gifts to buy to give to my hosts, some stuff to help me feel comfortable while I'm there. I also need to get working on turning off my cable, getting all the paperwork in for work so I can be paid when in Africa. (Oh it is so good to have a job with the State of California!)
The good news is I have raised more money than I was hoping to. I am only guessing (some of it educated, most probably naively) how much I need so it is good to have some wiggle room.
I am truly humbled and so appreciative by the support of my friends and family. My mother told me recently that even though I have done many things in my life that she would never have foreseen, I still manage to surprise her with what I want to try. Had you told me a year ago I would spend my summer in Africa, I would have told you that you have hit your head and should be checked. I have said for many. many years I don't feel the need to go to Africa. I've had two other chances to go and I turned them down. Now, I can't wait to go. God is surprising to me. I completely understand my mother's feelings. I thought God was nuts for sending me to seminary and now I'm going halfway around the world by myself and will rely heavily on people I've met only on email.
So I trust. I trust that God will protect and care for me. I trust that the support group I've already started building in Nairobi is exactly what I will need. I trust that I will be changed by this expereince. Truely, I just can't wait to go!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
super excited to hear about your adventures in Africa!
i always knew that God would take you beyond this country. i truly believe that you will be some sort of a missions pastor!
I am glad that things are going so well for your preparation to go to Kenya (Nairobi). That's great! It sounds like you have a nice network set up for your trip, and of course, the church will open up many doors for you and provide a social venue. Blessings on your trip and traveling mercies!
Nick
Post a Comment