25 days and ticking…

So, it’s beginning to truly settle in that in less than a month, I will be back in South Africa.

The list of things to do continues to grow and the level of stress does too. Let’s just say it’s hard juggling the three-headed monster of preparing to move out of my apartment and into a storage unit (which is far cheaper over the course of 3 months than finding another place and paying rent), focus on the last few weeks of my junior year (yes, being a full-time student and hitting the final stretch of the year is, by itself, difficult enough) AND oh yeah, I have to plan a 3-month trip to Africa in the mean-time. Sorry. That’s the end of my rant. I’m just a little overwhelmed and writing about it helps in some small way.

But yes, AFRICA! There’s a list of about 10 books that probably won’t be read by the time I leave, although I’ve already managed to do a lot of research on the country. I’m also trying to figure out this cheap video camera I have so I can add video to this blog. We’ll see if that works out. At the very least though, I should have many many pictures. I’m a photoholic so there won’t be a shortage of those. I have my plane tickets and living situations firmly established and all I have to do now is wait. Well, and all those other small details regarding school and moving.

I’ve managed to raise over 3/4 of the total expenses I expect this trip to cost. Most of it has come from individuals, families and friends from back home in Kansas. It’s quite remarkable how many people are so supportive and enthusiastic for what is happening in Cape Town. I just feel honored to be a small part of it and to know there are literally hundreds of people who are behind me, behind what I’m doing and believe that God is blessing this project in Africa. For all of you reading this who helped in some minor or major way, THANK YOU!

I know I’m stressing and worrying over little details that will be old news in 25 days, but when I really take a moment to sit back and think about all of the support I’ve recieved from my church and those who have known me for years, it deeply humbles me. My stress would be multiplied exponentially had this money not come in from so many kind people. I feel unworthy to be on the brink of my second trip to Africa in as many years. Many never get to go. I’m young. I’m passionate. My heart is on fire for the people there. I have managed to piece together the resources. When I left last year, I had no idea I’d be back… let alone back the very next summer. I’m so fortunate and so blessed for this all to be happening that it really hasn’t sunk in, and quite possibly never will. I know it will be difficult. Spiritually, emotionally, psychologically. But I just know I’m supposed to be there. Doing whatever it is I’ll be doing. Loving whoever it is that needs loving. It feels like home. And tears fill my eyes when I get lost in thought because my mind always takes me back there. I’m ready. Maybe not with the little things. Maybe not the logistics or even the strength within, but I’m ready. Ready to go back home.