Considering it's past midnight and officially Saturday morning I only have 3 days until I leave for Africa. 3 DAYS! When did this happen? Why am I not completely ready? There is so much to do but I know it'll get done. My goal is to purchase my malaria medication tomorrow and to pack my bags of donations.
First though, let me say how incredibly grateful I am for the people I have in my life. They are so generous and thoughtful and amazing. I really do lead a blessed life. My favorite part of this whole process so far has been collecting the donations. People have volunteered their money and posessions to help. It honestly takes my breath away. Thank you friends. You are my inspiration. You are the reason I believe in the good of this world. You are amazing.
I'm SO excited to meet the team in Dallas. I've never flown alone either...that just occured to me. I guess it'll be an interesting adventure down to Dallas all alone. Who will I tell "I love airports! I love airplanes!" to (on spring break I'm pretty sure Tori heard those two sentences half a dozen times on the trip out to VA). I'll be able to bring a 3rd suitcase on our international flight. I hope my domestic flight doesn't make me pay too much money to bring it along. Yuck. I guess you do what you must do though.
It felt a little more real this past week. I talked to Elizabeth (she's going on the trip) and that made it sink in a bit more. Then today at work I walked around saying goodbye to my co-workers since I'll be MIA for three weeks from work. Can I just say how lucky I am to be an intern and have a job that allows for 3 full weeks off in the middle of the summer? And that they want me to continue on into the fall.
Just a little side note...I'm co-leading a street team for the band the Alternate Routes. Their EP is being released while I'm away in Africa. I'm going to see them after I get back home and excitement can barely be contained.
My sister is also getting married RIGHT after my return. It's going to be a crazy, crazy welcome back to the U.S.A. I'm actually more scared about the return and jumping back into "real life" after such a huge experience.
More to come this weekend as I really start to digest my Tuesday departure. Right now...sleep!
Until next time...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)

1 comment:
Melissa,
This is ben from the MDG Committee at Saint Mary's. Speaking on behalf of the MDG group, I'd just like to say we know you'll make a huge difference in Africa and we'll keep you in our prayers for a safe and successful journey.
peace,
ben
Post a Comment