Two Weeks

I leave for Kenya two weeks from today.



There are still many goodbyes to be said and things to be purchased before I go, but my mental preparation is, as far as I can tell, well underway.

Leaving my family, home, and friends for four months hasn't exactly hit me yet. I've found myself reciting what sounds to me like a lie: some story about getting to go to Kenya, living with Kenyan families, learning their language and participating in their culture... while magically obtaining college credits.

It's something that I've dreamt of for years, and I'm not sure I've consciously solidified the reality of it.



I'm going because I truly believe I have been called to go. Even amidst my unconscious ramblings and, maybe, denial of my trip, there is an underlying peace within me--I think because I've known that I would go for so long. It's been at least six years that I've been dreaming of Africa, never really knowing why there, but always knowing I would someday go if I was able. I fully believe that God has beautifully and wonderfully created this path for me. The small things that have made me worried and uncertain have resolved themselves painlessly: Finances have worked themselves out. A friend from Augsburg will be within two miles of me when I arrive. And most thankfully, my parents and family have supported me completely throughout this decision, never questioning my desire to go and never expressing, at least to me, any fears for my safety. I am absolutely blessed to be going and cannot wait to experience what God, and Mother Africa, have for me.