2 weeks from now, I will be on my way to Cape Town. I can’t begin to describe how surreal it was to type that sentence. After watching the movie Invictus yesterday, I simply cannot believe that it is possible for me to be more excited and anxious.
Since my last entry, I’ve bought my plane tickets, been immunized for polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A, sent out letters, and finished up my sophomore year in college. Wow. What a loaded statement. Just two summers ago, I was anxious to begin my life in Nashville at Belmont. Now, I’m halfway through it. This is SO hard to believe!
I’ve had Africa on the brain constantly since school let out a week ago. Now that I have so much down time, I have found myself more eager than ever to get there. The Lord has been challenging me left and right, and teaching me more and more about what it means to die to myself. What have I learned? It starts in your home. If I can’t die to myself and live selflessly for my own family, how can I expect to do it for people that I do not even know? This has not been the easiest lesson to learn, and I am constantly reminded of how much work I have left to do, but our God is gracious, patient, and loving. I’m so unworthy but so thankful for His gentle correction and the wonderful parents he has blessed me with that lovingly wait on me to learn these tough lessons, and work with me through them.
In other news, I’ve received $3,100 towards my trip so far! God is so good and I am BEYOND thankful for those of you who were so quick to answer the call to be a part of the Lord’s work in Cape Town! You all have given so generously and I am so thankful. I absolutely cannot wait to get there, take pictures, and share stories of His work with you all!
So, I have roughly $1500 to go in my fundraising, but I have no doubt that God will provide! I cannot even begin to explain the Peace that has inhabited my heart from Day 1 of this adventure. Not once have I felt as though HE wasn’t a part of it or the main reason for it. I love that I feel so small in all of this. This trip has absolutely nothing to do with me, and I LOVE THAT!
On a less serious note, the whole packing thing is STRESSING ME OUT! I’ve been looking up the luggage requirements for the airline I will be flying with. Jeez Louise! These people have way to many rules for me. This whole “flying by myself” thing is going to be quite the adventure. No worries. You will hear all the stories and details of my little voyage across the world. :) My hope is that during my layovers, I will be able to blog/capture some video that will make you all feel as though you are right there with me! Because I’m sure that is what you all want, right? To be on two 11 hour flights across the globe? Of course it is.
Well, I bid you all a fond fare-well until my next update which will hopefully be sooner than the last! Thanks again for your prayers and support!
To God be all of the Glory,
AC
