Hey folks!
Sorry it's been such a long time since my last update. I suppose it's time to catch you up to speed.
This last month has been an absolute whirlwind for me. My best friend got married down in Virginia (and it was the most beautiful wedding I've ever attended, hands down), I've been working like a madman, and I held my first fundraising event in the form of a music show at my house. I had three friends perform their lovely tunes for a few folks and ended up raising over $300 to put towards my trip. I also made an apple pie, that didn't really turn out exactly how it was supposed to, but it still tasted like apples and pie. Overall, the night was a success. Thanks to Vanessa, Josiah, and Kalen for performing, and thanks to the friends who came and donated. You're the best. No, seriously. THE BEST. I'm now at about $7,400, which is so close to the halfway mark that I can taste it and it's going to be delicious.
Also, training camp is in a week, so I've been mentally preparing myself for that and also wondering how the heck I am going to acquire all of the necessary gear. If you are interested in helping me out with this (even if that means borrowing it to me just for training camp), pleeease let me know. I still need:
-an internal frame backpack (between 4,200 and 5,000 cu in.)
-a two-person, free-standing tent
-a headlamp
-sleeping pad
-sleeping bag that is rated for at least 35 degrees
If you have any of these things and would be willing to let me snag 'em for a week (or for, you know, a year), let me know ASAP!
Now, for the news:
I have officially switched routes.
Surprise?! My mobilizer, Jessica, sent out an e-mail a few days ago letting us (the N squad) know that Route 4 is low on people, and that AIM was looking for some volunteers to switch over to P squad to even out the numbers. After some thought, meditation, prayer, and conversation, I have decided to make the switch. What it really came down to is this: God isn't too worried about specifics for me right now; in fact, I think He rarely is. All I have been called to do is go where I am needed, and where I am needed now is on Route 4. I am, to be quite honest, really excited about the switch. I am sad to be leaving the group of people I've gotten to know over the last few months, but I am convinced some really cool things will come from this.
The new route will be as follows:
1. South Africa
2. Swaziland
3. Mozambique
4. India (SO RAD)
5. Nepal (also SO RAD)
6. Thailand
7. Cambodia
8. Vietnam
9. Malaysia
10. Moldova
11. Romania
So, there you have it! Change is good, yeah?
-Kelley
