I came into this fully expecting the trip to be an exciting adventure, filled with ups and downs and everything in between. I didn’t expect for the adventure to start the instant I signed up for the trip – but it’s been exactly that. I thought I’d share a little bit about how all the trip preparations are going!
As I write this I am sitting in my tent that is currently set up in my living room. The rest of my living room has all sorts of gear scattered about – a headlamp, sleeping bag, small pillow, a quick-drying towel, and a single backpack that will carry all of my belongings for 11 months. I try to imagine what it’ll be like once this tent is set up in some far off country. What kind of bugs will I have to fend off? How much will I miss my family and friends? How many failed attempts will it take for me to finally learn the importance of remembering to wear sunscreen? Will I have the courage to do all that God leads me to do? Thinking about this is so exciting and scary all at the same time.
I’m proud to report that I braved my first round of shots for the trip! I think it helped being distracted by the video they made me watch on the common, yet oh so burdensome issue of traveler’s diarrhea (yes, I know, TMI). I earned myself a grape sucker in the end and am happy to say that I won’t have to worry about yellow fever, hepatitis, meningitis, typhoid, polio, or the flu while abroad.
I have to give a huge thanks to those who have given support for this trip so far. I’m excited to say that between monthly pledges and one-time donations I’ve reached the goal that I need to be at by the time the trip starts! It’s been a little overwhelming (in a good way) being so blessed by friends and family. So THANK YOU!!! I still have a little over halfway to go before I’m fully funded – I can’t wait to see how God brings in the rest of the funds!
My mind has been so preoccupied with preparing for this trip that I didn’t even realize how quickly it’s approaching. It has really been sinking in the past couple weeks that this is real. Soon I won’t just been imagining what it’s going to be like – I’ll be living it. I can’t wait!!
So here’s the official countdown:
23 days until training camp!!!
63 days until I leave on The World Race!!!!!!!!!
