I’m writing quickly to tell you that today’s the day – I’m getting on a plane to South Africa.
Well, more accurately, I’m going to lead 46 people to an airport, onto a plane, off a plane, and out of an airport (with not a single passport lost!) along with the 2 other fine B-squad logistics coordinators. Our jobs begin now, with this first travel day, and we’re itching to get started.
I’m grateful for the time leading up to this point – we’ve all been gathered at “Launch” in Atlanta for a few days for some final preparations. At first, I was thinking: after a whole week of lectures and talks during Training Camp, what more could they have to tell us?
A TON. We’ve had multiple safety seminars, we’ve practiced the very finely-tuned I’m-going-to-go-crazy-and-pull-my-hair-out-when-I-have-to-do-this-in-a-foreign-country budget system, and most importantly, we’ve received more training for our particular roles. It seems like we’ve finally been given the structure and the details of the Race – most things up to now have been big vision casting that was meant to tug on our heartstrings, but very little that could give me a sense of what actually happens day to day. Now I see how this World Race machine actually operates. And I’m really glad I get to be a part of making it work! I’m very happy with my “You tell me what you want to do, and I’ll make it happen” role, and I’m eagerly anticipating learning the ropes of travel, food and lodging all over the world.
(I mean, once you’ve conquered that… you’re pretty much unstoppable.)
We’ve also finally discovered our first assignment in South Africa: Kingdom Sports, a children’s sports ministry in Capetown!
I had a special last goodbye this morning – Donnell, who used to be a campus minister at UVA, drove from his Atlanta home to sit with me over coffee, to listen, encourage me, and pray for me. It was such a mixing of worlds, and to suddenly see someone who does actually know my story and where I come from was a huge, huge blessing. That time was a very sweet gift on my last morning here in the States.
Last but most certainly not least: thank you, thank you, thank you to my supporters! I would not be getting on this plane without an immense amount of generosity from you all. Thank you. 🙂
See you later, USA…
Packing woes…
