So we’re supposed to write out some of our expectations for this trip. It’s a little scary writing these all out and seeing them all together. I’ll make sure to put some positive ones at the end so I don’t get a panic attack by the time I’m through with this. Lists are my fave so here goes:
1. I expect I will break my 6 year streak and throw up at some point. NOT looking forward to that.
2. I will probably get malaria. Which will break my lifelong streak of not getting malaria. Not looking forward to that either.
3. My hypochondriac self will probably catch many illnesses but eventually recover.
4. I expect to get way out of my comfort zone. Public speaking, getting close and vulnerable to my teammates, showering from a bucket, wearing hippie sandals, etc.
5. I expect to experience true community and become incredibly close to my teammates.
6. I will cry. A lot. Which isn’t normal for me.
7. I will go places with God and experience things with Him that I never thought I could.
8. I expect to feel totally weirded out and disconnected when I get back and experience withdrawal like never before.
9. I will get disconnected from pop culture. Lord willing, I’ll even forget about Justin Bieber.
10. I expect to get good at sleeping in odd places at odd times.
11. I expect to become an expert in stuffing a backpack. Perhaps I will even be able to fit in and bring home a bunch of small Australian men for my girlfriends.
Hmmm, that’s a pretty random assortment, sorry I’m not more put together. In the end though, the only item on this list that really matters is number 7. Whatever fears, doubts or excitements I have pails in comparison to being obedient and growing closer to Him. I know He won’t disappoint. It sure will get uncomfortable though. Darn.
