It’s just after midnight, making it only 11 days until I leave for Sudan. Wowza!
I was thinking (incorrectly) that because I am on summer break, I would really just relax and enjoy my house, my dog, and my husband in the couple of weeks leading up to July 17th. Not true. This week might prove to be the busiest week I’ve had all summer (mini-shoot today, lunch and training tomorrow, consult on Thurs, dinner on Sat)!
It’s okay, though. I am really excited about going. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, and increasingly so with each passing day. I have never taken a big trip alone, not to mention a trip so far away alone!! This will most certainly be an adventure! Blaise and I have moments when we literally just stare at each other, and I say, “Oh my gosh, I’m really doing this,” or, “Only 11 days!” He responds in a flat, monotone voice with, “I know.” It’s strange…me leaving. I’m scared, I’m nervous, I’m excited, I’m curious, I’m eager, I’m worried, I’m overwhelmed, I’m amazed, I’m really doing this!!!
I have been working furiously to wrap things up before I leave. Did you know that there is a lot to do for a mission trip? Hmmm…here are some things I accomplished over the weekend:
- Cookouts with both families…last time I will see everyone before I leave
- Purchased the final items that I will need for the whole trip…everything except the food (breakfast and snacks)
- Sewed my last skirts (will have pictures up soon)
- Tested my bug repellant…I’m happy to report that the only bites I received were on areas that I missed
- Confidently learned two of my Bible stories
- Obtained a less expensive zoom lens to complete my photo gear (thanks, Mom!)
I don’t have much left to do.
That’s not true…I have a ton to do! I have to compile all info for Blaise, get everything packed and weighed, tan a smidgeon (I’m as white as the Sudanese are black…yeah, my legs are blinding), spray clothes with permetherin (another bug repellant), make copies of passport and itinerary, and the list goes on and on. There are a lot of little details that I must take care of…and then I’m gone…for 3 weeks.
I cannot believe that I am doing this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!