Packing is Happening!

Organizing and re-organizing. Getting all the little things together like stuff sacks and the nectar of life! And this time the nectar doesn't consist of sugary, sticky when it spills, gives you an instant sugar rush: Mt. Dew. This time it is SPF 30!

I leave in a little over a week. I'm so excited! But all I can think about right now is how every day next week I will be thinking "This is my last Sunday at Church before I leave" or "This is the last football game I will watch until next football season". All together, that is a lot to think about..

Finding Facts

Elevation in Richland Washington: 384 FT

Elevation of Snoqualmie Pass: 3,022 FT

Elevation of Denver Colorado: 5,280 FT

Elevation in Windhoek Namibia: 5,606 FT

WHAT? I thought that the desert was going to be closer to sea level. But instead I'm in nose bleed zone. Seeing as the average temperature is between 86 to 68 degrees F, I would think that I would be closer to Richland's elevation.. But I won't be. I will be ABOVE the "mile high city".

Now, I knew that red clothes attracts bees, but I guess that it also attracts all other bugs. On top of that, white has the same result as red. Now seeing as red isn't exactly my color, I'm okay with not wearing it. But you see, I enjoy wearing white in hot areas as it reflects light better and doesn't make you so hot, but I guess that's out of the question. So if I don't want to look like a swollen full body bug bite, I should wear camouflage to blend in with my environment. However, camouflage is often illegal in various areas.

For the last ever-since-I-decided-to-do-this I have assumed that Windhoek is pronounced the way it sounds. Guess what... that's not how you say it. The proper way is vind-hook. Well that kinda through me off.

I have officially started to pack. I am trying to find every way to make more space for other things. I am smashing and condensing things so that I can get more little what-ever-I-needs into my suit case. It's not so exciting.

Stay tuned to hear: Kelly has gone crazy trying to pack 16 tubes of conditioner!

The strain

Everything for this YWAM adventure is falling together perfectly. Tomorrow I will be sending out the letters to everyone telling them what I am going to be doing and a list of prayer needs. Getting things like that done is a huge relief. Now that I have deodorant and sani-hands I feel like I am really ready for this adventure.

My parents have been the BIGGEST blessing in all of this. They have fronted me so much money and have done more for me than they should. They have done more than they should and I thank them so much for that. It means the world.

Having the moral support from my family hand friends is my other huge blessing. Knowing that I am going to have all the people here praying for me before I depart, and while I am there really gives me so much comfort.

I think that in the next week, I am going to do 100% of my laundry and figure out what cloths I am going to take. That way I can have most of my things ready and almost packed, that way I don't have so much to worry about when the time to leave rushes to greet me. Time is going by way faster than I thought it would. Kinda scaring me here. I really do wish that it would go a little slower so that I can take everything in.

I know that what I am going to be doing is a part of God's calling for me. But at the same time, a lot in my life is changing right now. As much as I want to go to Africa, I want to stay. Of course I am still going. But I am ready to have it over with and continue my life. But when I say that, I realize how selfish I am. When I have that realization, I get my head screwed back on the RIGHT way, and realize how big this is. I'm going to Africa. I am going to be with children with AIDS. I am going to love on those children. I am going to help as much as I can. I am going to do God's will and not my own.

Just Getting Started.

So I'm leaving for Namibia in a little over a month. It is coming up way faster then I thought it would. People keep asking me if I am scared and nervous. Why would I be nervous? I am doing something that I have always wanted to do. I guess if there is anything I am nervous about are the planes. I despise planes. They are stuffy, cramped, awkward, and if you want to get out just to walk more than 50 feet up and down an isle with out confinement by the people resting around you, you CAN'T! Oh darn. The other thing I can't stand about traveling is the fact that you don't get to shower. Including layovers and flying time, I will be either on an airplane or in a terminal for 35 hours going one way. That is a long time to go with out taking a shower (personal opinion).

I now have a very cute stuff pillow that I am going to be using on the planes and as my everyday pillow. Wow, I just realized I should get a pillowcase for it so that it doesn't get super duper nasty. I'm also taking things like a knee brace for the times that my knee thinks that it would me fun to hurt. Also some extra mascara as to not scare off the various tribes when I visit.

I find my self wide-awake at 1:00 a.m. on many occasions now. This is not just one of those nights that I can't sleep. It has been one of the months that I can't sleep. This is for one reason alone - THIS YWAM TRIP. (I don't even know what I should call it any more. I am referring to it as "this trip".) I'm thinking about getting to know people, being with the kids, talking with different tribes, and on occasion the weather there. But for some reason I am always focused on the airports. I am going to be in different countries. What if they yo no speekin' du english? What are the most comfortable ways to sleep in an economy seat? Who do I hug last when leaving? What if I need more than one barf bag? What if my bags get lost?

In the end I'm not worried. I know that God will provide for me and get me through this.

Beautiful Kidz