Processing

Tonight began the reality of how difficult a week this is going to be. One week from right now I'll be on a plane headed back to the U.S.
The list grows and grows the more I think about all that I'm looking forward to as I return:
*driving my car
*seeing family and friends
*drinking from the tap
*eating a burger
*sleeping without a mosquito net
*returning to school
*ultimate frisbee
*alone time
*a changed perspective.... etc.

And the list grows and grows the more I think about all that I'm going to miss:
*simplicity
*fanta laranja in a bottle
*translators/friends
*the Bush family
*no water and therefore an excuse not to shower
*the smells(unrelated to the not showering)
*picturesque sunsets
*hanging out at the Villa
*struggling with Portuguese.... etc.

And with all of this floating around in my mind, i continually come back to thoughts of those in deep poverty, and disgusting hunger. i continue to wrestle through what my responsibility is to those with such heart-wrenching needs around the world. And as God walks with me through the process I am bouncing like a ping-pong ball, literally all over the place. One moment I am identifying with the New Friars, freeing themselves from most all possessions and living in slum communities around the world. And the next moment I am thinking about the money that could be made as a Wedding Photographer and used to buy milk for the Nutrition Program here. Like i said, i am literally all over the place.

And tonight I'm taking a deep breath, thanking God for this journey, and going to sleep. I'm just glad that He won't be surprised-no matter where He takes me. Thanks for walking with me and praying for me as God continues to push and stretch me to be less like myself and more like Him.

Mozambique

I've done a lot of talking today...probably too much. So it was nice to just sit and watch the Superbowl quietly as others talked around me. As much as I enjoyed the game I spent a lot of time thinking about Mozambique. A lot of what I talked about and listened to this weekend revolved around Mozambique and the people I'd be spending time with. I'm extremely excited to watch God continue to work in me and all around me. I am praying that I will set aside my expectations and just stand in awe of what He chooses to do. I am just excited to spend time with friends and family while in Dondo this summer. It makes me smile to think about how He works.

Internship

I'm headed to Dondo, Mozambique this summer for a two month internship. Right now, I'm working on putting together my support letter and renewing my passport. This being my fourth trip to Dondo I'm certainly excited to reconnect with friends; on the other hand I'm nervous that I am too familiar with the process. I am afraid that I'll focus on the letter and on raising support instead of focusing on my heart. I am afraid that I'll be too quick to answer instead of listening. I am afraid that I'll want to go go go instead of just taking a breath and having a conversation. I am afraid that even though I see these negatives as a possibility, I won't guard myself against them. As I continue to prepare, please pray for me in this. Pray that I would foresee the danger and take precautions, instead of going blindly on...