Tickets, Tags, and Tension

If you had any experience running in Junior or High School, you are familiar with the concept of the starting blocks.  I ran track in Junior High for a time. And no - I wasn't very good at it (just ask my family about the 800 that I didn't finish).  One of my most vivid memories of that time in my life with track is the feeling I got while on the starting blocks. 

Mind Racing
Heart Pounding
Muscles Tense
Preparation leading up for this One Moment
JUST READY TO GO ALREADY!

 

This is a small taste of how I am feeling about my upcoming trip to Africa.  I received my final packet from Compassion yesterday with my airline ticket, luggage tags, itinerary, and applicable information I will need while I am there.  Seeing the daily activities and realizing my months of planning and enumerable shots are all behind me. 

I am literally at the starting blocks of this trip with my knee on the ground and hands firmly behind the while line.  All preparation is over now.  I am just waiting for the starting gun!

photo on flickr by gumigecko

Preparation of the Heart

As my time to be in Africa draws near, I have become accutely aware of my need to prepare my heart and spirit for the inevitable emotions that will engulf me.

So how does one go about preparing for a momentous experience one has never had?  That is the question I continually ask myself.  I have read all of the literature I can find about the conditions and customs in Uganda.  But that is only "head" ready. 

I remain in prayer about having a open heart and plan of being present and remain "in the moment" in each circumstance. 

Still, these attempts for preparation seem to fall far short from the reality of a changed heart that I am sure I will return with.  

So I have come to this - I believe God does not necessarily want a prepared heart as much as a willing one.  100% of my heart is willing to accept the impact of my trip to Africa.  So I guess I am fully prepared for my journey!

photo on flickr by Quixotic Pixels'

Journey to Africa has Begun

Well, I don't actually leave for Africa until July 10th, but for me, the journey has already begun.  Let me explain. 

I am in the throws of preparation for my trip.  From London to Uganda, Africa and back is taken care of through Compassion International.  It is my responsibility to get myself to London to meet up with the team going on to Africa.  In the past few weeks, I have been making flight arrangements, hotel reservations, and researching the most desired attractions I want to see during the brief layover times before and after my Uganda experience.  

Every time I make another arrangement, my heart literally starts beating faster as if this click of my mouse somehow brings me that much closer to leaving.  My excitement is building daily now.  How can I maintain the daily mundane commitments with this massive, life-changing trip in my not too distant future?

I can barely contain my myself at times and I do not leave until July 10th.  I gues sometimes waiting is the hardest thing about taking a trip!  It sure is for me right now.