In approximately 22 hours I will be leaving one continent with 9 other friends and traveling to another. I have no idea what to expect, nor any basis on which to compare the coming experience to. I know Spanish and understand Pesos; I do not understand Kinyarwanda nor how to calculate the value of a Franc...Francs.... I can't even properly use it in a sentence.
I have tried my best to prepare as well as possible for this trip. I did indeed get hair extensions to be able to put my hair in a ponytail everyday. I had 4 shots put into my arm to make me stand strong against Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hep A, and Polio. I have Milaria pills to take, and Cipro for that "just in case" scenario.
It's strange to prepare so strategically and intentionally for a place where people live on a daily basis and probably don't use anything that is mandatory for me to have.
I decided to not bring any curling irons, blow dryers or makeup. I am bringing one pair of shoes and a few shirts and pants. How big of me, I know. I'm not meaning for it to sound like that; I'm just looking for as few distractions as possible. I live in America, so I act American, but I'd really rather not. I am genuinely looking forward to not only not knowing what to expect, but also to living simply. I am, quite frankly, not disciplined enough to do it here in the States. My ADD kicks in, and I just excited about everything... and I mean, EVERYthing. Coffee, clothes, running stuff, planners, journals, books, yarn, buttons, bows, mugs, food, etc etc etc! It's crazy. Being constantly surrounded by such materialistically pretty things is kryptonite for someone like me.
I'm beyond excited to find a beauty expressed in people, life, and culture that I cannot find at the Cherry Hill Mall. I am anxious to meet the natives and make a fool of myself because I don't understand their culture. I am curious to hear their stories and to know what their "bubble" consists of.
I know I am where I am for a reason. I really do. I have never had such peace about what I'm doing and where I am. I know God has called me, as well as every believer, to share His Love, and I'm trying my best to do it wherever I am. And I know that when, or if, the time comes that God nudges me in the direction of moving overseas, that it will be timely and right. But for now I have these 10 days, and I am desperate for them.
I have a funny feeling that this trip to Rwanda will go by too fast. I'm pretty sure that the people will help me more than I will help them. And I'm almost positive I will want to stay. But no matter what the outcome, the trip is happening for a reason, and the most I can expect is to serve.
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