Preparing for the Great Adventure

As of yesterday, the countdown begins. Six days until I travel across the world to a country the size of Texas right in the heart of Africa. Less than a week until I step into the biggest adventure of my life. For the past year I have dreamed, prayed and prepared. Now I experience the last leg of the waiting period. On Wednesday I met the rest of my team on campus. For the past several days we have met together at 8:00 am (my friend Katie and I usually make a coffee run before then) and spend time training. This usually includes Tonga lessons (Muli buti! Hello! How are you?) and [unfortunately] classwork. After all, I am continually reminded that this is an academic trip. At least when class ends and I find myself staring at my computer screen trying to find the motivation to type yet another paper due before heading to Africa, I find encouragement in my friend Katie. This dear girl and I met way back freshman year. One of the sweetest blessing throughout my college years came when I found out she was also accepted into the study abroad program.

Here is a picture Katie and I took today [while taking a break from homework]

Tomorrow is Saturday which means we have a break from class for the weekend. Our friend Leah (she also lives with us in our townhouse on campus) invited us over to her house in Noblesville tomorrow night. Here's to spending time with our dear friends before we leave for the next few months!