Oh my goodness I leave in 3 days!!! This seriously feels like a dream and I keep waiting to wake up..... Last night my mom threw me a going away party and as people kept flooding in my home it was as though the night was never going to end. I was surrounded by
friends,
family,
good food, and
love. All of these people that God strategically placed in my life came by my side to send me off. From words of encouragement in letters to long warm embraces, I was forced to face the reality that the time for me to leave is practically here.
Surprisingly, I didn't get emotional during the party. I honestly don't think it will hit me until I am on the plane or even until I arrive on African soil. Although this entire experience has been bittersweet, I have had a weird feeling saying 'goodbye' and 'see you later' to the people that I've been constantly living life with. In my mind I sometimes wish that I could pack all of them in my suitcase and bring them with me, but I guess that's not part of the deal.
One of the things that I have been dreading the most is
packing. Okay let's be real, It makes me nervous and anxious!!! I am planning for 4 months away, and yet I have to pack light. I have to prepare for various types of weather and fit what seems to be my entire life in
two suitcases. I feel like I'm gonna go nuts!!! But really, how in the world can I pick and choose what to leave behind and what to take along with me? I feel so indecisive. In four words, packing for South Africa is:
Preparing for the UNKNOWN. When I step back and think about how I am preparing to embark on this amazing journey that God has set out for me, I realize that the journey as well as the 'packing' or preparation is a matter of
trusting God. He knows all of my needs and He knows the desires of my heart. So I guess that's what I'll do. I will grab hold of God vs. a pair of jeans and my favorite sandals and let go of the familiarity. I will trust Him even if I am out of my comfort zone. That's what this journey is all about... right?!
So here's to the journey ahead. Ready or not world, here I come!!!
{&& when it comes to packing, I guess all that's left to say is...
'Hakuna Matata'.} :)
Oh my goodness I leave in 3 days!!! This seriously feels like a dream and I keep waiting to wake up..... Last night my mom threw me a going away party and as people kept flooding in my home it was as though the night was never going to end. I was surrounded by friends, family, good food, and love. All of these people that God strategically placed in my life came by my side to send me off. From words of encouragement in letters to long warm embraces, I was forced to face the reality that the time for me to leave is practically here.
Samantha,
ReplyDeleteOne of the hardest things to do as a parent is to let go of your kids trusting that what you taught them will be enough. I have learned that it is not enough. God our Father has taught me that over a lifetime of challenges, good times and bad, the ups and the downs there is one person that has always been faithful and true in this thing called "Life". I have had to let you go and allow you to grow up, learn, experience and follow your own heart. As your father in this earth I am now leaning on our heavenly Father to watch over you and take care of you where I can't. In our Lord I place my trust, I place my heart, I place you because he is always faithful and true. He can go where I can't, He can be where I am not able to be. He never slumbers or sleeps. This is an exciting time for you and I know the Lord's hand is upon you and your group. You are filled with his Holy Spirit and He will guide you every moment of every day. Jesus is your walk and your talk so take this time in your life and go forward in faith, anticipation, excitment, nervousness and all the feelings you have bundled into one, and learn and grow as person, as a woman, as a daughter of the most high, as my Sammy! Let Jesus be your strength, your purpose, your light, your teacher because he is a far better teacher than I could ever be. He is faithful and true and his mercy and grace know no bounds. Not even in Africa..! I love you my daughter and will miss you in the next coming months. I will pray for you every day, but I am secure that you are in good hands. Dad