The Reality of 44 lbs; you can’t take hot showers with you.

I found out the other day that I am able to take 44 lbs of luggage with me to Africa.  This is because I will be taking two small flights to and from different countries.  These flights are very necessary and are also small. 

So reality hit hard.  I can’t take very many books, gifts, or pretty much anything except the VERY basic nessecities!  So my packing list got a little more intense and I got a lot less attached to the idea of comfort.

To be honest, since I decided to go on this service adventure, there have been a couple of specific things I have been thinking about.  Two specifically come to mind:  hot showers and toilet paper.  I like both of these things.  I think that is normal. 

I will not have these things for the majority of my trip.  As this realization has been sinking in, I’ve been “counting the cost” of this time of service.  Is it worth it to give up my wonderfully fluffy pillow, warm bed, hot showers, toilet paper, hair dryer, make up, variety of clothing, music, ipod, computer… to go try to serve those who live in anything but my normal conditions?

I want to make it very clear that I have considered the other costs as well.  The physical price my body could possibly pay is very high.  *Please know* I am taking all of the needed precautions to stay healthy and safe during my travels.  I know it might sound like I am running towards danger… what with going to Southern Sudan and Kenya… but please, know that I am doing my very best to ensure my own health and safety.  My hope and prayer is that I do not get so sick that I am unable to serve.  A little bit of sickness comes with the territory.

So.  I’ve been counting.  What have I come up with?

I’ve come up with the fact that I am blessed beyond words.  My lines have fallen in incredibly pleasant places.  I am, perhaps, soft.  I have been cared for, fed, sheltered, and provided for incredibly throughout my life.  And most of all I have been enormously loved, even when I do not deserve it. 

And now, I must go.  I have been filled with love and everything I need… physically and otherwise.  But there are so many, billions , who do not have that love, that care, provision.  Yes, I want to change the world… the systems and structures that create poverty. 

But I don’t mind being small.  I will start by holding an orphan, seeing the light come into the eyes of a school girl when she realizes her own worth, by coming along side people in kitchens and in pastures… lighten the load, share a laugh. 

The people of Africa… and indeed the whole developing world… do not have time to be bored, depressed, or discontent.   They are full of joy, life, and they live a very real life.  I experienced this in Mexico, Jamaica, and Uganda.  I am meant to be part of this.  The laughter and tears, the pain and the joy, a part of the cycle of life in Africa… that makes her heart beat.  I can’t wait to embrace, listen and learn from these people!  

Our western world is so loud and bright.  Africa is not.  I am glad to get away from all of this. And give myself for someone else. 

With 44lbs on my weak back and a passport in hand I am going to go to Africa.  I am taking steps to be safe, and I am trusting that I am doing my part in this.  If I am injured or die… that’s what my story is meant to be.    

The cost is being counted.  The bags weighed.  Choices made. 

It’s time for some long awaited dreams to come true.  

 

Brief update!

I am so glad to report that they extended the elections in Sudan another 2 days! They will now end on Thursday. Reports say that ballots have not been delivered to various regions ... and there is some talk of intimidation. For the most part however there is still the fragile term "free and fair" being used.

Check out this story for more info... also, take a second to look at the chart (Graphs for Development in Sudan) at the bottom of the page.

I will be working in Southern Sudan.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8616249.stm

A moment in Sudan

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8614003.stm
I highly recommend watching this short BBC report about the Sudan Elections

Voting begins today for one of the world's most important elections... though it won't be on your American TV screens. Sudan is the largest country in Africa. It has been plagued by civil war, unrest, and abuse since its independence.

I will be in Southern Sudan in a little over a month. That is, if these elections do not erupt into war. It is a strange feeling to have your fate be linked to the outcome of an election in a country thousands of miles away.

I am praying that there is no violence, that outcomes are accepted, and that peace would reign. If you pray...please join me in this.


In other news the trip is coming together. I am solidifying plans with my contacts in Africa. Making sure that safety is a priority and then jumping in! I am starting to get rid of my possessions, which is a freeing and busy process.

I am going into my last week of work. It is strange how all of this is coming so quickly.

I am about 1,000 dollars from my first fund raising goal. There is still plenty of time to donate! I am so grateful for help and excitement around my travels!