So, I am finally off. After a couple weeks of packing, tying loose ends, and sometimes tearful goodbyes, I am on my way to Zambia.
Packing went pretty well, in spite of me. My family deserves an award for not only putting up with my stress-induced
crabbiness, but for sorting, squeezing, and weighing my ever growing pile of "must-haves". It was only through their valiant efforts that I ended up with merely four (!) perfectly weighed suitcases. The "loose-end-tying" was really going on until the last minute, as I called my bank on the way to the airport, and payed my Bar dues online from the terminal! I won't say much about the goodbyes. :( I am going to miss my friends and family so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I appreciate so much all the prayers and support which has been given to me over the past two weeks and especially all the prayers going up during my three day trip to Lusaka. There have been quite a few things that could have gone very wrong, but quickly were resolved. I know that because so many of you are praying for my protection and well-being during this trip, I can continue the final leg of my journey with a sense of peace.
Sitting in an airport for nine hours doesn't give me too much else to say. Some prayer requests for the next coming days would be that I make it the remaining 24 hours of my trip without too many problems and that I adapt quickly to the time change once in Zambia. My office would like me to travel to another city to help with some training within days of my arrival. I would love to be in good enough shape to go and actually know what is going on!
If I do end up traveling next week, I am not sure when I will be able to post next, but at least I will be able to share about my first Zambian roadtrip!
Some views of the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow in London where I spent 9+ hours waiting for my flight to Lusaka.
My traveling companion (yet to be named) showing how I spent much of my time at Heathrow.
More views of Terminal 5
Maybe my last Caramel Hot Chocolate for some time.
Hi Sally!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Getting from A(lanta) to Z(ambia)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Quick update
It is only the first week of my blog and I am already running behind on my "blog plan". I guess that is what happens when you finish "drink information out of a fire hose" week only to begin "pack everything you will need for the next six months of your life" week. I want to post about my incredible training week, but for now, I will let you off easy by posting the link to an in-depth article about International Justice Mission that appeared in this week's issue of The New Yorker. Enjoy!
Nine days to go!
Monday, January 12, 2009
First Stop - Orientation!
Today was the first "official" step of my new journey from A to Z. Of course, before this day, there were the applications, interviews, paperwork, plane tickets, shots, and visa applications. Then there will still be my commissioning ceremony on Friday, boarding the plane, and taking my first step onto African soil. But tonight is the first time I gathered together with other volunteers and staff and became part of the International Justice Mission team and realized what I am a part of. It is not a bad group with which to be associated. I have never before been around so many young people with so much international experience. It was fascinating to encounter such diverse backgrounds, even around just my assigned table. And we are all eager to grasp this journey we are about to begin.
I have been rather excited about going to Zambia. However, in the past few days and hours as I have started to comprehend IJM's reputation and ministry, and then started meeting my fellow teammates that will be sent out across the globe, my excitement has reached a new level. I marvel that the Lord and IJM have allowed me to be a part of this mission. What an amazing adventure!
I hope to sneak in a post that explains why I am doing all this before my official "weekly post". Otherwise, I will talk to you next week! :)
Sara
********************
It can be pretty intimidating when I think of the political culture that is common throughout Africa. These verses I heard at church this morning are a good reminder:
Titus 3:1-8
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
My Plan For This Blog...
My plan for this blog is to update it each Sunday/Monday. While I figure nobody but my own mother would check a blog written by me every day, a couple of you might just read it once a week. I also plan to send out an occasional email/snailmail newsletter, which will likely more than satisfy most of you. If you would like to be on the email/mailing list, please let me know.
I am hoping to set up a little website with pictures and video once I get to Zambia. Once I have a grasp on the internet situation and work out the hosting, I will publish a link.
My mom is going to organize a prayer team for me, so contact either one of us to get involved. Because much of my work may be legal in nature, I am not sure at this point how much detailed information I will be able to share. However, IJM sends out weekly prayer emails about their work around the world that would be helpful in knowing how to pray for us.
And don't forget - email, skype, facebook, etc. still work in Zambia, so please keep in touch!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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