March 28, 2010

just four months...

To be in Africa is to realize a love for the earth- to look around you, to see elephants being elephants and wildebeest being wildebeest, and think, this used to be the world. The people who live here have such enormous respect for the purity of their environment- and they'll show it to you with such passion, such pride.
-Alan & Harriet Lewis, Overseas Adventure Travel

Four months from today I will set my feet down on African soil... after travelling further from home than I have ever been. Four months. And I don't mind admitting that my excitement has a bit fear rippling through it. Even though I have seen it in pictures and heard countless tales... I can't imagine that anything can actually prepare me for the magnitude. Because you never really know. But I want to experience it. Every bit of it. I want to see the sights and meet the people and I want to be unafraid. And so it is added to my prayers, along safety and good health for the journey (and leading up to it!)
Honestly... excitement and fear are not the only things I feel. I feel... a little guilty and spoiled. Because this is not a mission trip, it is a vacation. And although the travel company gives back so much through the Grand Circle Foundation, this really is a safari. When I read stories of others who are going strictly to lend their hands... that wave passes over me. And then I tell myself to get over it. Because I know that we will give in our own way. We will pack our suitcases as full as we are allowed, and come back with little more than a few souvenirs and memory cards full of photos. And full hearts brimming with memories that will last a lifetime.
Photobucket

7 comments :

Corinne Cunningham said...

I'm getting excited for you! What an amazing opportunity.
And if it's in the plan, there will be opportunities to lend your hand there. But enjoy this trip, the memories, the excitement :)

Busy Bee Suz said...

Drop the guilt...enjoy the adventure. You deserve this!!!!
I can't wait FOR YOU!!!!

Anonymous said...

I for one cannot wait for the pictures. :)

Richella Parham said...

You'll come back with more than memories. You'll come back with knowledge. You'll know what things are like there. And if that is good, or bad, or pity-awakening, or awe-inspiring, or all of the above, you'll be able to share that in a way that no one besides Dawn could ever share it.

Unknown said...

Just let go and have fun! I think that would be a wonderful vacation. Of course make sure you take a good camera for those awesome photo opportunities!

Yes, I'm jealous!

Flamingo said...

God will speak amazingly there without he distraction of all we have here. something to look forward to indeed!

Kelli said...

This WILL be the trip of a lifetime! There's always fear in the unknown, but knowing that God is there will calm your nerves. 4 months will pass before you know it and you'll be in AFRICA!!

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