Most Likely

So I, despite my resistance to do so, have started a blog for my trip. I feel like this will be the easiest way to update people, and that way emails back and forth won't be sometimes personal, sometime mass-disseminated. Yes, the title is cheesy. I lack that creative bone, and that one was just too easy (although I did resist my sister-in-law's "TO-GO! TO-GO! TO-GO!" suggestion).

Most Likely. That title comes from a text a got from my brother this morning as I told him I finally started to get a little nervous. I hadn't felt an ounce of nerves from the time I decided to go back around spring break until the moment I was awoken by my cell phone ringing (love you Didaddy). But I awoke nervous. I guess just because it is the day of, and I leave in several hours, but I have spent all morning with some serious butterflies. But back to the title. Here is what my text said, "It is going to be a life changing trip. Most likely in a good way." Yep. Most likely. It is probably going to be amazing, probably alter my life in some ways. But I am still nervous. So I decided to use The Google and find a passage that would inspire me in some awesome and real way before I left. Fail. I am terrible at using The Internets sometimes. But I then decided to read a little about Abram when he was called by the Lord, because that is kinda how I feel. All I know about where I am going is that I am getting picked up at the airport, put in a family's (who probably doesn't speak English) house, and working in a local hospital. That's it. I think that that uncertainty is why I have become so nervous. But looking at this passage, there really isn't that much there about Abram's nerves, deliberations, fears. He just goes. That is simultaneously extremely comforting and scary to me. I want something tangible to hold onto, but I need to just go and trust in God. Which leads me to my next passage, Psalm 118:6-8 (Betcha thought I was going to say Psalm 100, didn't ya? Well NO!): "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. It is better to take refuge in the Lord that to trust in man." Well, that passage is going to be getting me through the day today. My bag is packed, it's getting pretty close to game time. Hopefully I won't be living off the granola bars in my bag. As long as there isn't any Nshima like last time I was in Africa, I think I can handle the month. I will do my best to keep updating this, no promises. Thanks for all the prayers, keep bringing them.

And in honor of my brother (and to fill time until I leave), I am putting my reading list for the month, let's see how many I actually get through.

A Long Way Gone: Always wanted to read it, seemed appropriate for the trip

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime: I was fascinated by Look Me in the Eye, so I think I will like this.

Kite Runner: Heard it's good? Whatever. I guess we will see.

Counterfeit Gods: Halfway thought it. Awesome.

Three Cups of Tea: Also seemed appropriate. If I want to have any chance of coming back a peacecorps hippie, it's a must. I hear it is amazing though.

One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich: No idea. Next.

The Reason for God: My reread of the trip. Too good not to read at least twice.

Not that You Asked: Wanted something with short essays/sections to keep me entertained. Looked good.

And that's it. Way too long of a first post; I really doubt anyone has made it this far. I kick puppies for fun. Did anyone read that?