A lot of people have been asking me about "Africa" recently. Most of the time they seem to ask, "Are you excited for Africa?" And of course, I always respond with, "Yes, I am!" But then I lead on to talk about how I am also nervous about coming back to Sacramento after being in Africa. Why am I worried? Well, because when I come back I will no longer be in college, no longer in the RA position, and will not yet have a job. My life is extremely busy right now, and I am sure it will remain the same while in Uganda.But then I'll come back to California and be living  life of complete nothingness for a while. And then there is just the adjustment of no longer being in Uganda. Not seeing Taylor every single day, not seeing my students, or the people I live with. Life will be different and I don't know if I'm going to like that.

As I was talking to a friend today, she said, "You know, God opens doors at the right time, so I wouldn't be worried about coming back." She also talked about how she thinks it will be good for me to have some time to adjust back to the Californian culture. And I think she is right.

I am sure I am going to miss being in college, living on campus, being in the RA position, and everything about Uganda when I return, but I have to remember that God has a plan. A plan that leads me right where He desires for me to be. And if that's back in Sacramento, then that's right where I need to be.

I was blessed to receive my tax return yesterday. For the past three years I have never received any money on a tax return. I've always had to pay loads because if a stipend I was receiving. With this tax return, I am going to go purchase some supplies for Uganda. Some nice sandals since they seem to wear out quickly there (my friend Lisa who is living there posted on her blog about this). I am also going to get some baby wipes for Taylor and I, as well as try and find some cheap skirts since everything must be to my knees and it's rather hot there.

It is averaging 80 degrees there during the day, and it's only March! Eeek, can you imagine what it will be like in the summer?! We are going to return with some killer ugly tan lines. I'm sure of it.

Funding update: $2,385
Other update: I need to get my Yellow Fever immunization still. Blek. I also need to send my money to Sherry so we can purchase my plane ticket. I am going to do that next week.

Keep on Kicking Butt

I am quite thankful for people like Caycee.

I adore that she knows the book that started this journey of mine and the fact that she takes the time and care to pray for me. I know Caycee from 512, the college group I've attended. Over the summer 512 had a camping trip and I had the privileged of sharing a tent with Caycee and two of our other friends, Sam and Austin. All three of the girls have been people who have encouraged me, welcomed me, and have made me feel cared about. And it means the absolute world to me, and has made such a difference in my life. 

Anyhow...

I have recently been getting a bit discouraged as well as overwhelmed with everything in regards to Uganda. All the funding I have left to raise, immunizations, and just the thought of leaving university and off to a new country has been weighing on my mind quite heavily. I am beyond excited for Uganda, but it has been stressing me out recently. 

It was this text message from Caycee that reminded me of what I am doing, who I am doing it for, and where my mind should be. 

The prayers and support from everyone mean so much to me and  they are what keep me going in this sometimes treacherous journey. 

So for now, I am going to point my eyes to where they need to be and "keep on kicking butt."

Stop for a minute and smile...

Its absolutely crazy to think that in 80 days I will no longer call this room I've lived in for the past 10 months, "my room." Instead I will be living in a house with happy children and sharing a room with Miss Taylor. I will be living in a land of green and a land of adventure.

In 80 days my life is going to change drastically. In 80 days I will say goodbye to people I don't really want to say goodbye to and leave for a place I never thought I'd journey to. In 80 days it all begins.

And I think I am ready.

Yeah, no. I am definitely not ready quite yet. I need these next 80 days desperately. I need 80 more days of: being an RA, living on campus, being in college, spending time with my family, hanging out with friends, building relationships with residents, and for heart preparation.

So thankfully I still have those 80 days.

Although, tomorrow I will only have 79 more days.

Say what?!

I'm moving to Uganda in 80 days.

Is this real life?

Yeah.