Continuing Down the Road

As we are rapidly approaching August 21st, I wanted to detail the work that goes into preparing for a trip of this magnitude. If you've spent any time overseas, this process is quite familiar to you, I'm sure, but since I'm a first-timer, the whole ordeal is so overwhelming my head hurts sometimes.

And because I'm just that OCD, I'll break it down for you categorically.

Physically, I've already seen 2 doctors and will have my formal physical tomorrow with doctor number 3. (Make it 4 if you count the travel clinic where I got my yellow fever vaccine.) I'm taking sterile medical supplies, a whole host of natural supplements, and dozens of medications (No, literally, dozens. I wrote out my list for Customs tonight: 3 pages.)

Legally, of course, I've obtained a passport and am still in the process of obtaining my visa. My application should be walked through the Nigerian embassy tomorrow (Thursday) and prayers for unhindered processing and swift approval are greatly appreciated. The reality of this trip still hinges on the approval of the visa.

Mentally, I divide my time between intense concentration on Nigeria and pathetic distraction to keep myself from dwelling on it too deeply. It's an overwhelming feeling: trying to conceive what my life will look like in just a few weeks. A friend from church shared a similar bit of wisdom with me: part of the concern is that you just can't imagine how life will be different once you have made your new home in a foreign land. It is impossible to be completely prepared for what lays ahead.

Financially, I have sacrificed almost my entire personal savings to be ready for this trip. A new wardrobe, food supplies, camping gear, and updated technology are just some of the items I've purchased since starting out down this path. Allow me to clarify that without the financial support of my parents and grandparents, I would be headed to Africa absolutely and devastatingly ill-equipped. My grandparents are giving me the ability to communicate with friends and family back home; I can't attach a value to that gift--it is too great. My other grandparents are relieving me of a huge stressor by storing my car (free of charge) with the meticulous, loving care that defines my grandfather. My parents have sacrificed so much for me to be prepared for whatever lies ahead. When school starts in 3 weeks, I will look the part of a teacher because they've clothed me. I will eat things that remind me of home because they bought food. And I will wake up on time because my alarm clock runs on rechargeable batteries that my brother Jake provided! Moving to Africa is truly a team effort!

Emotionally, I try not to dwell on the loss that awaits me. I acknowledge all the things I will miss while I am away: birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, my little nephew beginning to walk and talk, Jake's first year at Wheaton, and my college roommate's wedding next June. Nothing will prepare me for the crippling separation of my family, and if I can admit that now, I hope to accept it when it happens, even if it catches me off guard.

Spiritually, I am amazed at the presence and provision of Jesus Christ in every turn of this entire process. The timing of this opportunity was orchestrated perfectly, and I continue to trust that as I take steps of obedience, the Lord will align the desires of my heart with His own. I have been equipped for such a time as this, and want only to be used of God in situations I cannot even anticipate. I've also been overwhelmed by the spiritual support of friends and family, and not one but two church families! Prayers for safety, prayers for blessing, prayers for health and wellness have all been prayed over me and for me and I cannot contribute the peace I feel to anything less than these prayers and the saints that pray them.

I speak in faith when I say that my next update will include a positive response from the Nigerian embassy regarding my visa!