Sunday, March 16, 2008

t minus 5 days...

i'm looking forward, and looking back


Aaahhhh!
That is the main thought going through my head right about now. I am five days away from moving to Africa. Almost everything is done, except for the small issue of packing. I really should be more concerned about it than I am, but all I'm thinking about is eating. Hibachi, pizza, Cock of the Walk...I'm not sure that should be my main focus before I leave for a 9 month mission trip, but I just love to eat! My roommate at orientation, Lydia, was going to the southern Sudan and was going to be surviving on lentils, beans, and rice for the next 3 months. I'm not sure what I'm going to be eating but I think it'll be more variety than that. Regardless, after this last week of gluttony I'm saying goodbye to all my horrible night shift eating habits!
This has been an emotional week. Today was my last Sunday at Grace Bible Church till Christmas. Tonight was my last night to work at MHBC in the nursery which made me a little sad (but my favorite snuggle buddy Sarah Marie was there!) I have said goodbye to my dear friends and have had the beast of bad timing bite me in the rear. This process has been long and oftentimes frustrating, and I think God is teaching me more and more about patience and trust. Neither of these are particularly fun lessons to learn, and I'm pretty sure I have more coming to me in the next few months.
A year ago, I was at the Vatican on Palm Sunday and got to hear the Pope speak. It is amazing to see what direction my life has taken since that time and how quickly it has flown by. Standing outside St. Peter's Basilica hearing everyone wishing each other God's peace in so many languages stands out in my mind as one of the most beautiful experiences in my life. (I took that picture to the right on that same trip- that's the Berlin Wall behind me.) I'm so excited to be heading to Africa, but sad for the things I'm leaving behind.
Thank you, everybody for all the love you've shown me. That has been the best part of this journey so far.

10 comments:

Jessica said...

So basically im going to miss you! i know you are going to love it though!! i will be praying for you!

Jill said...

Can we write you while you're there. I mean, actual letters or send stuff?

Jessica said...

thanks girl! and its okay i was a bit out of it too...Troy wore me out this afternoon..that kid had way to much energy..but it was nice to hear him scream my name through the whole church! your babies are gonna miss you so much!

Unknown said...

Awww...getting ready to go! You're going to love it and I'm going to miss you! Eat something adventurous while you're there...snake or something like that...or better yet, spider legs! ;-)

Ginny said...

Hey Sarah!
Best wishes to you and kudos to you for answering a calling! Your compassion will be a huge asset to children who need love and hugs. Just know your name is going on a little list I keep with my prayer things and you will be held up. You are missed at night at VCH. May your cup be filled to overflowing with your endeavor.
Ginny Massey-Holt

Becky said...

Sheesh, time flew by! So excited for you. Keep in touch, Sarah1!

Anonymous said...

I can't believe you have been gone from Vanderbilt that long! I am so proud of you for following a passion. They will be so lucky to have you in their presence- you are a great person and pediatric nurse. Best Wishes. We miss you!
Amy Johnson, VCH

Jill said...

I can't believe you lived in Hawaii also. I lived on Kauai for two years while I was in Jr. High. My dad was civil service. And yes, I went to State for 5 years. My first degree is elem. ed...that's where Jeremy and I met. And yes, I worked postpartum at Baptist for four years. I loved it but I worked nights and it got hard. I'm loving God's will for my life right now.

Jill said...

can you send me your email? Mine is kyserdawgs@yahoo.com

Jill

Unknown said...

don't forget your toilet paper and spice kit.