Friday, January 15, 2016

Counting down...

Two weeks from today I embark on a 9 week journey. I am feeling excited for the adventures ahead, thankful I have this opportunity, and looking forward to...many things (meeting new people and serving the Lord in these new endeavors. And simply looking forward in life). Nervous? Nah, not really. International travel excites me more than makes me nervous.

Jan 29th I will fly to Switzerland where I'll spend a week at L'Abri, which means shelter, and was first started several decades ago by Francis & Edith Schaeffer. L'Abri is a center for study and learning about theology and things related. There are now several L'Abri centers throughout the world. The Swiss center is the original one. My older sister Charis stayed two weeks there during her 3 months in Europe in Fall 2009 and very much enjoyed it. After that I plan to spend 1 week with my cousin Lorraine (on my mom's side of the family) during her winter break from her music studies, in Zurich. We hope to travel to some museums and go hiking or snowshoeing and other fun activities. The middle weekend I plan to stay two nights with my cousin Helene (on my dad's side) and her husband Aaron. They live close to Geneva (near L'Abri), but on the France side.

Feb 15th I fly to South Africa. I will spend about 7 weeks volunteering at TLC Children's Home (orphanage). I will be living in the volunteer housing on their farm and helping 6-7 days each week with the babies and toddlers ranging in age from newly born up to 3 years. They have about 35 kiddos right now and are very busy as their volunteer numbers are lower. (Which is the reason I am going back right now.) I won't be helping as a nurse per se, but instead will help with changing, feeding, bathing, playing with, and loving on the babes. The days there will be busy, yet life will be simplified compared to here as I won't have errands to run or my own cooking to do, or have to drive anywhere. I'm looking forward to have some quiet times each day and time to read, run, and rest, and also get to know the other volunteers.

In the coming two weeks here before leaving I have a friend coming to visit (who I actually met 9 years ago when I first went to TLC!). She will be here next week. I also have some other local friends and family to visit and, of course some packing and prepping to do for the time away!

So, let the count down begin...  :-)