PrepARation And count dOwN

It's been a long time in waiting, this trip, this adventure, this door opening/new beginning, page one(again) of a story begun long ago, this mission, this Africa... and very much so because God's plan for my life required for things to happen between the first "may I go" (years ago) and now... January 13th, 12 days before blast off.,. out of the USA and into Europe then Africa. more than that, though, it's about open doors... it's about a 'yes' in my spirit matching a 'YES' in His Spirit. I am still being prepared spiritually, although I feel I may be neglecting that for the practical preparation "to do's". Let's see, my "to do" list as of now, goes something like this...
(I wrote it all out to display the lengths one goes to leave known-life for a bit, and then erased it because it bored even me)
much of it has to do with Handsome Jack Dooley and sending him to Cali. It is truth for me to say "love me, love my dog". Then there were bits about England and ensuring a roof over my head, camera functions, rides from here to there and back to here when needed, packing, getting my heart right and agreeable with leaving my loved ones... get shots, IPOD fully loaded, and some stuff about money... (RAISE MORE MONEY!!!! COLLECT LOVE OFFERINGS! ROB A BANK... no, I'm kidding, you'll find no black body suit/mask/gloves in my closet.) It's amazing how God provides... it's amazing how expensive missons are... it's amazing how God provides... it's amazing how expensive missions are... and so on and so forth...
Blah Blah Blah, I know...
This will all get done... for sure and for certain! Planning to put my life here in America on hold for a mission in Tanzania, Africa has made me aware of just how much I have and am anchored here in Providence, Rhode Island... in my bubble. It's been relatively easy to plan my "pick up and leave" but there are many details, minute details that need/require attention. I have been able to minimize my life though... and I love feeling lighter. I love actually being lighter- not so weighed down by materials. That in itself has been a blessing. I don't want to own much of anything until God says "settle for a time in this specific place". Until then, I love the idea of being able to go at a moments notice.
I'll close... in closing, I get to go to England for a week, wander the streets of London alone, hearing words I know but that will somehow become new as spoken through accents I giggle and dance over. I will contribute to their economy as little as possible, stealing air and taking away only photographs... of everything! I will speak as little as possible to see if I can fool the Europeans into thinking I am one of them... but when I do speak, I will represent us well- I promise! I will make a new friend, too... I just know it. Then I'm off to Tanzania, Africa- 13 hours in the air, 7 hours on a bus (we're talking not so high class as the big yellow bus from your childhood), destination! As for what will happen there, only God knows... but it's good! It's all really good! Ill let you know what that means as I am shown. God bless you, everyone. Pray for me