Almost there!

A 5 hour layover in Bogota, Colombia seemed scary at first. I am fortunate to have Sarah Priddy with me, a fellow Volunteer and new friend. Now that we are here, in Colombia, waiting for a connecting flight, fear subsides and my excitement swells. In approximately 4 hours, I will meet my host parents and the 6 exchange students living with them- my new Ecuadorian family. The trip, so far, has been rather smooth and uneventful. A 4:20 am wakeup call at the Comfort Inn was nothing short of a delight (note the sarcasm) after my mere 3 hour slumber. The good news is that throughout the process of checking in, finding our gate, and eating breakfast, Sarah and I had tons to talk about. Bad news- deep conversation often leads to being distracted, which often leads to nearly MISSING FLIGHTS. Luckily, I heard the "last call" announcement from the gate we thought was ours, but turned out to be NOT ours. We made it though! We even got to sit together on the plane and met a Colombian Surgeon who overheard us reviewing -ir, -er,-ar verb conjugations. He kindly offered to help and was patient with me as I stumbled through my rusty Spanish. It was fun, though!

At the gate in Colombia, we were a little timid, but ventured out into the food area where I saw (and quickly purchased) the most beautiful SA item: drinkable yogurt... and muesli. It was perfect, and tasted just like I remember it from Peru. This drinkable yogurt will be my vice and work against me every month as I aim to fit into Amy's bridesmaid dress in January.

While we wait for our flight, Sarah and I are enjoying the luxury of wireless internet in the terminals and reviewing our Spanish. We both have 'mucho' to learn, but are really excited to learn it!

We are almost there and I really am looking forward to it. I knew that saying goodbye would be hard and sad, which it was- really really sad (I will admit that there were definitely some tears and long goodbye hugs as Chris escorted me as far as he possibly could through check-in and to the entrance of security. He even waited until I was out of eye sight to leave... There is not much to say about all of that other than I MISS HIM!). However, I was also right that saying goodbye would be the hard part and the rest would be an adventure! Ahora, me voy! Adios!

Thoughts of preparation...

I just stepped off the plane from a ten day cruise through the Bahamas on a beautiful yacht http://www.mywatercolours.net/ . I know what you're thinking- no, I did not buy a yacht with the extra cash I made this summer. In fact, I was being paid to lather on the sunscreen, order drinks, play in the warm shallow waters of aquamarine beaches.... as a nanny for two little ones. Haha. I did walk away with a tan, but my first priority was to Gavin and Sailor- 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 years old. They are adorable, but required some bit of attention. Despite a sickly 2 days of strept throat, I had a blast and am so thankful to have been a part of such a beautiful vacation. However, I am really happy to be back!

Somehow, returning home from this trek reminded me of my approaching departure to Guayaquil on August 13th. There are so many events between now and then that it seems overwhelming to imagine getting it all done! I recently found out that my great uncle was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and has a poor prognosis. Mom, Dorothy, and I will travel soon to visit him for the last time. Though this will be an awful loss in my family, I am grateful for the timing of it because I am still here to say goodbye.

God is teaching me a lot these days. Actually, this whole summer has been full of big and small lessons: trust in Him, read His word, remember His miracles always, pray a lot... oh yeah, and listen a lot. My Bahama babysitting job was a lot of fun, but there were definitely times that I ached for home, for my family, and for Chris. When I heard about my Uncle James, I realized how much could happen in even a 10-day span. How much will I miss in 4 1/2 months? The older I grow, the more important family seems to become. For the first time, I am realizing that I will not just be missing Chris, but my entire family, all my friends, and all that happens- the good and the bad.

As I begin to say goodbye and finish up all the millions of things to do before leaving, the Lord is preparing my heart for the distance by preparing my mind. He is showing me that, like anything worthwhile, the luxury of studying abroad (fulfilling a long time dream of mine) means sacrifice. I guess what I am trying to say is that, ever so vainly, I knew there would be people who missed me, but I forgot to think about all that I would miss...

These upcoming days to visit my Uncle James, who always felt more like a grandfather, at the end of his life are truly a gift for which I give thanks to God. Your thoughts and prayers for my Uncle and our family are appreciated in this difficult time.