These past few weeks have flown! They have been filled with letter writing, fundraiser organizing, graduation party planning, GRE studying, visiting with friends and family, and thank you writing, not to mention actually attending my grad party, fundraiser, and taking the GRE. It has been tiring, but at the same time, it has been so filling.
I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of all the people who have sent me donation letters, notes of kind words, attended my party and fundraiser, and shared their support and encouragement with me. This outpouring of support has virtually erased any doubt I may have had about my decision to volunteer in Africa. The simple words and selfless gifts have affirmed me in my decision, and I am more motivated than ever to begin this journey and pour myself out to serve with the people in Malawi.
I leave for St. Louis tomorrow, and I think I'm ready. I have my bags packed, I've said "see you later" to most all of my friends, and I've tried my best to spend quality time with my family. I am excited to begin this adventure, and I'm ready to run. I don't know what to expect when I get there, and I'm sure I'll be shocked by all the newness. But I'm excited about all that. I think the one thing weighing on me right now is how this journey of mine is going to affect the various people in my life, particularly my family. I know it is easy for me to get so focused on my mission, on the things I'm working towards, that I forget to include the people in my life who aren't close in proximity to me. It will take a good deal of effort for me to keep in close contact with the ones I love here, but I am placing that contact as one of my top priorities. I don't want to disappear for two years and come back feeling like I don't know anyone here and feeling like no one here knows me. It will take work, but I'm willing to make it work. It is the least I can do for all that these beautiful people have given me.
The next time I write, I should be in St. Louis. I hope to give you all an idea of what our orientation is like. Stay tuned. We're just getting started. :)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Something small and simple...but with so much meaning
With the weekend of my big graduation party and major fundraiser drawing near, I am so incredibly encouraged by the support I have received from friends and family for this mission I am taking on.
Though I am not yet near reaching my fundraising needs, I have received a generous amount of donations. The willingness of these friends of mine, new and old, to offer what they can is incredibly humbling; in fact, it is quite overwhelming!
It has become quite clear to me that I cannot fully express my gratitude to the individuals who have donated. Yes, money is just money; it is not important when considering the big picture. However, in this case at least, it does mean something. It takes a certain degree of intention to make the decision to give some of the earnings for which you have worked hard to someone because you believe in what they are doing. This is the overwhelming part for me. With each check I receive in the mail, and each envelope someone hands me, I am humbled by the belief people are placing in me; I am also inspired by it.
In a meager attempt to express some degree of gratitude, I am using a friend's idea as a simple way to remind myself of all those who have placed their hope and encouragement in me. I plan to write down each name of the people who have donated, and place those names on the walls and spaces around me while I am in Malawi: in my bedroom, at my desk, in my closet, in my classroom, etc. And when I see those names, I will pray a small prayer of thanksgiving and request that they may be blessed in the abundant ways that I have.
I cannot thank you enough.
Though I am not yet near reaching my fundraising needs, I have received a generous amount of donations. The willingness of these friends of mine, new and old, to offer what they can is incredibly humbling; in fact, it is quite overwhelming!
It has become quite clear to me that I cannot fully express my gratitude to the individuals who have donated. Yes, money is just money; it is not important when considering the big picture. However, in this case at least, it does mean something. It takes a certain degree of intention to make the decision to give some of the earnings for which you have worked hard to someone because you believe in what they are doing. This is the overwhelming part for me. With each check I receive in the mail, and each envelope someone hands me, I am humbled by the belief people are placing in me; I am also inspired by it.
In a meager attempt to express some degree of gratitude, I am using a friend's idea as a simple way to remind myself of all those who have placed their hope and encouragement in me. I plan to write down each name of the people who have donated, and place those names on the walls and spaces around me while I am in Malawi: in my bedroom, at my desk, in my closet, in my classroom, etc. And when I see those names, I will pray a small prayer of thanksgiving and request that they may be blessed in the abundant ways that I have.
I cannot thank you enough.
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