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. :)
1 comment:
Abundance –noun 1. an extremely plentiful quantity or supply:
2. overflowing fullness: abundance of the heart.
Andy, you have an overflowing fullness, an abundance of the heart. I, along with your brothers (& sisters) and your extended family have had the privilege of knowing this for a long time. We have also known that it would be selfish to keep you to ourselves. We know that this is one more step in the long journey you will make in your lifetime. We sadly say goodbye, because looking forward, two years seems like such a long time. But, we bless you on this mission because we are so proud of the man you have become, and we freely share you with the world because of the impact you will make on it. Yes, two years seems like a very long time when you're looking forward, but, before you know it, you will be looking back on a long and adventurous lifetime and these two years will be just a blip in time. So enjoy this adventure, share yourself with the world, we are so blessed to have you in our family, we want the world to know you too! We love you, I love you, Mom
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