African Anxiousness

In 12 hours, I'll be in a plane heading towards D.C. In 24 hours, DME will hopefully be wrapping up an evening of rehearsals. In 36 hours, we'll be on our way to Africa.

Yikes.

I'm starting to freak out. My bags are packed, my room is clean. I have to be awake at 4:00 to get ready for the drive to Omaha. I should be winding down. Sadly, my bed time the last three weeks has been 1:00 a.m. at the earliest. Not good. Will not help with my jet lag. . .

I am going to make a list. Maybe two. Lists are good, they help my brain sometimes. Hopefully this one is the same.

What I'm nervous about:

1. The size of my carry on suitcase. Because we aren't checking anything, it's a little worrisome. I checked Delta's site, my bag fits the size it says, but I still worry.

2. The clothes I packed. I think they are okay, but because there is a more modest dress code (long skirts, no shoulders or chest), I'm a bit worried. It's not like I ever dress terribly indecent, but now that there are rules, I'm freaking out.

3. Don't drink the water. Bah. I've never been anywhere I couldn't drink the water. What if I forget?

4. What if I get sick while I'm there? I'm not a pleasant person when I'm sick.

5. Sun burn. Enough said. I'm going to Africa.

Okay, I'm sure there's more, but I'm going to focus on what I'm excited for now.

1. It's Africa! I'm going to freaking Africa!

2. Warm weather. Not that it's been cold here by any Nebraska weather standards, but a balmy mid-70 degree average will be wonderful.

3. A new culture. It will be like nothing I've ever experienced before, and I'm so excited.

4. I'm really pumped to meet the people we'll be working with and serving while we're there. They have such a welcoming spirit from what I've heard from Jeff and Arlene. And I'm excited to see Arlene see her dear, dear friends.

5. My dear, dear friends! What a great reunion this will be! Almost the whole team from last year will be going, plus an alumni that Jeff found us. ;) Some of the team has been gone all semester, so I'm jazzed to see everyone. And I'm excited to start a new chapter in the DME quote book!

Again, I'm sure there are more. But I have to start trying to settle down for the night. I need to get a few hours of sleep tonight. I'm hoping for three...

Until next time, it's time for Africa!

p.s. I will have very, very limited internet access. Don't expect any moon journey posts from Ethiopia. Then, if they happen, it will be a pleasant surprise. :)