And Away I Go.....

Well here we are, less than 24 hours until I embark on my first of three flights that will take me to my final destination of Ndola, Africa. It is hard to put into words how I have been feeling these past few days. In one moment I feel overjoyed, stressed, overwhelmed, humbled, and then overjoyed again… all in one little moment! It has been such a whirlwind experience that I still cannot find the words to describe.

This experience has truly shown me what Christ can do when one allows Him to actually work in your life. I have some difficulty doing this. I like having control in my life and often do not take the time to stop and listen. This is why I am so grateful for my amazing friends and family that encourage me to stop, listen, and then actually take action. I do not know where I would be without these individuals. I wish I could make a list and thank you all properly, but it would never do justice to the gratitude I feel to you remarkable people. Therefore, I thank you here. I thank you for supporting me both during this time of preparation and before. I thank you for believing in me when I often doubt myself. I thank you for loving me, even when I know I made it difficult to love me. I thank you for listening to me cry on the side of your bed, or venting all of my frustrations in the middle of your living room. I thank you for the words of encouragement, the laughs, the tears, the often necessary hugs, the cups of coffee, the walks, and the listening ears(be it in person or far away). I am forever grateful and blessed.

Teaching has always been a passion of mine. Teaching in Africa, however, is a new one. Ever since my brief ten day trip through North Park University ended in January 2010 though, I knew it was one that could not be shaken. It’s strange, I do not yet know what grade I will be teaching, or the curriculum I will be following, but I have never been so excited for a classroom. I have seen how amazing the teachers and students at Hope School are, and I know I have no need for fear. The desire these students have to learn and the commitment the teachers put into teaching those touches my heart. Even though I will be going there to teach, I already know I will be doing a good deal of learning as well. It is not a time for me to come in and impress upon them my Western ways, but a time to come alongside those in Zambia and work with them in wherever they desire me to go.

Well, everything seems to be ready. My bags are packed (basically), my itinerary is printed and all in order, my hair has been cut way short in preparation for the heat I am about to face daily, now I just need one final good night sleep. Yeah right….

If you so desire, I pray for safe travels as I am flying out there alone, and an open ear to what God is calling me to do whilst I am serving in Zambia.

Love and Blessings to you all,

Sara Blumenshine