Preparation/Anticipation

k, soooo working on getting this organized. It feels more real that I am now going to South Africa! I'm getting all my visa stuff in order and am going to the SA Consulate in Toronto this Wednesday...my flight is booked (January 17th!)...I've made arrangements with my friend in Cape Town...it's all coming together! this trip has been so highly anticipated and prepared for, that it hardly seems real. This blog is a way for me to "pinch myself" in order to realize that I am not dreaming, but that this is reality! It's also for YOU (my loved ones!) to read/see what I am doing in my travels/studies. It's very important for me to share these experiances with you, even if you cannot be physically beside me (although that would be nice...trip anyone?!). I don't think that I will truly feel like this is real until I'm on the plane going there...or even till I'm in the country! Most of you will know, but it has been a dream of mine to go to Africa for quite some time. I'm not sure where the desire came from, and so the only source I can point to is God. He has directed so much of my life, and this is an example (of many!) of his blessings in my life. Please be praying for me while I am getting ready. I have alot to sort through...in terms of packing...but also mentally. I want this trip to be as good as it can be and your encouragement will help SO much in that! I can't really think about leaving yet, as Christmas is coming up and then I'm going to be getting ready. I don't want to think about leaving all you wonderful people either! I will save my goodbyes till the absolute end, but I probrably won't cry, so don't take offense...i'm just kinda weird about goodbyes...I don't realize that they've happened till I'm gone. Anyways...I will let you know when I make more postes on here, which probrably won't be for awhile. Take care everyone! have an amazing Christmas!