Is This a Dream?

I still can't believe that in about a month, I'll be in Malawi. Every time I think about it, I think of my classmate from 2006 because he returned from Malawi with reports of "mice on a stick" snacks. In addition to the mice snacks, I'm really looking forward to connecting with the people - all kinds of people: the people of Malawi, my Trex team, the other folks on our mission, the Y-Malawi staff, and folks I don't even know to be excited about yet!

I also can't wait to see what impact I get to have there and what impact the trip will make on me. The past 6 months or so have just whizzed right by (which is always a good sign). Sometimes my life feels like a dream that I'm just moving through. I'm pretty sure that getting off the plane in Malawi will snap me right out of that. I'm hoping that (for a while anyway) my petty worries about my extremely blessed life disappear into an attitude of profound gratitude. I'm hoping for a greater sense of belonging to humanity. Though ironic, I'm hoping to feel joyous and free in circumstances that will bring me face to face with the much harsher circumstances of life on the other side of the world. And of course, the ultimate, I hope to feel closer to God.

The thing is, great things are already happening. I guess it's best expressed as a spirit of boldness and confidence because going on this trip is more intimidating than most of what I encounter day to day. I find myself thinking about what my intentions are for my life and the world in a much more conscious, precise way. I find myself having better perspective.

I'm thrilled by the adventure. I have expectations but truly I have no idea what to expect. I'm pretty sure I can't even imagine what's in store...