Here goes nothing..

My friends and family have asked that I stay in touch with them while I'm in Africa. I thought that a blog would be the easiest way (although I'm sure Mom will probably require video sessions so she can see that I haven't been eaten by a lion).

Some of you may not know exactly what I'll be doing in Africa. I will be teaching teachers with the Hope Alive organization how to teach Math. I will be showing them techniques and methods to make their job easier and to allow the students to learn more quickly. I will also help teach Bible studies with the kids and help out with whatever the missionaries there are doing. I am going to be staying with my good friend, Sarah Pisney, who is a long term missionary in Uganda.

How did this all come about, you ask? God. That's how. Although, I believe Sarah had a lot to do with it as well. Somehow (God) I became Sarah's travel partner while she was raising money for her mission to Uganda. We aren't exactly sure when this happened, but it did. So after Sarah moved to Uganda, I kinda thought "Hey... I should go visit her....I've always wanted to go to Africa.." I'm pretty sure this is the result of Sarah praying "Send Mary to Africa, send Mary to Africa, send Mary to Africa" the moment she stepped on the plane. Regardless of Sarah's wiley ways, the Lord really placed Africa on my heart. What better way to serve than to do it with a good friend.

So, here I am. I've been blown away at how God has been working on this trip. I've had many reservations - specifically because I'll be traveling alone. But, God reminds me in the small things - the comments, prayers, encouragement from others, that He will be with me through all of it. I'm amazed at the number of people who have offered not only to regularly pray for my trip, but who have donated money. I also had a lot of anxiety about all the needed shots for an international - specifically African - trip. When I saw the list of vaccinations needed, I almost decided to just call it all off. I didn't want that many needles anywhere near me! However, I only had to have five vaccinations and two of them are oral. Speaking of which, I just started my typhoid medicine today. I am lucky enough to be one of the few people in the world that will always, no matter what, experience all side effects of medication. So...today is going to be quite fun, I'm sure.