Sorry for the long delay between posts... As some of you know, I was busy working at a summer camp this July. And when I say busy, I mean it. I had an awesome time working at the Shad Valley summer program this past month- it was a rich and rewarding experience as always. But as a result, I hardly had time to think about my upcoming trip, let alone write about it! But now I am back at home with one week left to pack, prepare, and spend time with my friends and family.
There is lots to think about. All of the things I will miss about this great country, including snow, fall colours, endless forests, and soaring Bald Eagles. All of the people and community I will miss: my family, church families, and friends. I've been thinking how by the time I get back, my littlest sister will be getting ready to go to high school. A year seems like such a long time to be gone, especially for someone who shies away from change like I do. But I KNOW that this year will bring about great change in my life, and I will embrace it, though it seems scary at times. I look back and see all that God has done to prepare me for this year: my spiritual growth from my years at The Meeting Place Church, the financial and prayer support of my Family and Friends (especially those at River of Life), my passion for the environment and helping people that sprouted in high school, and the encouragement of close friends and mentors. I am amazed at how perfectly and 'coincidentally' everything fell into place for me to get this placement in Cambodia. But perhaps I shouldn't be surprised.
I have attached a link to a video created by MCC that will hopefully shed some light on the kind of work that I will be doing this year. My degree in environmental biology should help me contribute to the work that is going on in Cambodia, but I know that I will learn much more this year than I have in the past four years at university.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZWgk6vfJlU&feature=youtu.be
To all the people that have supported me financially, I do not have the space here to list you all by name, but know that you have my heartfelt gratitude. Please continue to support me through prayer as I finish my travel preparations this week. I fly to Akron, Pennsylvania early in the morning on August 9th for a one week pre-departure SALT (Serving and Learning Together) orientation. I then fly from Pennsylvania to Cambodia on August 17-18th with one other SALT participant. There we will be meeting two more students who are participating in the YEMEN program for one month of cultural and language education.
Look forward to my next post in a week and a half from Akron!
Yours Truly.
