Thursday, May 27, 2010

One More Week Left!!

It is official! I leave the United State of America in 7 days! All this still does not seem real! I have always dreamt of going to Africa and it is finally happening!


At the moment, I am currently watching ESPN. I am waiting ever so patiently for the Suns to play the Lakers! (The series is 2:2! I have a feeling the Suns are gonna dominate tonight! Forbes, get ready for tonight! GO NASH!) Anyhow, as I wait for the game to start, I continually see commercials for the World Cup! And for the first time it sets in.. I am gonna be in South Africa this summer! "For Real, For Real!" Usually I watch the games on my small TV, but this time I am gonna be in the same country where the festivities are going to be taking place! As of now I do not have tickets, but just the idea that I will be within walking distance of the arena is exciting! I have weekends off, maybe I can figure out a way to watch a game or at least watch the games with the locals!


Wow! 7 more days! 168 more hours! My nervousness has turned into excitement! A couple days ago, I was definitely having cold feet! I am definitely a control freak, and the idea of traveling to an unknown country kinda freaks me out. I am not sure what to expect? How will the people react to me? Will I like the food? Will I get sick? Did I pack the right things? Will I be safe? I was definitely freaking out! Most of all, I was not too excited to leave my friends and family! I have the best friends and family in the world! I guess I could not imagine leaving for the summer!

However, after getting baptized and after receiving numerous prayers and word/letters of encouragement I am ready! There is no room for nervousness or self doubt! I am about to go on a legit adventure, and I hope by blogging I will be able to keep everyone up to date on my journey~! I will be back before you know it! As of right now, I am not sure when I will be back. Sometime around my b-day on August 11th (OMG! I am gonna be 22.. I am getting old!) Can't wait to see you guys! Miss ya already!


Before I end this post, I thought I would ask you a question? Did you know that New Jersey does not have toilet seat covers? I mean really? Every public restroom I used did not have any toilet seat covers. I mean, I was kinda grossed out. (Remember FCA when we discussed this while we were sitting around the bon fire last Sunday? "The hover method") Anyhow, after thinking about it.. I just realized.. what type of bathrooms will they have in Africa? In the township will they have toilets or even indoor plumbing? Wow, If I am grossed out by the lack of seat covers, I better "man up!" Who knows what I will encounter while I am away! Isn't it crazy how we take the smallest thing as toilet seat covers for granted? Wow, maybe I am a diva! I better learn how to be rugged! I have 7 days! Guth do you have any advice?


Thanks again for all of your support!! Keep in touch! FCA I hope you are finding something productive to do with your Thursday nights! This is the first Thursday I have not seen you! I am going through withdrawals! I need a FCA fix!

Love ya guys!

Ash


Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Here We GO!!!




So currently is 12:27am and I'm still packing my house up in Sacramento (aahhhhh!!!). I'm definitely feeling a bit stressed because I leave in T-minus 6 hours and head for the Jersey shore for 8 wonderful days before its off for a summer of South African adventures. Also, Ericka is here teaching me how to use this blog so I can keep all you fabulous people informed of my life while I'm half a world away. I will probably have access to the internet about once a week, so look for weekly updates on here :).

Currently, I'm a mixture of excitement, nervousness and just a general feeling of "I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO EXPECT." I also feel a little worried for my physical safety, but I know God will protect me and I'm excited to see what he has in store for me. I can't believe my trip is finally here! It is crazy how sudden school ended, graduation came I got baptized and now I'm going to Africa?! Wow! The past month has been amazing to see how God has provided for me and blessed me with this opportunity to go and serve him. Please keep me in your prayers as I travel and explore. I will miss you all but I hope this blog give you a little picture of my life while I'm gone!