the small things.

First and foremost I would like to say how humbling and moving it is to receive such kind words of encouragement and support as I get very close to my adventure. To start this post I started a list of things things that have moved or inspired me this past week, I think I am taking on a new motto to life 'enjoy the small things' along with my others 'keep calm and carry on' and oh so many more [I love quotes]!

1. The sunshine I never realized how happy the sun can make me until this past week immersed in it! I loved running in it, anything but snow!
2.  My co-hort is literally my backbone right now, without them I would be nothing at this point, thank you to all who fill in the blank and check my work to make sure it's looking good and thanks to Megan for sitting down with me after class over a drink to chat about everything (cannot wait to live together). I have met a great bunch of future teachers out of you all!
3. I'm thankful for laughter it really is the best medicine whether I make myself laugh or others around me I am so beyond thankful for that--- if you have any jokes send them this way!!
4. My little gremlins I am thankful for them they are just so perfect and so funny!!! I am looking forward to spending my summer with them and welcoming the third after my trip!
5. coffee & home-cooked meals---yet again I am sitting in a coffee shop drinking coffee blogging and working on school work, and have a freezer full of food. This semester has been so hectic I have a hard time making trips home luckily I have a piece of home here in Kalamazoo. Thank you mom!!!
6. Wedding Bliss! Cannot wait until April 21 the wedding prep is all coming together so nicely!! YAY love!
7. Friends. I was able to catch up with Kellie who is also going to Africa in May and it was nice to share stories and advice and overall catch up on life.
8. Mountain bike trails--- I ventured on a ten mile trail this weekend and despite the pain I felt at miles 6-10 the trail was so breathtaking and beautiful and it wasn't until I was at mile 8 that I finally gave up feeling my pain and actually soaked up the trail and just enjoy the beauty and sounds of nature to its full extent!
9. Running it is a great stress reliever and oh so good for the soul!
10. Sleep. I wish some days I could turn my brain off and enjoy it this past weekend I was able to not think of homework and sleep and wake to a soothing alarm that meant the day could hold whatever adventures I wanted and it held the key to not having to worry about anything until Monday---that is a weekend if you ask me!

Overall advice--regardless of what week may bring your way and whatever hurdles you may have to jump, take time to enjoy the small things.  

I booked my flight on March 26 which is TWO months before I leave! Did not do that on purpose however like much of this journey has been I believe that every thing is happening for a reason and a purpose. I have also made my appointment for my vaccinations which is happening on April 10 at 10 am! Life holds the funniest things in it and I am thankful for those little things, they really add a spice to life! I have been experiencing a roller coaster of emotions in regards to this trip, they say it is normal however I am still caught off guard some days by the enormity of this whole thing. I cannot believe that in a little under two months I will immersed in a different culture and will be learning, g r o w i n g and changing! While some days I am trembling in fear, most days I jump for joy in excitement. I have no idea what exactly I am getting myself into, however I think that is exactly what I need, I need to stretch myself and expand to see what I am truly capable of and learn from others in Africa!

Thank you for those who continue to support and encourage me, you all are what are pushing me towards a life changing and once in a lifetime opportunity! I am so moved by your messages and humbled to know how loved and supported I am.

Hoping to post more often, however April is looking beautifully busy!!