Yesterday began the three weeks leading up to departure we have class twice a week for three hours where will are beginning to prepare for what to expect and begin to finalize our projects while we are there. Thankfully I have all my research proposal already complete so I will continue to look in to the school that I will be working in as well as reading up on some articles pertaining to Senegal and their education system. My first glimpse of what I'm getting myself into is this picture below that is on the cover page of our class page....I'm in love already.

Then I went on to find....

Despite all of my recent emotions and highs and lows of the realization that I will be half way around the world in three very fast approaching weeks these pictures and talking about the situations and experiences we will be put in dissolve any hesitation at this point. The faces on these children show a happiness and a need, a need that I hope through my work and presence will some how be impacted. Although I am aware that much of my existence in the classrooms will be to observe and discover I CANNOT wait to interact, take pictures, and hand out the goodies I am preparing. From my mentor's previous experience she has given me these bits of advice: 1) you will want to pack the kids in your suitcase 2) you cannot adopt from this country 3) if you're emotional you will cry [that's a given] 4) all the kids will sworn you 5) they will chase your bus when you leave ** 6) They will LOVE their pictures being taken && be thrilled to see it immediately after you take it **7) They LOVE crayons, markers, pens, paper, nail polish, && and any other type of school supply because it is so expensive over there. ---- Oriental trading company here comes a large order I'm thinking!

Aside from the kiddos we have begun talking about the main focus of our trip and what the main goals are to focus on those being globalization and all that falls under it. We have begun to explore the definition and look at examples from around the wrong at how developing countries are suffering in all aspects and what consequences are occurring due to the impact of globalization. It is very eye opening, saddening, however is a call to action for me. It helps subside the anxieties I have been feeling and pushes me to keep praying and finding positivity to move me through this journey with an open mind. 

I am curious to see how the next couple class periods go and how they begin to move and effect me even more. There is an urgency and a calling for me to go and this is a beautiful reminder that I am following not only my heart but a life long dream and I am already so humbled and feeling very blessed by this opportunity.

I have started reading a devotional book every day and I swear that this book is a miracle worker, every day I wake up to an ah-inspiring message that navigates me through my day yesterday's were these:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." --Philippians 4:13 

For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.

-- Isaiah 41:13

This is perfect for me right now, for those close to me you know that I have been experiencing some pretty intense and high anxiety emotions, this for me is something to be expected and I have realized that without these emotions/fears/anxieties this trip would not be all that it is. This is a once in a life time opportunity.

Stay tuned for more Africa news, its here. It's real. It's pretty amazing!