1. Countdown until departure for South Africa: 3 days

Hey everyone! By now I'm sure you all know I am studying abroad in South Africa for the entire semester of Spring 2010. I am studying abroad through Azusa Pacific University and I will be a traveling with a group of 50 people. It is the biggest group yet that has gone! The most common question I have been asked is, "Why Africa???" And my answer is South Africa has interested me since there was a video preview of this study abroad program that was displayed in one of our chapel services at school at the end of my freshmen year. In the video, it showed students who had previously been on the trip and how much it changed their lives. Something just hit me after watching that video and it amazed me how students had been transformed inside and out by this trip and how God revealed so much to them and it attracted me. I have known that I had wanted to travel abroad somewhere but I figured it would have been something that follows my major, International Business or my minor, Spanish. But things went a different route for me. All summer it was on my mind and I decided to apply and leave it up to God as to whether I would be accepted or not. I remember praying about it and it was constantly on my mind. Next thing you know, I was accepted! So, that's my story of how God opened this door for me.

I created this blog because I want YOU, my family, and friends to be able to follow me on this journey : )... I am so blessed to be going to this amazing place and I want to share every little detail with all of you. If it wasn't for all of your love and support I do not know where I would be. I thank God for placing every single one of you in my life. So I hope you follow my blog, leave comments, questions, etc!

I am currently packing and let me tell you, it is very difficult! Oofta! But this is just the hard part. Wait, I lied. The hardest part and the thing I am dreading most is the plane ride! I believe it is 23+ hours... yikes! But it is all part of the experience, right? That is what I keep telling myself..haha.

For whom it may concern, here is our Itinerary for our trip out there:

United Airlines- Flight 324

Depart LAX- 6:00 AM

Arrive Dulles (Washington D.C.)- 1:55 PM

South African Airways- Flight 208

Depart Dulles- 5:40 PM

Arrive in Johannesburg- 6:20 PM (January 22)

Alright, well I will be leaving posts as often as I can! This is just the beginning everyone!! I cannot wait!!

Prayer Requests:

To prepare my heart and mind and to fully accept this new chapter of my life. Help me to not hold anything back from up to this point.