"Wait, there must be more to it than just deciding to go Botswana on a whim," she said. Well, the truth is, it was pretty random. I was all set to apply for a program in Europe when I had these couple days where I wrestled constantly with this pull toward Africa. I have this one chance I kept thinking, one chance to be anywhere in the world for a semester. And that was it, I had made up my mind to go to Africa. You see, I'm on this streak in life where I want to be anything but ordinary and jumping on a flight to a third world country seemed the way to do it. As far as Botswana itself, I basically chose it because the program looked practical, interesting, and Botswana is stable and known for friendly people. Why not?
Since these initial decisions, everything has become a lot more real. Now a country I know very little about is going to be my home for 3 1/2 months. Still, I have this theory that most of life is chance and random decisions anyway. Since there is no predicting anything, my random choice is probably just as good as any other country I could have chosen. So how do I feel as I get ready? What are my hopes?
My two biggest concerns are getting along with everyone (or maybe everyone getting along with each other) and the independent study project that takes up the last month of the program. I'm an extrovert and when I'm upset I feel better by talking to people. I need that release! And the ISP (independent study project) intimidates me because I've never done a project this big and not to mention in SCIENCE. I'll let you know in Nov-Dec if I'm surviving.
My hope for this trip is that I see another way of life and learn to thrive in another culture. I also hope I can continue the introspection about America that I began in India this summer. I pray that this experience will also shine light on God in new ways for me-- that I will learn from the people and the land and see God with fresh eyes. I hope that I will come back more confident, more wise, and more ready to change the world someday. Bring it on, Africa!
In less than 48 hours I will be on my way... maybe I should pack...
