I have been absent from this site for almost a month now.  It seems most of my spare moments recently are either spent sleeping or in full zone-out, crash mode.  The daily routine has grinded down my energy and I have started to feel a little like a tired mouse on a wheel.  Running and running, never going anywhere, but can’t stop the motion…

Until an idea came to me.  For months now I have been considering how I can get involved in more things that will encourage, uplift, and help other people.  How can I see more of the world doing this?  How can I test and improve myself so that I break the redundant motion of the wheel?  How can I refresh and renew my spirit?  And then it came to me, a volunteer vacation might be just the ticket.  After much consideration and prayer over the last few months I have determined that my answer lies somewhere in the heart of Africa.

Yes, I know – a little risky, actually quite a bit risky.  Thinking about the disease, the poverty, the crime, the war, the sadness, the hunger of the people of Africa is a daunting challenge for me to wrap my little mind around.  I definitely have concerns about my well-being and safety.  There’s also a financial issue involved – it’s not necessarily cheap to help people in a third world country.  However, despite these seemingly insurmountable odds, I can’t help but think about the possibility that by me taking a risk and sacrificing finances and comfort, that God may use me in incredible ways there.  I can’t help but think about, if I don’t take this opportunity now while I’m young and unattached, what regret will fill my heart.

I have been reading up on Africa and researching the history, politics, and any other random information that may prove useful on this journey.  The more I read, the more I realize how difficult this journey may be.  And while some have thought that I’m a little crazy for wanting to put myself in the middle of known dangers, I came across the following excerpt in a book that I thought to be the best summary of my thoughts and feelings about this trip and for that matter life in general:

“At times like this in life I usually found myself asking why. Why do people do this? Why do we invite trials, frustrations, and discomfort? Why do we intentionally put ourselves in situations that we know will push us beyond where we like to be pushed, to places we know will be tough?

Maybe, I finally resolved, there isn’t one simple answer, just a longing to be tested and proven.  A desire to know that we can overcome whatever obstacle we may be forced to face.  It is only when we are pushed past our self-perceived limits that we are able to clearly see our truest nature, discover our deepest selves, only then can we hope to improve upon what we find.  To do so is neither safe nor comfortable, it is both dangerous and scary.  But we warriors at heart were meant to live dangerously.”

~Erik Mirandette from The Only Road North

So while there is still more to learn and plan before visiting this mysterious center of the world I do hope that if I do manage to coordinate a trip that God will keep me safe and use my time there for His will.  That I will not only have the time of my life, but that I will improve upon myself while helping improve others’ lives.  Even the smallest things can become the biggest miracles for some.  I will continue to post developments about this ongoing adventure…

Okay so its been a few weeks since I posted last.  It has been a busy, busy few weeks.  I’ll catch you up on the happenings of my life with brief summaries… more detail to follow.

TSO performance – I went with my mother to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.  I enjoyed the show and realized that the stage was just as much one of the performers as each musician was.  The lightshow and stage movement work was amazing.  I think my mother enjoyed herself too and that’s the best thing.  I always enjoy my time with her.

Annie visit – Over Thanksgiving I kept Annie, one of my best friend’s dog.  She is the cutest Boston Terrier and was great visitor to have.  Very well behaved and I can’t complain.  My house actually felt a little empty after she left.

Grandma’s for dinner – I spent Thanksgiving Day with the people I love the most.  I had dinner at my grandmother’s house along with my aunt, uncle, mother, and boyfriend.  It was a nice day, wonderful weather, and allowed an opportunity to stop for a brief minute to count my blessings.

Carolina/Clemson game – My boyfriend and I took in the rival game at my friends’ house, Nick and Esther.  All I can say is GO CLEMSON!!!!!!!!

Mom’s second Thanksgiving feast – Mom usually cooks for Thanksgiving and since this year we went to my grandmother’s she cooked a secondary Thanksgiving meal on the Sunday after.  She had already thawed the turkey when my grandmother invited us so it had to be cooked anyway.  But it was a lovely meal shared with the two of the most precious people in my life – my mother and boyfriend.

catch a cold – Two weeks ago I caught a cold that knocked me out of work for two half days.  I’d try to go in and then would have to go home.  Nasty, nasty cold.  But I stocked up on Vitamin C and Tylenol Cold and that seemed to do the trick.

Chicago travel – I got all better in time to travel to Chicago for a work conference.  The city was beautiful all decorated for Christmas and it SNOWED!!!!!!!!  I’ll write more about this soon.

Christmas shopping – I have started Christmas shopping.  I have just a few more things to purchase to finalize this years gifts. 

more petsitting – I have also now become a professional petsitter apparently.  I checked in on Phoebe, my godcat, who is owned by the wonderful pair Matt & Shea.  And then the following weekend I was responsible for checking in on a trio that belong to Nick & Esther… they are Dusty, Ally, and Roscoe.

So that’s been my last few weeks.  Along with working, it has been extremely busy.  I’m hoping it will calm down soon so I can think.  But the holidays are making that difficult.  Hopefully I’ll have more time to write again and more frequently soon.  I still need to make final comments on my California trip and now Chicago as well.  Stay tuned…