A little piece of gold

I feel like such a nerd, sometimes, getting so excited about each step along this process.  But, you know, it IS exciting.  And, I AM allowed to feel what I feel.  Plus, I am a cute nerd, so I think it helps my cause. ;)

This evening, my fellow volunteers and I had our first conference call, along with Friends Volunteer Coordinator and a past Honduras volunteer.  It was cool to just chat about different aspects of NPH and get more of our questions answered.  Having the past volunteer on the phone to speak from personal experience is like a tiny window into what our lives will be like when we begin our year.  Each volunteers' experience and journey is uniquely theirs, but from the outside looking in and not knowing anything than what I already know, ANY new piece of info is like gold.

I am finally in MN visting my mom, where I will be for longer than just a week.  Don't get me wrong, it has been so amazing, and I have cherished every moment that I have had so far with my family and friends.  But, since the beginning of September, I really haven't had one place that I can really settle and relax.  I can't wait to be in Honduras because I will be in ONE place for a whole year.  Oh, how nice that will be!

Of course, with all of this comes the realization that at the end of this month here with my Momma... things will move quick and my life will really change.  But, for now, I am trying to focus on the present and enjoy this amazing time that I do get (or have gotten) with my amazing family and friends.

And, because blogs are more interesting with pictures, I thought I would show you what I look like really excited:

:) Peace and Love.

Emails, blogs, questions...

I feel like all I have done the past few months in regards to NPH is send emails, respond to emails, read other volunteer blogs and ask a TON of questions.

So far the people that I have been interacting with have been some of the most patient people in the world.  Seriously.  They are all trying to live their lives and do their jobs, and here I am continuing to pop up in their inboxes.  I am just at this point where I want to get things started, but I cannot, so I read everything and ask all of the crazy questions (well, not ALL are crazy... there are some important ones, too) to immerse myself in a world that I haven't even entered yet.  :)  It's funny what you do when you are in arms reach of something you have been waiting for!  So, if any of you read this... THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

When I first started researching NPH (way back in March/April), I was given a few current/past volunteer blogs and emails to get some inside perspective of NPH life.  One blog that was just so entertaining, fun and honest was that of volunteer Carrie Daut (she was the Home Correspondent for the Guatemala home).  I was so enthralled with her stories, Guatemala is now on the list of places that I have to visit.  Because of her blog, and answering some of my questions, she really helped me during my decision making process before I applied.  I just found out that she has accepted a job with NPH and will be working in... you guessed it! Honduras! :)  It's the little things, really.  Even though we don't know each other, in some way it just feels like I will kind of know someone when I arrive on the Ranch in January.

See, everything is just getting so exciting!  I pray that I will be able to stay focused on the excitement, especially as I continue to say goodbye to family and friends.  AND, focus on the warm weather that will await me. :)

Oh, were you curious about The List?  Don't worry... it's actually pretty much all checked off.  Phew! :)

Meeting New People

This week I have met, through email, the 4 other volunteers that I will be starting with in January.  SO EXCITING!! :)

Again, it just makes it so much more real.  And, it's fun to get to know the people that I will be spending 13 months of my life with.  All different people, different backgrounds, different stories... all coming together to serve the kiddos.  It's really awesome.  No matter what, we already have something big in common... maybe we can just revert to that when we have those awkward moments when no one knows what to say next.  Well, maybe not.  Do you realize who you are dealing with?  I can hold a conversation with a tree! :)

Interestingly, though, in the mini intros we all did, not one person mentioned if they were Catholic (or even Christian/have a faith with God/etc.  And, yes, there is a way to bring this up without being just outright about it and awkward, however that does get the job done. But, I digress...)  Now, this may not be that big of a deal to anyone, really... BUT, it should be to me.  I didn't even mention it.  I.  Me.  Hello!  Let's be real, my faith and my relationship with God is what has gotten me into this craziness in the first place.  It should be at the TOP of my list of things to say about me as to why I am doing it.  There could be a few things as to why I didn't... 1) being self-conscious and worried about being judged, 2) not wanting to come across as 'holier than thou' or something, 3) maybe it just didn't come to my mind.

Huh, well any of those are just kind of crappy.  How many times have I said in my posts already that I believe this is God's call for me and I truly believe I am following His will?!  A TON (I know!).  And I am proud of it, I really am.  It's almost as if by not mentioning it (specifically, choosing to NOT mention it) then I have denied Him or did not stand up for Him.  And, that breaks my heart.  I am not perfect by any means, but I would never want to deny or not stand up for Him, who is everything in my life.

Well, these are some intense things to ponder and bring to prayer.  If you are saying some prayers, maybe just add in an extra (or more) one for me so that I can work through this and, in general, as I continue with this process.  Thank you... and I will pray for you!

Love and Hugs.

PS. I went a little parenthesis happy... I will work on it! ;)

I BOOKED MY FLIGHT TODAY!!!!

I leave December 10.  Let the nerves begin...

The end.