In less than one week, I will be in Mexico. It seems hard to believe that in a few short days I'll be living thousands of miles away from family and friends who I won't see face to face for months. As I try to wrap my mind around this idea, I'm also reminded of the ever-present question that's been running through my mind for the past few weeks: what does it mean to prepare for a year in Mexico?
Physically, I suppose it means getting immunizations, clothes, a visa, and other necessities. But what does it mean emotionally? socially? spiritually? Lately, I've felt a bit like a swinging pendulum--vascillating between intentionally journaling and talking with others about future expectations, fears, hopes, and prayers and focusing on being present where I'm at and who I'm with because I have no idea how to prepare for such a trip so maybe it's best to let what happens happen and to work through things as they come up. In reality, I think it would be best to find some sort of compromise between these to polarities but must admit that, try as I might, I'm not sure if I've been able to achieve this.
I'm so very excited to begin work with Back2Back. I can't help but smile at the thought of meeting the kids I'll be serving, getting to be a part of Back2Back's staff team, and meeting God in new ways through this adventure. I'm confident that I will be delighted often, grow immensely, and have an incredible experience. While newness and change always come with anxiety, it's comforting to know that I'm not alone. I'm surrounded by caring staff, praying and supportive friends and family in the States, and protected by God himself. I don't doubt that hard moments and days will come, but I know that these will not be in vain. They will be used for a beautiful purpose that I may not understand but can be confident exists.
So here we go! Off to an unknown journey that promises to be all sorts of an adventure! :)
