It's down to the last 4 hours in Vancouver before we head to Rwanda! I can't describe my excitement!
How do I feel?
Obviously excited, a bit homesick (yes already)... Actually I don't really know what to expect, which is really unusual for me since I really like things planned and organized so I know exactly what will happen and what I will be experiencing. This time, I am learning to be flexible and open to experience, and yet I have a strange sense of peace.
What are my goals?
I am very blessed to be able to experience and learn from a new culture. I know the people in Rwanda will teach me very important life lessons, and just hearing their stories will give me a new perspective in life. I am also excited to be involved in a long term project, in which we will be collaborating with 12 local Rwandan students to conduct baseline nutritional research. As most of you know, I don't have a lot of experience in research, so I feel extremely excited to be learning through experience... an eye opener for sure. I hope through this trip and experience, my eyes will be opened and am looking to see if this could be a possible career path.
What are my fears/worries?
Most of you know, I worry a lot because I like to know what is going to happen so I can adequately prepare myself. However, I have a great sense of peace that I know comes only from Him. But here are a few fears/worries I have- some are funny and others not so much.
- I'm really scared of bugs!!!! I will be inspecting my room every night before I sleep to make sure I am not sleeping with any of them... don't laugh, bugs scare me!
- Will 6 weeks be enough for the research and also for us to understand the needs of the community?
- Will I be so attached that I don't want to leave?
- Will the research that is collected make a difference and will it be effectively used for a long-term solution?
Those are just a few for now...
Who am I when I come home?
Hmmms, when we were asked this question in one of our pre-departure sessions, I was quite hesitant to predict how much I would be changed because change can sometimes be subtle, and I know it will take some time for me to digest and reflect on everything that I will be experiencing in Rwanda. However, I do hope to become a more aware individual, more compassionate, loving, and learning how to meet others' needs and care for others in a meaningful manner. In the end, I will still be me, but hopefully grow through this experience.
I will miss you all very much! Thank you for all your support and encouragements! See you when I come home!
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