Three days and counting....

This morning I went to Starbucks with Jamie (suprising I know...:) ) and I was carrying my Russia bag that Brighid made for me. While I was standing in line this gentleman started speaking to me in a foreign language. I just stood there and looked at him with a very confused look on my face~I am sure. It took me a minute but I realized that he had just asked me if I spoke Russian. I was so thrown off that I couldnt even remember how to say no in Russian. I mean, nyet-how you say no-is not an extrememly difficult word or anything but I was taken off guard none the less. I can only hope that once I am in Russia that I will be ready for people to be speaking Russian and will be able to respond accordingly. Its just the beginning.....

Today I also got the final travel arrangements for my trip. Some of the women going to Russia didnt get their Visas for the correct dates and thus have to delay their trip by a few days. Fortunately Brighid and I are still leaving this Sunday. We will be flying out of LA to London where we will stay overnight. On Tuesday morning we will leave London and fly to St. Petersburg. At the airport our school administrator will be waiting for us and will drive us 300 miles to Vologda. Hence, I will be arriving at my final destination Tuesday night....Tuesday day your time. (There is an 8 hour difference for those of you EST time zoners.) Gosh, its really happening.

I just cannot seem to grasp that I am actually leaving. It probably wont hit me until sometime next week when I am unpacking in Russia. I still feel like I should be heading back to Michigan to go to school and watch Michigan football and see all my friends and family. However, life is changing and my friends are all starting their new lives too, and I am really going to be in Russia. I dont feel old enough to do this, but I guess I am. Do you ever actually feel 'old enough' to do any of these adult things in life? I think its probably supposed to feel this way. It makes me have to trust God more. I have to have faith that he will pull me through. And I do, but I need practice. One step at a time.

Its easier to take these steps when I have all of you behind me. Thanks again for your love and encouragement, for your notes and packages, for your prayers and financial blessings. I have been so blessed to have family like you, friends like you, a church like you. I dont take any of you for granted. You are constantly in my heart. Always.