Official

Flights are officially booked! Mercy Ships gave a couple suggestions of travel agencies to use so I decided to do that rather than try to book flights on my own. There is something that makes it all feel so finalized when you see those confirmed flights. A feeling of no turning back. A feeling of reality setting in and a feeling of excitement!

I will leave on August 10th from New York to Paris which will be about 7.5 hrs. and then from Paris directly to Madagascar which will take about 10.5 hrs. The traveling doesn't stop there though. Once I arrive in Madagascar I will stay over night and the next day take an 8 hr. bus ride to the actual ship. I will basically be traveling for 2 days which I'm sure will be incredibly exhausting but all worth it in the end!

One of the craziest things about this trip is that I found out that one of my friends that I went to nursing school with is actually volunteering with Mercy Ships at the same exact time! We could have never planned this if we tried and we both had to agree that it was all part of God's timing and plan. We won't be flying together but hopefully we will be able to meet up for the 8 hr. bus ride.  

In these past weeks I have also started the process of packing. I mean where does one even begin to start packing for 3 months in a foreign country?!? I was getting worried about it but I already did some shopping for clothes, toiletries, luggage etc. and feel so much more relieved about actually starting to pack and getting myself together.

The goodbyes are slowly starting to begin with friends and some co-workers which of course is so very bittersweet. It makes me think that the goodbyes aren't going to get any easier the closer I get to my departure date. However, as I say goodbye I feel so encouraged from all the support I'm receiving that I actually feel at peace. I'm at peace knowing that the time apart will be short and that it is more like "see you later" and not so much like a final "goodbye."

Believe me when I think about certain aspects of this trip like packing, not eating pizza, being out of my comfort zone and the amount of insects, spiders, beetles and flies I'm about to encounter I get worried. The what if's and the questions surface. In general though I'm quiet calm about this adventure.

Perhaps it's the calm before the storm. Maybe I'm completely unaware of what I have gotten myself into. I believe that this inner peace is ultimately from God who I know so wisely and lovingly opened this door for me and promised to walk with me wherever I go as long as I keep my eyes fixed on Him. The author, perfecter and finisher of my faith.

Much love and thanks for reading!

Deborah



 Although I am currently serving with Mercy Ships, everything communicated here strictly reflects my personal opinions and is neither reviewed nor endorsed by Mercy Ships. Opinions, conclusions and other information expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercy Ships