I lost over 12 lbs TODAY...

...in luggage weight that is! That is a HUGE accomplishment for me! I have spent the past few days packing and unpacking, just to take out one shirt or a pair of socks hoping that my suitcase would be 5 lbs lighter....finally it is! My one suitcase, hiking backpack and purse hold everything I will need for the next four months...hopefully.   Now, I hope that I am strong enough to lug them across the world to my new home in Port Elizabeth. 

The next time I write on here I will be in SOUTH AFRICA!!! What a crazy concept. 
I leave Tuesday morning (Feb. 1st) bright and early (6:01am..ugh).  I will hopefully be writing soon with stories to tell and pictures to show.

 Please pray for safe travels for me and the rest of my group. Thanks! See you in four months!!!

Inspiration for the Journey

~"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting ... thank God for it." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

~"I soon realize that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within." -Lillian Smith

17 days! Yikes.

Hi everyone.  This is where I will hopefully be frequently updating everyone with stories and pictures from my adventures as I travel to South Africa this semester.  I wanted to create this blog now so that I can check one thing off of my long and growing to-do list. :]

I cannot believe that I will actually be leaving my home, family, friends, CSB/SJU, my COUNTRY...in a short 17 days.  oh dear. I have soooo much to do before then. Yikes!! I better get a move on.

Anyway, hope you all have a wonderful time on your own adventures while I am gone.

Love,
A very excited Laura :]