Departure date: July 12

In less than 1 month I will be boarding a plane and begin my year in Maputo, Mozambique! Luckily I love long flights, minus the elephantitis of the feet that I seem to get after a few hours, so I have no apprehension about hours in the air. I know what to expect on the flight- cramped quarters, food that I always seem to enjoy more than others, movies, naps, fun people-watching. However, when I step off the plane, I have very little idea what to expect. In India, we stepped off the plane and were immediately greeted with an odor only one who has been to India can understand. That odor became a lovely scent however, as I fell in love with India and I know regardless of the inconveniences I may experience in Mozambique, I will fall in love with the people there too. This is what I look forward to the most- meeting the people. The "unknown" is what makes me so excited right now and what forces my faith to grow.

Many people have asked if I'm ready to go. Well, I'm ready mentally but there are still some logistical things that must be taken care of. (ie- getting shots, getting my visa approved, packing, etc.) Since I last updated the blog I have been preparing in a number of ways:

1- I got to meet with Barbosa, Sinara, and Rafael! This is a missionary family living in Maputo who I am guessing will become like a second family. Barbosa is the "head missionary" in Mozambique- I don't quite have all the missionary jargon down quite yet so I don't know his official title. It was amazing that this Brazilian family would happen to be coming to the states this summer and just happen to have their home church located a few minutes away from my home. For you Christy Miller fans, I would label this a "God-thing." My parents and I were able to hear them speak at their home church and then they came to our home and answered my numerous questions. I realize that I don't ask as many questions as I probably should- there is still much left in the area of the "unknown" because I simply don't think to ask:) I was however incredibly relieved to learn that where I will be staying is in a safe area that is near the beach- so close I can run to it! Running is a stress-reliever for me, and although I will desperately miss my running partner, I can still have a place to run and vent and pray. Sinara is incredibly sweet and will help me with my Portuguese. She also informed me that Madalena, the missionary I will be staying with, is an amazing cook! No Hot Pockets necessary:)

2. Another major way I have prepared for the journey is by killing spiders. Usually I jump and scream and get someone else to kill the creepy critters for me. Now however, knowing I will deal with beasts more frightening than our little spiders, when I do see one, I hold my scream in and get a shoe...It's been a big step for me.

3. Last weekend was an amazing time of preparation as my amazing family came together for a "sending off" bbq and time of blessing. I have never felt so encouraged by my family and so blessed by God. As I ate my burger, surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, and loved ones, I felt overwhelmed by how blessed I truly am. I was reminded of David's prayer after he became king, Saul was defeated, and the ark of the covenant was home. In 2 Samuel 7:8 David said, "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?...How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you and there is no God but you.." I am not trying to liken myself to the famous, beloved king and man after God's own heart, but I do feel the same immense gratitude David felt. God showered me with blessings through my family and I give Him all the praise for it.

4. Una menina embaixo de uma mesa. Translation: A girl is under a table.
As meninas estao correndo atras do menino. Translation: The girls run after the boy.
O peixe esta nadando. A ave esta voando. Translation: The fish swims. The bird flies.
I think I should be able to get by with these four phrases, don't you? Now that the school year is over, I am finally able to concentrate more on my Portuguese lessons. It's fun to learn but I still kind of wish God would do a "Matrix-like intervention" and program the language into my brain. If Keanu Reeves can do it, why can't I?

5. The airplane ticket for Maputo has been purchased! The amazing Tammy Upton worked with a travel agent who specializes in helping missionaries find the best deal and I was able to find a "somewhat reasonable" ticket price. For the curious, it cost a little more than $1,300 which may sound outrageous but was actually an amazing deal. I will be leaving on July 12, have a long layover in London and then travel onto South Africa and then Mozambique.

6. Sixth way I have prepared: I bought a purse that makes me look "tough" so pick-pocketers will think twice about messing with the confused looking American. I realise that purses are not usually described as "tough" but when I wear it, it kind of looks like I'm carrying a machine gun:) I don't know why I typed a smiley face after that. Apparently, I won't use it much anyways since I'm not supposed to bring a purse to town, but I'll need it to travel.

7. I've collected all the bright orange sheets of paper all my supporters sent into OC and have put you on my e-mailing list. Expect a letter from OC soon- they made the mistake of sending me the letters and I happen to be crowned "Queen of procrastination." My goal is to send them out by Tuesday- there I said a date to give myself some pressure. Along with the info from OC, you'll receive a picture of me (no not a glamour shot) along with Barbosa, Sinara and Rafael. So make room on your fridge- every time you reach for the milk, I hope you think of me and pray.

8. My final act of preparation has been working with my church, Friends Community. Last week I was able to meet with the Missions committee and then today I was able to share in both services and be commissioned. It feels so amazing to be so supported by my church family- to know that people who I may have never even met will be praying for me is so incredible. I am truly blessed. It was so neat to meet people after the service who are so supportive and kind.

If you read this blog consistently, you will soon discover that I am an avid list-maker. It's how I organize my thoughts. Did anyone notice, I finally discovered how to change the font? I figured my aunts probably have eyesight like my mom and may need a larger font:) I really appreciate that you are interested in what is happening in Mozambique and am incredibly thankful for your support.

Blessings!

Katie