Flexible

Warning to all those Africa bound. Did you check mark ‘yes’ on a questionnaire that asked if you were flexible? If so you may be in for a shocker, maybe there has been some sort of miscommunication, so let me clear things up for you a bit. When they ask the question “Are you flexible?” they mean something very different from what you might expect. They don’t mean the kind of flexible that allows you to touch your finger tips to your toes, No, not even the kind of flexible that allows you to adjust your meeting schedule from 5pm to 6pm. There is a different kind of flexible that they talk about when you’re in Africa…the kind of flexible that says two to six complete strangers can move into my home for an indefinite period of time because they need a place to stay. The kind of flexible that says, that meeting that we had scheduled today is okay to postpone until the morning I have present on the results. Yes, this is what African flexibility really is. Now, you might think that sounds difficult, but there are perks to this new found flexibility. I am currently learning a new aspect of flexibility, the kind that says, hey, this report doesn’t have to be perfect; I don’t have to know it all. Wonderful huh? Accept for the sad reality that my Corporate American mind is struggling to allow me to accept this new flexibility. I am learning to be okay with knowing what I know, and not stressing about the other stuff. There is a guy working on all of our I.T. right now and it is a mess. I asked him this morning if he was daily experiencing stress and he responded, “no, not really. I just do what I know how to do and decide not to worry about the rest.” I couldn’t really understand. I just sat there looking at him as though he had just said something strangely offensive and strangely wonderful as well. His reasoning was so simple it must have been wrong…or was it? I am working on American time here and everyone around me is telling me to chill out. I am experiencing so much overwhelming stress over these dang grant proposals…combine that with computers being shared by at least two to three different people, unpredictable Internet access, and viruses and I am just a mess. But you know what? It doesn’t matter! I can only do as much as I can do, and that is the truth. I just need to be flexible with life. It’s a crazy fun adventure and if I keep telling myself this over and over…haha…just kidding!

New news about Zambia. I will be living in Luanshya, Zambia, in the Copperbelt Region. It is okay if you don’t know what that means, I don’t either! ;) I will be staying in a house next door to Pastor Jacob, his wife Annie and their little girls. Pastor Jacob is one of the main leaders of most of the Zambia projects and an amazing man. I am really excited to get there and get to know them better! I have also heard that close to Christmas some of the people I have grown to know and love here will be making their way to Zambia for a vacation. I was nervous about the holidays but I think they are going to be amazing and am very thankful for that! God just keeps taking care of me and I feel blessed when I recognize all He is doing!

Another friend left me today. Ginna - love forever!! But I found myself having a pity party and failing to recognize all those around me who are friends as well. Yeah, it takes work, but that shouldn't minimize the relationships God has put into my life. pray that my attitude would change, that my heart would grow out of myself and into someone else!

10 days to departure for Zimbabwe...I can't wait! (no, i'm not changing my plans for Zimbabwe, that is just the first stop :)