Getting Ready, Getting Prepared

I am getting ready to leave, preparing myself to leave home for several months. I don't know if I can ever fully prepare myself for heading out away from family and friends because of course I will miss them. Right now I am definitely going through withdrawal; every time I leave home for a long period of time my body/mind goes through the motions. I try to make sure I haven't forgotten anyone, tried to make sure I have visited with as many people as possible but I am sure somewhere down the line I have forgotten someone. 

I have had my suitcases out for weeks, slowly throwing things in them which I know I will need. Probably over thinking the packing as well. At times I just think to myself, "Why can't I just pack one small bag throw in a few clothing items and let the rest be history." Plenty of people do it, just pick up and go. What a freeing thing that is - to just leave with only the clothes on your back. Something I would love to accomplish one day, one day. 

I am so ready to be in Dublin. I know this summer will look very different from last summer but I have no doubts about it. I am excited, excited to see the possibilities of what is to come. This summer I will live in the church owned flat, nicknamed number 5, with Christy Rodriguez (she has previously interned at Abbey for almost 2 years) and Alex Peebles (a student at Auburn University). To be honest I don't know what to expect, I just know this summer will be a lot different. Knowing this does make me a little nervous, but I know through my nervousness God is calling on me to Trust him, something I constantly struggle and he constantly challenges me with. When I trust him, there is no reason for me to be afraid because he will take care of me, I am his daughter, you are his daughter or son! Previously we thought there would be a few more girls living in the flat but things changed and even though we will be short staffed I know we can get everything we need to accomplish completed! 

What the summer holds:

*Abbey Arts Festival

*Bible study with church members, we will be reading Blue Like Jazz

*Getting active in the community; we will be volunteering at local homeless shelters and youth clubs

*Opening the church up for visitors, called Open Abbey