And then I couldn't move my arm ...

Today I went to the Travel Immunization Clinic to get all the shots I need to travel to Liberia. I had gone a few weeks before to get my yellow fever shot required for obtaining my work visa and my body withstood the shot relatively well. I didn't feel any dizziness, sickness or anything other than a little soreness a few days later. So I figured I would be good this time around. If I can withstand the YF shot then bring on the barrage of other "lesser" shots! ...so I thought ...

The alarm goes off at 7am and I roll out of bed thinking I should take a shower and do something with my rat's nest of hair. One shower down, hair washed and clean clothes assembled, I gather my stuff to go to Overland Park to get my shots. Truth be told, I've been excited about getting my shots for a week now. Call it a sick sense of adventure. After I put in minimal product and lightly curled my hari (practice for when I head overseas with no hair dryer, straightener or uber product) I hit the door and began my trek. Twenty minutes later I'm walking into the business building to the first door on the rights labeled "Travel Immunization Clinic." I was on time, praise the Lord.

I step into the African-esk, small office and immediately see the nurse who will be administering my shots. I wait for her to finish up some paperwork and then step into her office. I begin to tell her what I'm doing and where I'm going and what I needed ...she listened attentively and then asked for my shot history ...."My shot history?" I asked. Shoot I don't have it. In fact, I can't even remember the last time I had a shot other than the yellow fever.

So after what seemed like an hour of calling the parents, doctor offices and embarrassment, we decided on the following: Hep A & B, Typhoid, Tetnus and Diptheria, and Polio. That's 4 shots and one pill. Sweet. As I lifted up the sleeve of my shirt, the nurse began to administer the vaccines. I recieved the Polio shot on my left tricep where I had gotten the yellow fever shot and she informed me that there would be some bruising. Great, I already know what that will feel like. Then I recieved the TD shot in the shoulder muscle of my left arm. Two down, Two to go. I then recieve the Hep A & B shot in my right arm as the nurse informed me that it would be the worst. I experienced a slow burning sensation but overall it wasn't too bad. It was over.

After shooting the breeze for a while and getting some scripts for malaria and whatnot I headed out the door. My arms didn't feel too bad except my right arm where I recieved the Hep shots felt like Torrie sucker punched me. Thanks Tor.

It has been a few hours since my shot-extravaganza and my arms feel like 100lbs each and it's hard to lift them. I can't complain though since I got the day off from work!

A Dream Come True: Africa

Patience is tough but necessary. Patience has enabled me to be a part of something I could only dream of being a part. I'm going to Africa to be a part of a story that shows the transforming power of Christ and the amazing courage of one woman. Let me say this again ...I'm going to Africa!! Now this comes on the heels of some life goals that I've set for myself. This is a list of things I would like to accomplish in my life. I believe everyone should make a list of "life-goals" and seriously strive after them. Because I believe knowing what makes you come alive and what is your passion gives you purpose.

So here's my life goal list in no particular order:

1. Be an international photojournalist
2. Teaching and coaching high school soccer
3. Publish a book
4. Start a magazine
5. Open a coffee house
6. Have a family

There it is! Clearly, my list will ebb and flow and I hope to do each and every one. I know things will be add as I fine tune what my passions are throughout my life. But it's a list I like to keep in the back of my mind because it reminds me that life can be about more than one thing.

So patience is good and passion drives a person to understanding their purpose. That's what I've learned in the past few months since graduation. Hope you enjoyed processing through my life! And remember ..I'm going to Africa!

Big, Scary, Life Decisions

So today is a big day ...Today is the day that I make a big decision.

I'm not going to lie, I had trouble sleeping all night for fear of making the wrong decision. This all comes back to my trust issues. But today I'm going to stay true to my word and trust God for the results. I'm not sure what I'm going to say but what I do know is I'm going to be honest and truthful.

The hardest part about this situation is it feels very overwhelming. And I wish I could really work through this with my family but it so tough to talk to them without feeling the obligation to do what's easy (see post below). But what I find to be the most important thing is to have no regrets, do what makes me come alive, and be honest in all situations. So that's my goal for today.

Oh, it's going to be a good but tough day.