Being so caught up in the finances of Africa 2012, the stress, preparation and thought that goes along with it; I forgot to take more time to look at more than the money. Last week, I was finishing up college, fundraising, housesitting for my parents, and wrapping up soccer. After my week last week of college was over until January 2013, I started to notice how much I was missing. I had to do a lot of goodbyes this week (some good and some bad); saying goodbye to some of the greatest friends I have ever made, saying goodbye to college and the thriving I get from being in the classroom, saying goodbye to studying and homework, saying goodbye to soccer (which has been there for me through the good times and bad), and starting to say goodbye to my former self. I knew that when I returned to the campus in January, I would be a different person.
When I got home to Grand Junction, I once again got into the flow of money. I was stressed; stressed that I wasn’t raising money fast enough and that all my dreams may come to a crashing halt. My dreams of Africa that only got closer everyday might slip away just when I was so close. I then started to express my concerns to my dad about my trip and how close I was and once again, he reminded me that it was only money. That God has all the money in the world and nothing so little would stop him. I had another wake up call, I shouldn’t worry so much, God always has everything in control. As I picked up my four year old brother from preschool on Thursday, he reminded me of how special time is, not money.
I told him, “Sam! I have a surprise for you when we get home.”
He excitedly said, “Don’t tell me what it is because it’s a surprise. And I have a surprise for you too. We can switch when we are home.”
So when we got home, I gave him his ‘gangster’ shirt that said, Best Brother in the Universe. I asked him where my surprise was and he said it was in Africa.
I said, “Uuuhhh… what is it?”
“Its an elephant, your favorite animal.”
“Thanks bud. I can’t wait to get it.”
Then he proceeded to beg me to take him with me, he could fit in my hiking pack, that it wasn’t a problem, and I could do it. I couldn’t help but have my heart break, just a little as he looked at me with those sad and pleading eyes. I had finally started to look past the money, concentrate on the people that I would miss, and the growing up that my niece and brother would do while I was away. The last moments my family would have with my grandma, that I would also miss. And the other moments I don’t know I have missed yet.
This may seem like a sad post to most of you, but I assure you that it is more than that. I have been so excited about the opportunity I will be having and how much we will do in Africa. I have never been good at goodbyes and treasuring time and I think that is important. It is important to say your proper goodbyes and treasure the people you have that will miss you. I want to thank all the people who have gotten me to this point and thank them for missing me while I am gone. It helps me realize that I am not alone, that I have people who love, support, and cherish me.
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