My Sincerest Apologies

Friends!

Life has been so busy with YAGM Orientation in Chicago and a week of being in limbo while our housing in Hertfordshire gets ready that I have not had time, or an internet connection, to update my blog. Since I last wrote, I flew to Chicago with my life packed in a few (one too many) bags. Orientation in Chicago was a lot of fun, but also a serious time of reflection and preparation for what is to come. I was surprised to find that, despite my pessimism, my fellow Young Adults in Global Mission and I began to create our own community in such a short time. By the end of the week, I was sad to say goodbye to everyone before leaving on a jet plane.

After an eight hour flight, of which I did not sleep, Angie, Britney, Emily, Erin and I safely arrived at the Heathrow airport and were met with smiling faces to whisk us away to our destinations. With a six hour time difference, our first Thursday in England was a blur, but we managed to stay up and get into a normal routine. Erin and I have spent the past four or so days taking buses into London to explore before the real work begins. I will make sure to update everyone as we settle into Potters Bar and our new routines for the year. I can't believe how fast time flies!

In Him,

Alyssa

Seeing as I am unable to post every picture I have taken, here's a snapshot of my London experience thus far. Enjoy! :)

Saying Goodbye

These past few days have been filled with family, friends, and lots of packing. On Saturday, I was serenaded by my friend Katie while in the Ikea parking lot. After pulling her guitar from the trunk of her car, she sang me John Denver's "Leaving on a Jet Plane". We finished the night hanging out with my friend Bill, visiting from Idaho, and his friend Joe. I would include a picture of the aforementioned serenade, but the pictures are on Katie's camera.

Sunday was my family "Bon Voyage" party at Grandma Suppes' assisted living apartment, complete with a barbecue chicken pizza and Dairy Queen ice cream cake. (Again, a picture was taken, but not on my camera.) It was a nice time to clear up any questions about what I'll be doing next year and where I'll be, even though I had to keep repeating myself as new family members came in. Hopefully I won't have to wait a whole year to see my family again, but that some of them may be able to visit! We'll see what happens.

Monday I said my goodbye's at camp and finished the day in Owatonna, visiting my friend Sara. After eating lunch with Jessie and Kari at The Blue Door, I am officially out of time for any further goodbye's and only have a few more hours until takeoff. This entire process of getting ready for a year abroad has been so exhausting, making me really excited to just get on the plane already.

In the meantime, Elise, Bailee, Mom and I are spending the evening watching The Office as I prepare to leave and Elise recovers from her oral surgery. I have more stories to tell and pictures to share, but they'll just have to wait. Only a few more hours in Minnesota! Peace out.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Crunch Time

Blessings to you on this beautiful Thursday!

SIX days until my flight to Chicago! I spent last week at camp, counseling with my good friend Emily, and then elected to spend this week at home, preparing for departure. As I type, there are forty-nine other YAGM's around the globe who are all trying to tie up loose ends and get ready for the adventure we're about to embark upon. So exciting!

After eating my last Chipotle burrito bowl, I felt that now would be a good time to finally update my blog. I have been so busy this week running errands and getting my bags set. I would, most importantly, like to thank my friends Katie and Megan, both world travelers, who helped me pack. This past Tuesday night, we went through each piece of my wardrobe to decide what I should bring. Armed with their "Brilliant" and "Bullocks" cards, I am now confident in what I should pack for the next year of my life. It's crazy to believe that I won't be back and I don't think I've fully wrapped my head around the idea. Each time I do get nervous, however, I keep going back to Matthew 6:25-34 , knowing that God has everything covered and that I should just relax, which is easier said than done.

All worries aside, I am thankful for the supportive communities I have, at home, at church, at camp, and with my friends. I know that what I will be doing this year is not about me, but is beyond me and for a much bigger purpose. I just pray that I can be flexible and learn to take things as they come, again, easier said than done. 

To end this on a good note, I have included one of my favorite pictures of the summer. I will dearly miss my camp "community" at the end of the summer, but know that I have been richly blessed to have met such wonderful people this summer.

As the summer comes to a close, please lift up the travels and transitions of camp staff throughout the country. I know they could use your prayers.