I feel like I should write something since I am leaving tomorrow for my trip. I really haven't had any fear or concern at all about the trip...I have just been really exicted and at peace with all of it. But now that I am leaving tomorrow I am getting a little nervous.

I am always pretty shy at first and it is really hard for me to be myself immediately. It is really hard for me to be outgoing when I don't know anyone. So, that kind of makes me nervous. I just have to be courageous and not care what people think of me, I guess.

I can't wait to meet the people on the team and the people of Peru. I just want to be around them and learn from them and love them. I think it will be awesome to be in a constant community of people who love Jesus. Just to learn with them, pray with them, worship and laugh will be great. That is what I expect will happen at training camp in Georgia. Then after that we will be able to go be with the people of Peru. I want them to know God's grace and love so badly. I want them to feel cared for, and accepted, and valued and loved.
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I am taking less stuff on this trip than any one I have been on previously. I love that. It feels so good to just be living on the necessities for a while. I am so excited about living simply for a change.
Also, just leaving suburbia... and America is wonderful.

and summer begins...

summer has been wonderful so far. I feel like I have done so much in a couple of days. I have sewed (sewn?...i dunno) two skirts, which was sweet because I have never made my own clothes before. I have spent hours upon hours of making music. And running.

Today, some friends (and teachers...hah) of mine from school went mountain biking. That was incredible. New experiences really do cause happiness. We were near the dupage river and it was incredible amounts of fun....until my bike broke. The whole shifter snapped off when I went over a huge log. So, then I walked to my car. it sucked.
but, then I was tired and covered in mud and sweat and pissed because I broke my bike, so I just drove for a while. Of course I don't have much money for gas so I didn't drive for long. But, I love driving through country and trees with the windows open and music loud.

And, I found an awesome place to camp while biking. I have to bike there, but it is great...and close. So, I guess I will be camping this week... yes!