Some things have happened all around me.  I won’t be a Wendy Whiner here because I really dislike seeing on various blogs the “Dear Diary, all things have gone to crap,” mentality.    I have  I have to wonder if I’m being prepared for something larger than I’ve yet imagined with all the discourse?  I have to put these things in perspective.    I know that constant and continued anxiety and stress just compromise the immune system.   I need all the strength and health as I travel to Africa.   I try to remain strong then one of my Ugandan friends reminds me of a life that isn’t ideal, and I’m humbled down.  I am selfish.   As I’m packing for Uganda,  I am down to the bare necessities, not only in my packing but in my thoughts, in my life and compromising everything but my God, my family and my integrity.   Those are what I have left that I can depend on.

I have this opportunity that isn’t offered to many people, and I need to seize it right now and get into the best mind-frame.  With daggers coming at me from every angle, it has been a little challenging and emotional.  There are little souls out there that I might reach.

Africa, am I ready for you?   Have I been thrashed about through life enough to be able to learn what you have to teach me now?  Is my heart open and ready for all it will receive?   Have I been strengthened enough?  God, I know you are listening.   I’m ready.

Perhaps all of you remember one of my favorite childhood movies, “The Jungle Book” and the laid back Baloo the bear’s eternal wisdom:

“So just try and… relax. Yeah. Cool it. Fall apart in my backyard. ‘Cause let me tell you something, little britches: if you act like that bee at… Uh-uh. You’re working too hard. And don’t spend your time lookin’ around for something you want that can’t be found…”

“When you find out you can live without it / And go along not thinking about it / I’ll tell you something true / The bare necessities of life will come to you.”