Saturday, February 21, 2009

The Begining

I can not say thank you enough to all of my family and friends who came to see me or called me right before I left. You have no idea how much it means to have all of your support and prayers. I have my scrapbook that Amanda put together and have already bragged to everyone in the group about the letters and pictures from everyone. I will have that to look at when ever I need something to brighten my day. I typed this next part in the airport when I didn't have internet so I am going to attach it ...

I am now sitting in the JFK airport getting ready to get on the plane. I do have my People Magazine for the 18 hour plane ride!! I never really thought this day would come but here I am getting ready for my first international flight. I love the group and I can easily see how we are already becoming a close family I am looking forward to some more time to get to know each person a little more. I will say after talking to alot of the volunteers I found out what a great recruiter I have. Amy did so much to help me though the process listening to everyone’s stories I realize how much she did for me and how I may not gotten through this process with out her. She seriously is the BEST recruiter ever!!!! We are about to get on the plane so this is pretty short but I will let you know that everything has worked out for the best …. My luggage rolls better with out the handle, my laptop turned on once I took the battery out, and my blisters on my heels are not a problem J

Things Accomplished Today

1. Laptop Fixed

2. Yellowfever Shot

3. 1st Malaria pill of MANY

4. Saw the statue of liberty and NY for the first time

5. 1st international flight!!!!

There are two Gators representing and preparing to spread the GatorNation to Namibia. I have already made my football friend and we have made a wager ... when FL wins he will wear a Gator shirt and when Texas wins I will wear something Texas (so whenever FL and Texas play each other whether it be golf, swimming, volleyball, tennis, basketball only tell me if we win!!) We landed in Johannesburg after the rainstorm. I stepped off the plane to the smell of fresh rain in on the hot asphalt, it was a reminder of home.

We are spending the night in a beautiful hotel where there happened to be not one but three weddings (it was like a three-in-one) if you know me you know how much I love weddings so I waited downstairs to see the brides get out of the limo. Watching all the guests come in and stand around the brides and grooms was absolutely breathtaking I could not stop smiling as I looked at all their colors and designs. It was so modern and sophisticated while being traditional and trendy. I can barely being to describe the culture I saw just standing in the lobby of the hotel.

We are leaving for Namibia tomorrow and I don't think I will be able to write for a little while so I thought I would give you an update about what is going on. I will write as soon as I can.

Stay Safe and God Bless!!!

8 comments:

Absinthe said...

That's cool. Did you not go with us to Macy*s?

Amy said...

Hi Kim!! What a nice thing to say. I've had a tough day and reading your blog just made me feel loved! Give Peggy a huge hug for me too. For some reason, I can't post a comment on her blog. I know you ladies will make UF and everyone else proud. Take LOTS of pictures and enjoy all the sights, smells, sounds, and feelings you are encountering. We want to live vicariously through you! =) Love, Amy

Leslie said...

I am so excited for you and I can't wait to hear more stories! Love you, Leslie and Michael

Jen Soko said...

Love love you Kimmie and look forward to experiencing this journey with you (through your post!!)

Safe travels!
Jen

Life Moments said...

I already love reading your blog! Have fun and put up lots of pics!

Charlotte said...

Kim!! I'm so glad you have had a good trip so far. I LOVE reading your blog, keep it up. Hope you have a safe trip to Namibia and an easy time getting settled in. Let me know if there is anything I can send you!

xoxo, Charlotte

Melissa said...

Kim I am so excited for you and glad to hear that you made it to Africa safe. It seems like you have made some really good friends already. Leave it to you to find a football friend already. I am excited to read your future blogs. Stay safe and God Bless. Love ya, Melissa

Unknown said...

Hey Kimmie,

It's you "brother" David...I'm glad to hear all is well. We're keeping an eye on Mom for ya while you're gone.

It's always a pleasure to get good news about what's going on with you there in Nimibia...

Take care and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love your "brother",
David