A Worldwide Expedition

I was in REI for three hours yesterday making a wish list for graduation. First, I love REI, it has lots of stuff. Second, REI has LOTS of stuff. It was a little overwhelming. They have little trinkets that make you think about the situations that could possibly occur that would necessitate some of their devices. Like the survivor parachute cord bracelet. I guess having ten feet of cord on your wrist might come in handy somewhere… SoI got almost everything I should need scanned and on my wish list. But it was the conversations with staff members that impacted me. For example, while I was setting up the registry I had this discussion with the cashier:
 
“So, we categorize the registries. Where are you going?”
“Central America, Asia, and Africa.”
“Oh! So you’re going on a worldwide expedition!” 
(No that's too fancy, I'm just going to Central America and… Asia…. and…. Africa….. oh.)
“Yeah… I guess I am.”
 
For some reason worldwide expedition makes me think of Survivor.
 
Anyway, REI has been the only place where, when I tell people where I am going and what I’m doing, they are not surprised. Here are some comparisons:
 
Me:
“I’m going on a nine month trip to three continents.”
 
REI reactions:
“Sweet! My cousin went on a backpacking trek through Africa last summer.”
 
Or
 
“Oh! My brother hiked the Himalayas a couple weeks ago!”
 
Or
 
“This lady just got back from a pilgrimage through Spain.”
 
The rest of society’s reactions:
“What?! Are you serious?”
 
Or
 
“Do you realize that’s dangerous?”
 
Or
 
“There are LIONS in Africa.”
 
 Me:
“Yeah, I’m packing all my stuff for nine months in a backpack.”
 
REI reaction:
“So just nine months? Alright you don’t need the really big one then, this one will have plenty of room.”
 
Society’s reaction:
“You are insane! I’m sure it is not physically possible to pack your life in a backpack for nine months.”
 
Long story short, I don’t really feel like I’m doing anything unusual when I talk to employees at REI.
 
Anyway, I’m going on a nine month worldwide expedition and I’m leaving in three and a half months. God has already begun providing like crazy and I am trusting Him to continue with what He has started. I have complete confidence that this is where I am supposed to be and that He will provide.
 
But here’s the deal. I am praying that He will use YOU to provide.
 
I can’t do this without your support. And I mean you. The person reading this right now. Yeah, you. I am talking to you.
 
 Pray about it.
 
And if you feel led, look to the left of your computer screen, see the support me link?
 
Click it.
 
To those of you who have already generously donated thank you so much. To those of you who are not in a position to support me financially your prayers are so important to me and to my teammates as we continue on this journey.
 
Thanks for reading. Thanks for caring. And stay tuned. The adventure is just beginning.