Butterflies of Excitment and Nervousness

            Excited Butterflies: This is an opportunity where I can combine all things I love. Like my blog says. God, Africa and Teeth.  Mercy Ships provides health care to people who need it and can't really afford it. I get such a joy and 'make you feel good' smile on my face when i think that i am able to show these people God's love through my love of dental assisting.   I am also super excited for....seeing another beautiful part of God's amazing creation. Each area I travel too I see breath-taking beauty....meeting new volunteers from around the world...learning about whoever i meet and whatever i'm doing. I pray for all these things the sights, the people of Sierra Leone and the people I meet volunteering. I pray for the learning, and the adapting.

            Nervous Butterflies: All these excited butterflies get to fly more free once my nervous butterflies have been put to rest. I'm traveling by myself. Africa's pretty far away. It is actually a flight to Montreal(Bonjour Montreal!), a flight to Brussels(Daar Belgium!) and then a flight to Freetown SL (Kushe Sierra Leone!). Those of you who have driven with me anywhere, walked with me anywhere or just gone anywhere with me know that I am slightly directionally challenged. So once on the airplane I know I won't get lost. The airports...different story. I'll keep you informed. :P I am an innocent person and therefore get the most nervous going by a police station, going through the boarder or through customs. I pray (like i usually do before going through customs of any sort) that all the questions and 'paperwork' that gets stamped and filled out all goes smoothly for my safe arrival in AFRICA!!!!

            I received a "bon voyage" message from my Canadian mercy ships contact person with last minutes details. She also prayed for me. I thought I would sign out with her prayer. ~SAVH

"Father God, Thank you for Sonya's desire and excitement to serve you in Africa. Watch over her as she sorts out last-minute details and says her goodbyes to family and friends. Please go before and behind her, preparing the way for a safe journey. Give her grace as she travels, goes through customs, boards the ship, adjusts to the time change and learns to live in a multi-national community. Anoint her for the tasks you have planned for her onboard. Bless her with meaningful friendships and fellowship. Guide her through each day, all the routines of the ship and her new position. Remove all fears and reassure her of your presence. May your Holy Spirit help her to buffer the struggles and challenges along the way. Show her the wonders of your world and your people. Bless her service abundantly and reward her obedience with joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen."