College Days...

Well, this is my first all-nighter since cramming for college exams so I don't have much brain power to write anything too exciting.

Thank you to all my friends and family who have wished me well over the last few days.  Of course I long for more time to spend with all of you, but now is the time to get this show on the road. :)  You're support, encouragement and faith has truly moved me and I will carry it close to my heart while I'm serving.  Please remember I'm only an email away! odell.lindsay.j@gmail.com

Here is my mailing address for now.  If it changes I will let you know!

Lindsay O'Dell, PCT
US Peace Corps/Namibia
P.O. Box 6862
Windhoek 9000
Namibia

Seven days

Now that I've reached the one week mark, I suppose it's about time to officially start a countdown to departure to Namibia.  I've been avoiding this to spare myself intense bouts of anxiety.  In fact, I remember confessing weeks ago that I could not even look at a calendar with a steady pulse.  Regardless, I'm ready to start embracing all the emotions that come with the onset of this journey, so I must start tallying the days!  

In approximately one month's time: I've cleaned house, advertised for a renter, donated many belongings, advertised some more, sorted clothing, worked on the yard, worked on the deck, showed my house, made plans to move, signed a lease, packed, loaded, stuffed and stored more belongings and furniture, made financial arrangements, resigned from my job, packed the car and drove to Michigan.  This list depicts the mentally and physically exhausting tasks of the month.  Without the gracious and limitless support of family and friends (you know who you are) I may not have made it out the door of North Anderson Street.  Bottomline: It is really tough to move.  I am relieved that all the "stuff" has finally found a temporary home, just in time I might add because I was ready to get rid of everything I owned!  During this process I remembered back to college days and one of my roommates reflecting on everything she owned was able to fit in the back of her mini-van.  Although, I don't meet that space criteria (compared to a 5x10 storage unit and boxes scattered at home) I still am really digging the idea of being mobile.  At this point my feet are much less rooted by stuff.

Fortunately, I was able to have my fair share of summer vacation fun during this past month.  Spending time with friends, lounging at the lake and relaxing at the creek were much needed breaks from the chaos of moving.  Even before I leave I still have lots of fun activities planned with special people.  My regret is that I won't be able to see everyone that I would have liked to before I go.  And as I write this the clock is ticking in the back of my mind and the anxiety lingers in my lungs, but I resolve to embrace and enjoy the moments I do have with those I love. 

I hope to be posting a few more updates before I leave.  Stay tuned for my mailing address and more info on what will be occurring once I'm in Namibia...