Goodbye for Now...

Yesterday morning, Carley dropped me off at the bus station.  I was utterly exhausted and slept for most of the four hour bus ride from Washington DC to New York City.  I got off of the bus at 34th Street and 7th Avenue, about a block from Macy's department store.  I waited there, reimancing about my old nanny days in the city, for the taxi that drove me to Africa Inland Mission's headquarters in Pearl River, NY.   An hour later, I got out of the taxi, lugged my two 70 pound packs inside and walked up to my room.  I was relieved to be alone.  The tears that had escaped me for weeks began to roll down my cheeks as the reality of my situation finally started to set in.   I took a deep breath, stepped out of my room and took a long walk outside.

I have to admit that I felt a little like the newest contestant on Survivor last night as I nervously met my new TIMO teammates, those I will be living and working closely with for the next two years.  I have been warned that interpersonal mission relationships are the main reason that most missionaries leave the field.  However, last night, as we eased into the get-to-know-you process I couldn't help but enjoy the realization that in a few short months I will know the good and the bad that each of these people bring to the field.  And, likewise, I pray that they too will know me...

Tomorrow at 7:30 pm I will board a plane and move to Africa!  I am so very excited, but also a bit dazed.  The last few months have flown by, one day quickly right after the other.  Moments that I long anticipated have now already been lived.  I have to keep reminding myself that I am only now at the beginning of this journey...  I can't wait to see what God will do with this time!  

Important Information:

My internet use will be very limited for the first six months of service in Sudan. I may be able to use the internet three to four times in this initial stage of service. In late February, I will be able to communicate more regularly via email and this here Blog. However, I would really love to hear from you.

My mailing address is:
Didinga TIMO via Loki
AIM International Services
PO Box 21171
Nairobi 00505
Kenya

Note:  

While I would LOVE to receive packages while in Sudan it should be known, if it is not already, that the mail in Africa can be a bit dodgy.  Packages shipped in boxes are strongly discouraged, as they will most likely be opened and picked through.  Large envelopes are better.  Also, I will be responsible for paying custom fees for all packages delivered to me in Sudan.  This can be VERY expensive, especially on a missionary salary :).  

Please do write though.  I suspect that letters will not only make my day, but maybe my week.  They will be my own little window into your world and life.   

Future one time financial donations can be sent to:
Kara Mangham
Africa Inland Mission International
PO Box 178
Pearl River, NY 10965

Goodbyes are hard...

So, bye for now.

With love and appreciation,

KIM