Yes it is official- my flight to Kosovo is booked! My itinerary is:
Depart Boston Monday, Aug. 13th 4:35pm
Arrive to Frankfurt 5:30am Depart Frankfurt 6:45am
Arrive Vienna 8:05am Depart Vienna 10:05am
Arrive Pristina, Kosovo 11:50am
I'll be flying Lufthansa for the first half and then Austria Airlines to Pristina. I booked my flight through an international travel consultant and was able to get a missionary/humanitarian fair which I'm told is a reduced price. I am permitted 1 free checked bag but at this point I'm thinking I'll pay to bring a 2nd.
I spoke with my church pastor on the phone last week. Him and his wife are very supportive and want to make me officially sent out from Netcast Church. Feels good to know I have a wonderful community backing me up.
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Some know about my somewhat recent maze concerning my health. 1 1/2 years ago I started on the path to figure out what was going on with my body. I was used to commuting by bicycle and suddenly I'd ride one way and get stuck- not able to ride back I'd sacrifice my pride and take the bus. My walk was sluggish- I even started to take breaks from brushing my hair. This loss of energy seemed to come in waves- thus making me out to be a hypochondriac.
After a number of appointments geared toward trying to pin point a diagnosis, blood labs after blood labs- the conclusion is- there isn't exactly a diagnosis. Rather, years of unmanaged stress eventually took it's toll on my body and finally it ran out of any and all energy reserve. So this healthy 27 year old isn't exactly as healthy as perceived. Although not completely to blame, my mostly vegetarian, low fat diet was part of the problem- body without certain nutrients/fats cannot function as it should, until little by little- my body went on strike and I was left with feeling like an inactive 90 something year-old (no offense).
Those closest to me have been concerned about my traveling to Kosovo- and rightfully so, I was nervous at first thinking I may have a serious disease. However, the countless blood tests all came back negative for such a disease. I am blessed to have the help of a family friend nutritionist, guiding me with nutrient supplements and will graciously continue to do so while I am abroad. The school is aware of my physical state and continue to welcome and encourage me as well as notify me of the doctors dedicated to the school and staff. <- all RE-ASSURING.
A few nights ago, I was feeling attached with doubt- I opened my nightstand book to the next chapter and read the heading "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind"- 2 Timothy 1:7
Ultimately, I have to have faith that God is bigger than my mini health crisis. I believe in my reasons for going there, and I have to believe that God will take care of me in the mean time.
With all this craziness, praise God, I actually feel at peace.
