I thought my last post would be my last until touching down in South Africa, but I not only underestimated the time between the two dates, but also all that would happen. Goodness gracious!

As I wrote in my last update I had to delay my ticket because the of the consulate. I called Wednesday just like the lady said last time we spoke. I called three times yesterday, but no one ever answered even after leaving three messages. I guess I was mistaken by thinking that when you work for a consulate that you would answer the phone to help those who are trying to get to their country. My bad. I called again Thursday morning and left another message, only to call back a couple of hours later and actually talk to a human being. It was the same woman that I had spoken to last Friday. Although she was the one who told me to call back today, she was completely annoyed with my persistence. I mean, listen, they’ve already cost me a week and $300, I was getting that visa if it meant me going up there and busting down the doors. This red tape, powertrippin’ act is pure nonsense. She said that my visa was being put in the mail that day (Thursday) and would be here the following day (Friday).

Friday I met my former teammate from Central Asia halfway between our hometowns for lunch and on the way back called my youngest brother to see if the visa was here yet. He was at the shootin’ range behind the house, so I called his girlfriend who was at the house to see if she would look for it for me. At 4pm it still wasn’t at the house and no one was answering at the consulate. I was about to have an emotional breakdown. While I couldn’t do anything about the visa, I called my travel agent just to double check that everything was in line for my ticket. She didn’t answer. This seems to be a common theme throughout this whole process, you know? I then called South African Airways and immediately was able to chat with someone about my ticket. Awesome right? No. The guy says that they have me down for a Monday flight. Great. He then says, “You’re flying from DC to Dakar on the 23rd, then Accra to Nairobi on the 28th, then Nairobi to DC on the 30th.” Um, FALSE. I’m supposed to have a one way ticket from Charlotte to Johannesburg via DC and Dakar. I hadn’t lost my cool at all through this whole process but I was on the verge of hitting the roof when all of a sudden in all my frustration all I could do was LAUGH. Really. I laughed. Absurd, right? This whole thing has been so frustrating. The only thing that could muster was laughter! Oh you silly roller-coaster of emotions.

I pulled into the driveway and leaning against the workshop door was a FEDEX envelope! I nearly jumped out of Jonezetta (my car for those of you who haven’t met her) and ran to the door. Sho ‘nuff, IT WAS MY PASSPORT WITH THE VISA IN IT! Hallelujah, thank ya Jesus! PTL yall, PTL. 

Although that was taken care of I still needed to get my ticket sorted out. I called my travel agent again, but got no answer so I decided to email her. Thankfully I received a reply shortly thereafter and was able to take care of everything. FINALLY everything has come together. I slept incredibly well last night, which I’m sure comes from the huge weight that had been lifted off my shoulders because all my paperwork is complete. Unfortunately I still have to pack. For. Two. Years. Where my magic wand when I need it?

It’s a huge sigh of relief to know that my visa is here, in my hands, and ready to go. I hesitated updating Facebook or Twitter with the information because I kept thinking that something could still go wrong. Suddenly holding it in my hands makes it that much more real. Not to say that moving life and living out of a suitcase for the last two weeks hasn’t made it any less real, but I’m sure you know what I mean.

Between now and the next update please pray for sweet time with family and friends. Saying goodbye is never easy, but saying goodbye for two+ years is miserable. Also pray for good flights. I have a two hour flight to Charlotte, then a seventeen hour flight to Johannesburg. You know I’m trying to get that window seat so that I can sleep. Hellooooo Nyquil pills!

Love yall. All of yall. I’ve been blessed beyond belief over the last month. It’s honestly hard to really put it into words. Thanks to those of you who have prayed, given, and encouraged. Each of you have been instrumental in so many ways. I’m happy to report that I’m at 51% of my monthly funding goal. Thank you Lord! Pray for the remainder of my monthly financial needs to be met. If the Lord would lead you to join me in partnership, please contact me.

In the meantime since I’m flying out in less than 48 hours, I guess I should begin packing right? Psssh, nah… I’ve still got almost 48 hours!