Departure day!

Luggage is packed, laundry is done, goodbyes have been said... So, how to spend the last few hours before leaving for the airport?

I'll start by saying that the six weeks since I returned from New Orleans have been outstanding. Marlee's visit, trips to Duxbury and Ann Arbor, an awesome backyard party, music festivals (Afrofest in Queen's Park, Waterloo Jazz Festival, Latinfest, Kitchener Blues Festival), African drumming classes, drum circles, playing violin at church, barbecues, the First Annual GSO Second Violin Retreat Day, dancing, theatre (First Dance -- an excellent show), movies (including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2), squash games, restaurants, patios, live music, and getting together with many dear people. I couldn't have asked for a better time.

There are also things I haven't done: for one, practicing violin. Aargh! Hopefully it won't take long to get back in shape once I start teaching in Arusha. (I start a week from today, believe it or not!) Also I did not learn nearly as much Swahili as I had hoped -- but that will be easier when immersed in the environment.

Yesterday began with commissioning at Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church. When a member of the WMB faith community is going on a missions trip, whether specifically with a missions organization or out into the world -- because all of life is about mission, being God's hands and feet wherever we go -- that person has the opportunity to speak briefly about what they'll be doing and then the congregation prays for them. Having imagined the moment for so long, standing up there on the platform felt a bit surreal! It means a lot that people will be thinking of and praying for me while I'm away. I also appreciate that many people came to talk to me after the service. Lots of hugs. I'd like to believe that none of us go out into the world alone. Much of the time I do believe that.

Although at several points it looked like it would rain yesterday, it didn't and the day was perfect for lunch on Ethel's patio with friends (Ethel's is the neighbourhood summer hangout!), and a couple of hours with Brian at the Blues Festival.

The day ended with a wonderful, magical drum circle in Waterloo Town Square, just as the sun was setting. How amazing to sit in a circle with people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life, becoming a community by creating rhythm together. For more information about drumming events in KW, check out Creation Africa's website: http://www.creationafrica.com/Home.html

I also spent some time last night trying to make my luggage lighter (but I'm sure one suitcase is still overweight), and talking to family on the phone and skype.

This morning I have one errand to do at the bank, then I will pick Brian up from work and he will drive me to the airport. Toronto - Amsterdam - Tanzania! The big adventure begins!