Conference call #1: here we go!

Hey everyone!


A quick update... we had our first conference call last night. I met Andrew and Lauren in the Davidson SID office in the depths of Baker Sports Complex, as folks played pick up basketball and intramural volleyball just a few feet away. Over a box of Harris Teeter red velvet cookies (uh, yum), we called in to the first official -- virtual -- Nigeria team meeting. It featured the three of us in Davidson, Morgan (team leader) in DC, Eloise (Davidson '06) in Baltimore, and Sara Beth, our Samaritan's Feet contact in Charlotte (Lauren's sister Lindsay couldn't make it in for this one). How cool/crazy to be able to speak to so many different places at once on the phone! (I'm still fascinated that technology can do this kind of thing.) We "went around" and introduced ourselves, hometown, work, why we want to go to Nigeria, and favorite college sports team. (um, trick question?) Andrew then led off with everything from what we'll be doing, who we'll be involved with (we're partnering with a church in Benin City), and different elements of culture shock that we'll probably experience. Lauren and Morgan, having gone two years ago, were also able to chime in on what they had to adjust to most on their first trip. Sara Beth also shared some more info about Samaritan's Feet and how we will be involved with them while we're there. We also discussed visa and vaccination info and other logistical things of that sort. So much to do!


We'll be going to Nigeria from June 27 through July 6, and the sooner we purchase our plane tickets, the better; your support through prayer and donations continues to help me start to prepare for the reality of going! Talking to everyone and starting to figure things out makes it feel a lot more real. How crazy to sit in that office so close to the basketball arena that I love and think of all the steps that have brought me to this place, and what will take me across the ocean to a totally different world. 


It's so wonderful to hear from all of you, and to know I have people behind me as I go through this, from close friends and family to acquaintances and complete strangers. It's a true reminder of the many connections we form, and I'm grateful to have the chance to go and create more important relationships.


Thanks y'all!   


Claire