risk-taker

Yesterday, a friend of Julia's said, "Mrs. Lorentsen is going to Africa. She's a risk-taker."

I had to laugh hysterically (and so did you ) because that's a first. Never at any time has anyone used those words to describe me. I am a safety-freak. Seat belt, sunscreen, 5 lipsticks (ok, 10) on hand so I always match, extra sweater in case I get cold.

I guess it's pretty wild, going to Rwanda. I am collecting the face-to-face responses I'm getting and finding them so fascinating. Some of you think that I'm nuts - I can tell because you say zero. Oh, she's crazy, now THAT's been said before :) Other people challenge me with questions that I should know the answers to. It makes me dive into my books, as well I should. Is AIDS any worse in Rwanda, or is it worse in other parts of Africa? What do they eat? Where is Rwanda on my globe? What language do they speak? Are you scared?

Honestly? I'm not scared because my friends have been there before me, and although what we'll get to do will be a step beyond what they did (picking up where someone left off), I am just walking the path that led me here. This is the next thing for me, and I'm certain - how rare is that? To pass up the chance to do this while I am strong and well, to get to do something that matters for people who are world class forgivers, would be a greater risk. I expect to get a lot more than I'm giving.

Risk-shmisk.