spontaneity

saturday evening the parent of a student of mine called me up and said her org needed my help. every year they try to make a calendar or informative booklet about the area where they serve to send out to supporters around the world. they're down to the wire this year, and they need someone to come take pictures for them. before 20 june. i asked if i could get back to her.

sunday i called to let her know i could come for a few days, but it has to be almost immediately because i have so many other obligations/trips planned this summer.

monday she called me with details on where i need to go.

today i bought a train ticket.

tomorrow i'm going to west java to do a "photo blitz" as she calls it. until friday.

i had a conversation with a friend about the trip last night. it pretty much sums up the situation.

him: so where are you going?
me: west java.
him: but what city?
me: i don't really know. i'm getting off the train in banjar.
him: who will you be with?
me: i don't know. the lady will meet me at the train station, but she has a conference to go to for the rest of the week. i might be alone.
him: what are you taking pictures of?
me: i don't really know. the theme was spiritual bondage. but we thought that might be a little difficult. i don't know what the new one is yet.
him: so what are the pictures for?
me: i don't know. maybe a calendar or book or a series of screensavers or something.
him: where are you staying?
me: i don't know. maybe on the street? i hope not.
him: what org is it for?
me: i don't know that either. hmmm...

so yup. those three little words basically sum it up. I DON'T KNOW. i don't know if i'll get on the right bus. i don't know where to get off the bus. i don't know how to get from there to the train station. i DO know my train leaves at 8:30 tomorrow morning. i DO know i get off in banjar. and i DO know that this parent will be there waiting for me. i don't know what the climate is like there. i DO know it's 99% muslim. i don't know what that means for me in terms of dress. i don't know where i'm staying. i don't know who i'll be with. i don't know how i'm getting back. wow. oh, but one plus is that i DO know this org is paying for all my travel expenses. i also do know that i better get a move on if i'm planning to wake up at 5:30 tomorrow morning... siiggggh. a long few days ahead of me. prayers appreciated!