Is this real life?!

So as you all know, I go to EIU.  My study abroad coordinator had mentioned to me that there is a girl in grad school at EIU who is from Ghana, and the exact city I will be spending most of my time in.  She suggested to me that her and I get in contact and meet up to talk a little before I leave.  So that's exactly what happened...


Tonight, we met for dinner and began to talk.  The conversation was easy, she spoke English very well.  We began talking about what I will be doing while over there and I mentioned one of the eye clinics I will be at, Crystal Eye Clinic.  She told me this sounded very familiar and then went on saying that she had been there before.  I started thinking to myself, ok..no big deal, she went for an eye exam when she was younger...  Then she asked me if Dr. Clarke was still running it.  I told her that his name sounded familiar and I looked it up on my phone to clarify...Sure enough he is the main doctor in the area.  She then goes, "That's my uncle.  Dr. Clarke is my mom's oldest brother."  We then take a photo together, and she sends it to her cousin who is also from Ghana but is studying in NY.  She told her cousin that she is at dinner with a girl(me) who will be working along side her father back in Ghana. Her cousin sends her father the photo of us and explains whats going on.  I cannot wait to meet Dr. Clarke.  


At that very moment, I was thinking, this cannot be real.  What are the chances that of the 24 million people in Ghana, and the select doctors I will be with, I know one of their nieces, and just had dinner with her on our school's campus.  I will be working with her uncle in Ghana in less than a week.  How crazy.  Once we found out this connection, I felt as though we were destined to meet.  We talked and talked for a good 3 hours after.  Any worries, doubts, and questions I had, she answered them and reassured me.  She told me the things I HAVE to do while there, and she also told me what I need to stay clear of.  Having this happen to me tonight made me feel like this is what I am meant to do.  I am meant to spend my summer in Ghana helping those who need it.  Such a small world. This really makes me realize that the people God puts in my life are all there for a reason.  An absolutely amazing feeling. 


With this story shared, it's time to go get some more packing done since I leave so soon! I am getting very anxious. Beyond ready for the experience :)