Right now I am in standby mode. Still fundraising and waiting for our team meetings to begin. All the rush stuff is done and now we just check off the little things till probably July. It's kinda like preparing for a wedding - you get the big things done first and then you get into a holding pattern until right before the wedding and then you kick into high gear.
I am really getting close to my goal for my trip! It's so exciting to see it happening! I started working Marsh over the weekend - they called me in Saturday night from 6-midnight and then asked me to work Sunday 1-7:30. I usually won't work Sundays but I can make an exception to help out. Sunday is usually church and family time. This week I start working regular hours. Hopefully I'll have the funds for my shots saved by the first of July so I get get the rest of them out of the way.
I'm working on my flyers for my Chik-fil-a night (Monday June 7th - put it on your calendar!) - OH! I got a box at the auction full of spiral notebooks for Andrew and it had a ton of colored paper in it - I'm gong to use it for my flyers! Talk about God providing, huh? =)
Anyhow, I just wanted to provide a quick update. Right now I am getting ideas for crafts and ideas on how to collect the over-the-counter medicine we need to take with us.
Thanks again for your prayers, encouragement and support! From my heart I can't tell you what it means to me!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
I got a job!
Whoot Whoot!
You know I've been looking for a part time job to help offset the cost of my trip (namely the shots) - I was HOPING to hear from the census. I'd rather work 6-8 weeks at $15.00 an hour vs. now until ?? for $8ish. But it's all good!
Prior to us almost moving to Hawaii I was working part-time at Marsh across the street from work. It was close to work so I could just go from one to the other and I've known the people over there for 15 years. They are good folk over there!
Yes, this is the same place Andrew works.
So I asked Andrew if it was ok with him if I ask to come back for awhile. Bless his heart, he was all for it! So I asked them to work part-time - 20-25 hours a week. I told them I'd work until the new year (that way I feel like I am helping them too since they are helping me) - and I'd take 3 weeks off for my trip (2 weeks during and a few days before and after) and I could put the $$ aside for my trip.
So that is the scoop now!
Yesterday I turned in the paperwork (basically signed my life away in case something happens) for my trip.
I'm so excited!!!!
You know I've been looking for a part time job to help offset the cost of my trip (namely the shots) - I was HOPING to hear from the census. I'd rather work 6-8 weeks at $15.00 an hour vs. now until ?? for $8ish. But it's all good!
Prior to us almost moving to Hawaii I was working part-time at Marsh across the street from work. It was close to work so I could just go from one to the other and I've known the people over there for 15 years. They are good folk over there!
Yes, this is the same place Andrew works.
So I asked Andrew if it was ok with him if I ask to come back for awhile. Bless his heart, he was all for it! So I asked them to work part-time - 20-25 hours a week. I told them I'd work until the new year (that way I feel like I am helping them too since they are helping me) - and I'd take 3 weeks off for my trip (2 weeks during and a few days before and after) and I could put the $$ aside for my trip.
So that is the scoop now!
Yesterday I turned in the paperwork (basically signed my life away in case something happens) for my trip.
I'm so excited!!!!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Passport
In case you didn't figure out what was "in the mail" it was my passport! I got an e-mail on Thursday telling me it would be here Monday!
I got it today!
How exciting is that!?!?!
I didn't post it was my passport because this is a public blog and you just never know who is watching. I wasn't worried about my few peeps (Hi few peeps!) - but I really didn't need to have my passport come up missing!
My picture is rather funny - kinda a not smile/half smile. Sheesh! I'm stuck with it for the next ten years! Oh well, as far as I know this is the only time I'll be using it!! Although since my shots are good for 5ish years, if I was going to go on another short term mission trip again I should go soon before my shots wear off!!!
So I can check that off my list! Monday I'll mail off the forms from my trip packet and e-mail them my passport information!!
I got it today!
How exciting is that!?!?!
I didn't post it was my passport because this is a public blog and you just never know who is watching. I wasn't worried about my few peeps (Hi few peeps!) - but I really didn't need to have my passport come up missing!
My picture is rather funny - kinda a not smile/half smile. Sheesh! I'm stuck with it for the next ten years! Oh well, as far as I know this is the only time I'll be using it!! Although since my shots are good for 5ish years, if I was going to go on another short term mission trip again I should go soon before my shots wear off!!!
So I can check that off my list! Monday I'll mail off the forms from my trip packet and e-mail them my passport information!!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Give me Your eyes.....
Officially 5 months till fly day!
4 months ago I began this journey. On one hand it seems like it'll never get here, and on the other it seems like it’ll be here too soon.
Fundraising is blowing my socks off! It's amazing to see how many people have donated towards this trip. I know I couldn't do it without each of them, and I am humbled by the generosity. So many people are encouraging me and are willing to help out in so many ways has blessed me so much. Please don’t take that lightly – it means the world to me.
So I have 5 months left. 5 months to get ready. I know I can pack, plan and prepare the physical aspect of this trip and be ready without a problem. Checklist for this and a checklist for that and it’ll get done. I’m struggling with the mental, emotional and spiritual part of the trip. I ask myself how do you prepare for seeing this kind of heartache and be able to mentally process it? How do you plan for seeing kids living and playing in areas that you wouldn’t let you dog out in – your cats roam in? How do you prepare for the stench and the filth? How do you not want to take each of the kids out of this situation and give them a better life? How do you sit down and eat 3 meals every day knowing that there are people – especially kids – a few miles away going with just one? I’ll have a bed to sleep in and these families are sleeping on old blankets on the ground. Daily I’ll be taken out of the slums to a hotel with food, safe water and bathrooms.
This is going to be a challenging trip for me…and I know that I’ll be seeing life in a different perspective.
I already am.
I’m also struggling with the spiritual aspect of this. I am certain that God has called me to this – that’s not what I mean. There is the whole aspect of how can humanity have allowed the value of human life to be so low that we’ve looked away as our neighbor’s basic needs aren’t getting met. I know this is the extreme side of poverty – but it’s out there – everywhere. How can I represent the love of Jesus to these people? Sure I’ll do what needs to be done to help out. Sure I’ll do my lesson and share my faith – but is that enough? I’ll be there two weeks. I’m not there to change the world. I am there to serve people. To do what I can to try to make a difference for the better for them. It's a little scary becuase I've learned that when I pray to God for something He can choose to answer in a way or at a time I'm not expecting it (ask me sometime about the crutches story - God has a sense of humor) - so now, as I embark on this journey, I'm praying for God to change me. And that is a scary thing to ask for! To be honest, I've asked Him to GENTLY change me. I want to have His heart for people. To love my neighbor as myself. To let me see people through His eyes - to be open and sensitive to the hurt, pain and sorrow that is masked behind the facade' we all put up.
So again, I ask for your prayers. For His eyes and heart. For me to be His hands and feet. To be used to bless others.
I'm going to close this post with a video of a song that has been speaking to my heart lately. Take a moment and allow the words to speak to your heart.
4 months ago I began this journey. On one hand it seems like it'll never get here, and on the other it seems like it’ll be here too soon.
Fundraising is blowing my socks off! It's amazing to see how many people have donated towards this trip. I know I couldn't do it without each of them, and I am humbled by the generosity. So many people are encouraging me and are willing to help out in so many ways has blessed me so much. Please don’t take that lightly – it means the world to me.
So I have 5 months left. 5 months to get ready. I know I can pack, plan and prepare the physical aspect of this trip and be ready without a problem. Checklist for this and a checklist for that and it’ll get done. I’m struggling with the mental, emotional and spiritual part of the trip. I ask myself how do you prepare for seeing this kind of heartache and be able to mentally process it? How do you plan for seeing kids living and playing in areas that you wouldn’t let you dog out in – your cats roam in? How do you prepare for the stench and the filth? How do you not want to take each of the kids out of this situation and give them a better life? How do you sit down and eat 3 meals every day knowing that there are people – especially kids – a few miles away going with just one? I’ll have a bed to sleep in and these families are sleeping on old blankets on the ground. Daily I’ll be taken out of the slums to a hotel with food, safe water and bathrooms.
This is going to be a challenging trip for me…and I know that I’ll be seeing life in a different perspective.
I already am.
I’m also struggling with the spiritual aspect of this. I am certain that God has called me to this – that’s not what I mean. There is the whole aspect of how can humanity have allowed the value of human life to be so low that we’ve looked away as our neighbor’s basic needs aren’t getting met. I know this is the extreme side of poverty – but it’s out there – everywhere. How can I represent the love of Jesus to these people? Sure I’ll do what needs to be done to help out. Sure I’ll do my lesson and share my faith – but is that enough? I’ll be there two weeks. I’m not there to change the world. I am there to serve people. To do what I can to try to make a difference for the better for them. It's a little scary becuase I've learned that when I pray to God for something He can choose to answer in a way or at a time I'm not expecting it (ask me sometime about the crutches story - God has a sense of humor) - so now, as I embark on this journey, I'm praying for God to change me. And that is a scary thing to ask for! To be honest, I've asked Him to GENTLY change me. I want to have His heart for people. To love my neighbor as myself. To let me see people through His eyes - to be open and sensitive to the hurt, pain and sorrow that is masked behind the facade' we all put up.
So again, I ask for your prayers. For His eyes and heart. For me to be His hands and feet. To be used to bless others.
I'm going to close this post with a video of a song that has been speaking to my heart lately. Take a moment and allow the words to speak to your heart.
Friday, April 9, 2010
2 Week Diet!
So my trip director just got back from Haiti and posted their pictures on Picasa.
What a great ministry they are doing there. To see the surgery area set up in a tent just floors me. It is obvious that they still need our prayers over there.
While viewing the pictures I came across this:
What a great ministry they are doing there. To see the surgery area set up in a tent just floors me. It is obvious that they still need our prayers over there.
While viewing the pictures I came across this:
Is it me, or does the bowl next to the blue bowl look like there are feathers in it? And what is in the blue bowl anyhow? =) And doesn't that meat look a little, uh, chunky? Now I know Haiti and Kenya are totally different. Or are they???
See that jar of Skippy peanut butter right next to the bread? That's for me. Good thing I'm not allergic to Peanut Butter, huh? =)
I know it's bad of me to bellyache about the food just like I was bellyaching about the shots. I'm sure while we are at the schools and stuff our hosts will be serving us the best they have to offer and I'll put on my big girl panties at least try it.
But I may just pack a jar or two of peanut butter as well! =)
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Shots Round TWO!
This trip to the Board of Health went MUCH smoother! My appt was at 5:20 and I got there just before. The place was empty! Just two other families there. They called me back in about 5 minutes and it was shot time!
The amount of medicine stung going in, but my arm didn't hurt like it did last time from the Tetanus shot. I asked her about the meningitis shot. She said they do it there - for $100.00. =( So I'm going to call my Dr. office and see if they do that one. I'd rather pay a $20.00 copay! If not, I'll be back to see my friend above!
Looks like I'm set on shots until mid summer. I'll call the travel Dr and set up the rest of my shots in May or so.
It really feels so real now...like when you plan something and you start seeing it happen. I'm almost to the 5 month mark. It's not long now!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Trip packet Q&A!
This came yesterday:
Yup! My trip packet is here! I got a text message from Michael telling me it was here and then Andrew brought it up to my work on his way to work. =) My boys spoil me! Either that, or they were tired of me bugging them to check the mailbox!
Here are some questions I can answer now that I have my trip packet!
What is the breakdown of the funds you have to raise?
The $3300.00 includes airfare, food, lodging and transportation in the field as well as clinic and administration fees. It does not include souveniers, meals purchased stateside (layovers at the airport) or other incidentals. This does NOT include the money needed for my shots.
What are the VISA requirements?
A Visa is required for entry into Kenya. I will need to purchase it at the airport in Kenya - $50.00.
Who is your VISA sponsor?
My offical sponsor is Keith and Kathy Ham - Missionaries of Wispers House in Nairobi Kenya. The Ham's have been missionaries in Africa since 1991 specifially working in the urban slums. They partnered with Wallace and Mary Kamu (Kenyan Nationals and Christians) in 2004 and started the Mathare Family Hope Center.
What did you find out about your shots?
Round two for my Hepatitis A & B is today. My appt is at 5:20 - but we will see how that goes! Remember this? =)
I think I was right with my previous list - with the addition of the Meningococcal meningitis vaccination and a MMR booster. I'll talk with my travel Dr in July to iron out the details.
What does a clinic day look like? What will YOU be doing?
What do they suggest you pack?
Mostly typical things - not much jumped out at me except the 3 large heavy duty trash bags. I'll have to ask on that one! Due to Kenyan culture, women are not allowed to wear shorts. Slacks and capris are acceptable. No sleevelss or tank tops. I will need to pack a dress/skirt (below the knees) for church.
You mentioned that you have to bring medical supplies. Any information on that?
As a team we must work togheter to collect over the counter medicine to leave behind at the clinics. Everything from infant and children's medications to cough syrup, antiacids, eyedrop and antifungal creams. If you or a group you belong to would like to set up a donation/collection box, see me for the full list!
What about the candy and fun stuff for the kids?
Stickers, small suckers, gum or candy (that can stand the heat), pencils/pens, small toys, note pads will also be collected for distribution to the kids. Soccer balls, Basketballs, Beach Balls, Jump Ropes, Balloons, Frisbees and Bubbles are all items that would be great to donate as well. The balls can be deflated for packing.
When will you get your flight details?
My departure packet will arive end of August early September. That will have my flight itinary as well as all the other last minute information.
How exciting your trip is going to be! Do you have other questions?
I'm really getting excited about my trip. I do have more questions and I'm sure more questions will come up. We will be having team meetings between now and September to get to know each other and stuff like that. Im sure many of us have the same questions that we can get answers from the experienced team members! I'll keep you posted and keep the quesitons coming!
What else?
The packet was full of information on Kenya. Culture, Religion, Food, Politics, Education - everything you ever wanted to know! I do have to sign and return four things: Liability Release, Health History, Photo Release and FAME Short-term Medical Mission Trip Policies. We did giggle when we got to #5 of the policies: You wil be expected to acclimate to the host culture. This may mean eating food you are unfamiliar with or participating in foreign customs. HA HA HA! You can ask my boys, if I can't identify it (and sometimes even if I can) I don't eat it! It's either going to be a moment of growth or me or a diet. =)
What's next?
I'll continue fundraising! Thanks to everyone I am 52% of the way to my goal! I will be hosting a Chick-fil-A night on Monday June 7th on Southport road. I am still looking for a part time job. I will begin collecting over-the-counter medicies and stuff like that as well - if you have any thoughts on this or any contacts that might help that would be AWESOME! If your church or Sunday school group would be interested in helping I'll be glad to forward the details!
Thanks to everyone for your prayers, support and encouragment about this trip. I know I can be alot little obessive compulsive about things I'm passionate about. Please keep the entire team in your prayers for God's hand to be upon this trip!
Yup! My trip packet is here! I got a text message from Michael telling me it was here and then Andrew brought it up to my work on his way to work. =) My boys spoil me! Either that, or they were tired of me bugging them to check the mailbox!
Here are some questions I can answer now that I have my trip packet!
What is the breakdown of the funds you have to raise?
The $3300.00 includes airfare, food, lodging and transportation in the field as well as clinic and administration fees. It does not include souveniers, meals purchased stateside (layovers at the airport) or other incidentals. This does NOT include the money needed for my shots.
What are the VISA requirements?
A Visa is required for entry into Kenya. I will need to purchase it at the airport in Kenya - $50.00.
Who is your VISA sponsor?
My offical sponsor is Keith and Kathy Ham - Missionaries of Wispers House in Nairobi Kenya. The Ham's have been missionaries in Africa since 1991 specifially working in the urban slums. They partnered with Wallace and Mary Kamu (Kenyan Nationals and Christians) in 2004 and started the Mathare Family Hope Center.
What did you find out about your shots?
Round two for my Hepatitis A & B is today. My appt is at 5:20 - but we will see how that goes! Remember this? =)
I think I was right with my previous list - with the addition of the Meningococcal meningitis vaccination and a MMR booster. I'll talk with my travel Dr in July to iron out the details.
What does a clinic day look like? What will YOU be doing?
We will be treating several hundred patients at our medical camps. Some camps are already an existing clinc while others will be set up as tents. The camps are set up as stations and each patient will stop by each station for care.
- Registration/Triage
- Provider
- Health Education/Evangelism
- Pharmacy
What do they suggest you pack?
Mostly typical things - not much jumped out at me except the 3 large heavy duty trash bags. I'll have to ask on that one! Due to Kenyan culture, women are not allowed to wear shorts. Slacks and capris are acceptable. No sleevelss or tank tops. I will need to pack a dress/skirt (below the knees) for church.
You mentioned that you have to bring medical supplies. Any information on that?
As a team we must work togheter to collect over the counter medicine to leave behind at the clinics. Everything from infant and children's medications to cough syrup, antiacids, eyedrop and antifungal creams. If you or a group you belong to would like to set up a donation/collection box, see me for the full list!
What about the candy and fun stuff for the kids?
Stickers, small suckers, gum or candy (that can stand the heat), pencils/pens, small toys, note pads will also be collected for distribution to the kids. Soccer balls, Basketballs, Beach Balls, Jump Ropes, Balloons, Frisbees and Bubbles are all items that would be great to donate as well. The balls can be deflated for packing.
When will you get your flight details?
My departure packet will arive end of August early September. That will have my flight itinary as well as all the other last minute information.
How exciting your trip is going to be! Do you have other questions?
I'm really getting excited about my trip. I do have more questions and I'm sure more questions will come up. We will be having team meetings between now and September to get to know each other and stuff like that. Im sure many of us have the same questions that we can get answers from the experienced team members! I'll keep you posted and keep the quesitons coming!
What else?
The packet was full of information on Kenya. Culture, Religion, Food, Politics, Education - everything you ever wanted to know! I do have to sign and return four things: Liability Release, Health History, Photo Release and FAME Short-term Medical Mission Trip Policies. We did giggle when we got to #5 of the policies: You wil be expected to acclimate to the host culture. This may mean eating food you are unfamiliar with or participating in foreign customs. HA HA HA! You can ask my boys, if I can't identify it (and sometimes even if I can) I don't eat it! It's either going to be a moment of growth or me or a diet. =)
What's next?
I'll continue fundraising! Thanks to everyone I am 52% of the way to my goal! I will be hosting a Chick-fil-A night on Monday June 7th on Southport road. I am still looking for a part time job. I will begin collecting over-the-counter medicies and stuff like that as well - if you have any thoughts on this or any contacts that might help that would be AWESOME! If your church or Sunday school group would be interested in helping I'll be glad to forward the details!
Thanks to everyone for your prayers, support and encouragment about this trip. I know I can be a
Monday, April 5, 2010
It's here! It's here!
My trip packet is here! Questions and answers and more questions! =) I'll share more tomorrow!
PS...Shots round two tomorrow!
PS...Shots round two tomorrow!
Friday, April 2, 2010
It's in the mail!
Whoot! Whoot!
I heard back from the director of my trip today. She had been in Haiti for two weeks and then took some time off to be with her family after that -
BUT -
Today she will be in the office and will mail my trip packet!
Whoot Whoot!
I will *hopefully* have it tomorrow - if not, Monday at the latest!
I heard back from the director of my trip today. She had been in Haiti for two weeks and then took some time off to be with her family after that -
BUT -
Today she will be in the office and will mail my trip packet!
Whoot Whoot!
I will *hopefully* have it tomorrow - if not, Monday at the latest!
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