Preparation mode

We are preparing to go to Africa, and it's starting to sink in :) I told Zach today, "We don't need to buy certain things at Sam's anymore (like toilet paper) because there is no way we will be able to use it before we leave." That is just crazy to me. But it is exciting too. We will leave a little over 2 months from now.

We have ordered all of our required readings for the missions training school we will be attending, and we should be booking our flights in the next couple of weeks...and I wish that was all we had to do, but it is not that easy. Fortunately we have a 55 page manual to refer to, while in preparation mode. Travel arrangements (3 flights to get there) x 4 people, getting anti-malaria medications and antibiotics, vaccinations, water filters, writing support letters, packing all of our things in a storage unit, finding someone to rent or buy our place, etc...and that's just a small portion of the list. With a young family, and Zach's working long hours, the task at hand is at times overwhelming. It is all going to be worth it though! Heidi Baker is often referred to as a modern-day Mother Theresa, and we feel so blessed to go learn from her and other amazing missionaries...and to serve in one of the poorest countries in the world.

Each day, we are trying to simply ask, "Okay, God, what can we do today?" Today that will be working on our taxes. Tomorrow that will be trying to nail down a place for a benefit concert on March 18th. The very talented Karla Adolphe and Aaron Strumpel are playing a concert to benefit our trip to Africa!! More on that soon :) Save the date--they are amazing!!

And at the same time, my truly wonderful grandfather is his his final days, so we are visiting him a lot, and being reminded that we have about 50 years left-- if we are lucky. Life is short! Let's be good to one another, be generous with our lives, read the words in red, and learn to listen to the voice of our Shepherd.

Much Love,
Kate