So much to do

This is Laura, I will be adding some updates about the home front while John is away. I have been encouraged by all of the concern for me and the children. It has been great to have so many offers to help and genuine invitations to "call if you need anything."

After months of discussing this trip, it is suddenly upon us. It is much easier to plan something like this in a theoretical, "some day" kind of way. I hope that we can have some calm time around the home front before John leaves.

This will be the longest period of time that John and I have been apart since our marriage so I am sure it will be difficult at times. I will manage, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Check out that fund raising ticker!! When we started, it looks so pitiful and it seemed like an impossible goal. But, God has blessed this venture through friends, family and strangers who want to help shine a little in dark corner of the world.

John has also received donations of equipment and supplies that we had planned on purchasing. That has been helpful since the immunizations were more expensive that we had planned.

We will have an open house on Tuesday, March 2 from 5pm to 8 pm. If you'd like to see John and give him a send off, this is the time to do it. We will have a quiet night as a family on Wednesday and Thursday we will head to the airport.

Please pray that the batteries that are needed for the satelite internet connection in the jungle. It will be great for both John and I if we can communicate directly while he is in the jungle. At the start and end of the trip, he will be staying in town and will have internet access. He plans to upload videos and photos to the blog. I am sure that will be more exciting to look at than my second hand updates!

We are now less than $1000 from our budget goal. I am amazed at how we have been blessed. John has been seeking a mission opportunity for a few years. Most short term trips are planned in the summer months. That is great for most people but won't work for our family. I am the director of a summer camp so the summer months are very busy for us.

In case you are wondering how John got connected with Matt Edelen and his family, Matt is my first cousin. We spent a lot of time when we were growing up. He is more like a brother than my cousin.

Ok, time for bed! Thanks for your prayers and support.