Thank the lord food has been provided!

My mother is the best cook in the world, but when it comes to packing snack bags she packs them a little to light for my taste. So I talked to two other women who are snack bag packing experts, our neighbor Mrs. Shires and my grandma. Both came at different times yesterday with a snack bag for dad and I. My brother Ben came in the house not much later and saw all the food spread across the table. His immediate next comment was "I want to go on a missions trip." My sister has been trying to sweet talk me all day into leaving the candies at home with her.

Peparing for Fun

Yesterday, I had a chance to go buy a couple soccer balls for our trip. Our group had decided that it would be cool if we could have a couple soccer balls to take over and just give away. Just being able to play a short game of soccer with some kids will be a great way for us to share the love of Christ.

We did have to deflate them so we could pack them, but I especially am looking forward to pumping them up and kicking them around!

Lifelong Memories

Excitement is building. We're gathering remaining items on our packing list. Our team leaves for South Asia late Saturday evening. I'm so overwhelmed by the many things that need to be brought to closure before the trip that it's hard for me to see beyond this afternoon.

Even in the busyness, I've shared our pre-departure story with several men over the last couple of days. They enjoy hearing the plan and how God is already working... but there's a consistent comment that captures and holds my attention.

"This is an experience that you and your son will share for the rest of your lives."

Remember, I just said that it's difficult for me to see beyond the afternoon with so much to do. But when I do take a breath and look beyond this afternoon to imagine what we'll be doing next week, I get excited. Then, when I extend my glance further I think about sitting with Timothy years from now telling and re-telling the story of our mission adventure in 2010.

I'm sure we'll remember frightening moments, excited moments, humorous moments, embarrassing moments, surprising moments and difficult moments. But what I hope most of all is that we will experience God moments. I hope and pray that Tim and I will experience a real sense of God's hand on this trip, and experience together the wonderful joy of having Him work in and through us!

...for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13

We all have memories of various events and experiences that have shaped our lives. I'm optimistic about and thankful for the fact that Tim and I will remember this adventure together for the rest of our lives. And I'm already wondering about what mission adventure I'll share with Zach and Ben and what Stacy may share with Hannah in years to come.

New Shoes

Since it is considered polite to take off you shoes upon entering someones house in South Asia, Dad and I decided to get some snazzy new sandals the other day. We thought shoes without laces would make it much easier for us to slip our shoes on and off when we go to met people. The only problem is that we both wear the exact same size shoe and he decided to get the same pair I got. So by the time we get back I wouldn't be surprised if I end up with his shoes and he ends up with mine.

Preparations are underway for our mission trip to South Asia. This is a test blog to keep you updated on our preparation.