Wednesday, October 21, 2009

T-Minus 30 days.. and counting..

Is it just me or does it seem like time is going FASTER and FASTER lately? It seems like it was just yesterday when the temperature was HADES outside and no relief in sight and now it seems like we're into "fall" (which we all know really doesn't happen here in Texas) and it's been raining for A LOT of days this month! It also does not seem like Thanksgiving is 5 weeks away - which means Christmas is 10 weeks away! Where in the world has 2009 gone?!?

The Kenya Adventure comes to fruition in 30 days! I can't believe it is almost here. I feel like I have learned so much leading up to this point and can't visualize what else I am going to learn through actually traveling to and ministering to the children and families that are over there. What have I learned so far? Here are a few highlights:

1) Missions Support: To be honest, right after my fear of disease this topic was the next one on my list of fears when it comes to going to Africa. So many 'what if?' questions.. what if no one can help me? will I have to find some money of my own to contribute? what if i don't raise enough money? does anyone really care enough to pray the team through this time? etc. I am happy to report that God is bigger than all of my fears and He has given me peace beyond my understanding in this area. I sent out about 75-80 letters to let my friends and family know what I was undertaking and to ask for support both financially and through prayer. My human side mentally went through that list as I was addressing the envelopes and said "This person is a prayer supporter" vs. "This one is a financial supporter." As I started receiving letters and checks in the mail, I realized that this was NOT a good way to show total trust in God to provide. I received money from people that I had 'checked' as a prayer warrior and vice versa. What is amazing is that God has still provided past what I thought would happen. As of today, I have $1,600 in my account and another $1,000 that a few people have said is on the way. God is faithful and will continue to be faithful because when He commands us to do something, he also provides the way for us to do that thing ~ even if in our small human minds we have tried to make our own plan or say that it won't happen.

2) Travel Immunizations: Whoa! I learned really quickly that there is no formula for this and really everyone (the experts) all have their own opinions about which shots that you should get and which drugs you should take, etc. It's also pretty costly (some of them) too! I think that you have to have a "do it now so you don't suffer later" attitude about this. In the past month I have had 6 shots (Hepatitis A & B, Flu, Tetnus, Meningitis & Pneumonia) and still have 1 more (Yellow Fever) to go. Luckily, a lot of these last a long time so I won't have to get them again if (maybe I should just say when cuz that's what it's looking like right now.) I get an assignment to go into the mission field again in the near future. I learned that insurance does not cover the ones that are not routine and that there was one on my list that after doing the research on it, figured out that I could not afford it -- RABIES! You are probably thinking, rabies? really? but yes, that shot is $750 TOTAL and since I cannot afford it, I will just have to take the necessary precautions to see to it that I don't get bit by any monkeys or baboons. (apparently, monkeys are like house pets in Africa and it's possible that we will see some up close and personal! fun times!).

Anyhow, those are the 2 main things that I have learned thus far and I'm sure I'll have much more to share as the time comes for us to leave. I thank all of you again for reading this far and for continuing to support me in the ways that God has given you to support.

Keep reading, I'm sure this adventure is going to get A LOT more interesting!

2 comments:

Shanna said...

Megan,

Keep trusting in God. When I went to New York I needed $850 and I was unemplyed and he provided $935. I plan on sending a check soon when I get paid. I spent a lot of money on car repairs and my new business with Mary kay, but I will send a check. I would love to help you reach your amount of $3000 to go on your mission trip. God will provide above and beyond.

Love ya in Christ,
Shanna

Izzi said...

monkeys and baboons, wow! you said that the extra money if any helps the others for their trip, can you use that for your rabies shot. i think they have ticks there too, so i'd be plenty worried if you dont get the rabies shot! i am sure you will find the way, you have been going on steadily this far and the trip is just around the corner. i am so happy for you and love that you share the experience with me :) I am so looking forward to our trip, you physically me through your eyes!