Summer Swing

Summer is definitely here!

The following is a lot to take in, so here is the short version in bullet point prayer requests:
*Sorting/Packing my stuff
*Care package donation to come in
*Financial support raising
*Starting graduate school
*Transition out of MI (temporarily)

For most of my life summer has been the time for transitions.  It has a lot to do with school year calendars and being the most friendly time to do the "unusual" things of life.  Right now I am working on a lot of little projects.

I have my tickets booked!!!!!!!  I will be traveling December 6th - January 17th.  The process was smooth, so thank you so much for your prayers.  I have confirmation in hand for the tickets and insurance papers are on the way.

I have started to go through my physical possessions.  One of the hardest things is trying to determine what should be kept, stored, or given away.  As a perpetual student and book lover I have quite the collection of resources.  I have been blessed over the past few years to increase my collection of fine books.  But how do I decide what to save and what to pass on to the next person?  I have someone who is willing to store a couple of boxes of books in a safe and dry place, but is a couple of boxes enough?  Or is it too much?  The danger of starting a book collection before being settled in a long term place... oh well.  Next stop, the storage closet... ugh.

I am working with the Cajigas family to produce a ministry donation list.  I have a start to a list on the left side of this blog.  The list has two (2) parts.  The first is a list of things the orphanage needs.  The second part is a list of things I will need while I am there, but the orphanage/Cajigas family will also use them after I am gone.  I have not verified yet, but I think most any personal hygiene items for kids and even adults would be appreciated.  Also, new or gently used clothing and possibly shoes as they now have somewhere near a dozen kids in their care.  As needs arise I will add and edit the list. Oh, and don't forget they also love to get art work from the families back here in the states:)  The summer care package will be sent no later than August 15th.  Please contact me if you have things to add to the box(es).

I have not set to writing my budget for the upcoming trip, but estimates show it will be close to $2000 including travel costs and the care package and shipment.  If you are willing and able financial support as well as supplies would be greatly appreciated.  In the months to follow my Dec/Jan visit long term budgets will be created and requests for donations of other resources will be sent out.

In three weeks I will be taking my first official graduate level classes!  I am excited and nervous at the same time.  I really did take a year off school, but it hardly feels like it to most people. (Myself included!) You have to love the joy of federal student loans!  I have officially finished my paperwork and the cost of classes are covered... I'm just close to doubling my already hefty sized student loan debt.

And last but not least, for those of you who do not know... in this time of preparation for the future I am making a cross-country move (temporarily) again.  My current contract position ends in August and my lease expires in September.  That means I get to spend October and November with my family!  This is why the need to sort through my personal belongings this summer.  I will be returning to West Michigan sometime in the spring.

P.S. - For those of you who are astute and noticed there was nothing yet said about the Mission Agency and application... I have decided to hold off until at least after the transition to AZ to complete and submit the application.

What's the plan Stan?

I'm always talking about the Philippines.  My students even keep asking me, "So teacher when are you going to leave us?"  Well, every day I am one step closer to making it a reality.

In the last two weeks I have solidified travel dates for the short term visit, talked to a travel agent about it, opened a ministry specific account, and worked toward filling out the sending agency application.

"But, Christine, what does all of that mean?"

Well, I had to wait for the new account card to come, but tomorrow I will be calling the travel agent back to officially book the flight.  I will most likely be going December 6th - January 14th.  Flight availability might change it by a day or two.

Although they would not yet be tax deductible donations I have a separate account set up if anyone would like to start sending me financial support to include the short term trip.

Also, by the end of the week I hope to have the sending agency application sent in.  If I am approved, meaning that my vision fits within their mission, I will get deputized to begin officially raising tax-deductible funds.  This organization would also be another way I would be able to stay connected to you all as my supporters.

Most importantly what all of this means is I have several specific prayer request:
*For details of the flight to be easy to figure out
*For financial support to start coming in
*For guidance in being true to myself and reality in filling out the application
*For patience through the approval process
*For the process to be smooth and painless
*Also for smooth transitions in the next 3 months for me