Apologies

Friends and Family!  I'm sorry, it has been way too long since I have shared an update.  So much has happened.

I finished my AmeriCorps term on August 19.
I found income with Comprenew and Kuyper during September.
I secured a storage unit at an amazing rate on September 19.
My roommate and I moved out of our apartment on September 30.
My new niece was born October 10.
I got to meet her and see the other nieces/nephew October 18/19.
I arrived at my parents October 20.

Also mixed in there, I moved Frenchie to her new home, completed another class, figured out visa information, and had enough donations to fill and send 2 boxes to the Philippines.  The second will hopefully arrive in time for Christmas or at least New Year's Day.

I want to be sure to thank you for all the support that has been shared.  Prayers have numerous and so I have felt a peace and calm that has made the days fly by.  The cost involved with both packages was covered in either donated goods or financial support which is an amazing blessing.  I have also received a little bit of financial support to offset the cost of getting me there.  I will be departing from Tucson International Airport in 36 days.  AMAZING!

The big question at this point is:  Am I prepared?  I am happy to report that I am mostly prepared.  I think I am still going to get an updated tetanus shot and I apparently packed my good flashlight in storage in MI so I will need to get a new one of those.  Otherwise, I just need to be sure to not wait until the last minute to pack just in case I think of something else.

There are a few things I would like to ask you in regards to the next 36 days (as well as the 42 in country).  Mostly, I would love for you to continue to pray for myself and all involved.  I will include a list of specific things at the end of this post.  I'm not sure what my internet capabilities will be while I am in country, so you should request to join the 'Philippine 2016' group I created.  I hope to add updates, even if just a sentence or two, once a week when we go into the city for market day.  Even if I am not able to consistently add, I will publish photos on that page when I return.  The last thing I would like to ask is for you to considering making a financial donation to support me in this ministry.

As of right now, only about a quarter of the cost of this initial adventure has been covered.  I had been hopeful to receive at least enough donations to cover half of the cost.  This means I have fallen short by about $500-600.  I know it is more difficult for some people to make donations, and some would like to wait until tax deductible donations can be accepted, but it is discouraging to only raise half of what I hoped.  If I am being honest, this makes me nervous for how long it will take me to raise the support needed to go for the long term.  I am no where close to a final budget, but I have been making notes and setting up a framework for the future budget.  For startup alone it will be at least $10,000 and I will also be required to have a certain percentage of my monthly budget in pledged donations before I can even book a flight.  So, if you are feeling the Spirit's leading to suppose a new missionary, I would welcome your support.  Even if you are ready to start making a small monthly donation arrangements can be made as I set up a ministry specific account to make sure I have a place to deposit donations.  Once 50% of this trip is covered, the remainder of donations will be saved in that account to begin building my startup fund.

Thank you for taking the time to read up on me.  Feel free to leave a message or connect with me directly if you want to hear more!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Visa, I'm a little nervous because of the political changes in the Philippines
• Packing, that I remember all the things I need and don't over pack
• Financial, I am still hoping to raise an additional $500-600
• Gifts, that we didn't miss any of the children and if more come that I can come up with gifts
• Class, I have started the next one and it overlaps with my trip, YIKES!
• Travel, for things to go smoothly and enough on time to not miss connections
• Orphans, last I head a couple of them were sick and had to miss out on a mission project
• Cajigas Family, they have a lot of projects going and could always use additional prayer!
• Melina, she is the outreach pastor I will be working with and we need to have clear communication
• Language Program, a large part of this trip is to work out what kind of program I will create
• Future Budget, a second major part of this trip is to work toward a comprehensive budget for myself and the future ministry
• Application, I have put the application on hold to get more answers from this visit, but it is an intense process which includes a letter of invitation, some essays, and mission references.  If this initial phase is accepted then interviews and training will follow sometime last winter or early spring.