Haiti Update

For those of you out there who are reading this to hear updates about my trip to Haiti, here you go:

I made my first payment (of $600) a week ago.  I got almost half of that raised in support from you guys, so thank you so very much to all of you who have been praying and giving - God has been faithful! 

Having to make that payment finally made it real.  I'm going to Haiti!  In 6 and a half weeks (which means I only have like 4 weeks of school left!), I'm leaving the country for a week.  I'm nervous and excited.  I've done the majority of my mission work with one organization, and mostly in the United States (although if you count Native American reservations as something different, it's about half and half...).  This will be a new experience - going with a new church and a new organization to a new country.  This is the first time I'll be doing mission work as more than a nominal Christian - which both terrifies me and excites me in a way I can't describe. 

I think (I hope and pray) that, at least on a financial level, this trip is going to happen.  I think I always knew that - The instant this trip was proposed, I knew I was going, even if I had to sell everything and take out a loan.  I'm hoping I don't have to go quite that far, at least not for this trip (thanks to you people!!!!).  My passport, however, is causing me great stress.  I did the research on the State Department website, filled out what I thought were the right forms, wrote a check, got my pictures, and sent everything in.  About two weeks later, my dad called, saying he'd received my denied passport application in the mail (Eek!)  Needless to say, I freaked out.  After much searching on the internet, and two phone calls to the passport people at the State Department, I finally figured out why, got the RIGHT forms filled out, and sent in, but it normally takes about 6 weeks to process, and I leave in 6 and half....  So please pray!  Pray that everything would go smoothly with this passport application, and that the department can get me my passport in time to go.  I know God is faithful, and I know that he has called me to be on this trip - I trust He will provide exactly what I need.  But please pray with me that everything would go smoothly! 

I have one more payment of $300 to make (Yes, I do know how to add, I received another $100 in donations since I made the initial payment...), and I pray that God will be faithful in providing the resources I need to go.  Thank you all for your support so far.  We have our first team training on April 17th, so please be praying that would go smoothly.  Right now, we have 12 people signed up to go.  Please pray that the spirit would be moving in everyone's heart, preparing them for the trip ahead, and that everyone can find the resources to take time away from work and family to go.  I will continue to update through letters and blogging.  As the trip gets closer, I'm sure there will be more updates filled with anxiety and eager anticipation! 

Thank you all so very much for your support, I cannot describe how blessed I am by each and every one of you.