Time part 2

Lately I have been feeling like there is just not enough time to get things done. Not only do I have to prepare for our trip to Nairobi, Kenya but also do the day to day stuff with taking care of my family. So why am I at the computer when I have so much to do! I just need to gather my thoughts. We spent this past weekend at our church for an Africa training CHE session. CHE stands for Community Health Evangelism. It brings together the physical aspect of community health with the spiritual aspect. It was very informative and exciting. The people in the Mathare village need to learn how to equip themselves to take care of family and build up their community. We will give them those tools to help themselves. They need to be taught how to protect themselves from the diseases that they get from uncooked meat, dirty water, etc and how can they make their community a better place. They need to learn to depend on themselves in order to better their community. I so want to help teach them. They never even think to wash their hands, face, etc. They walk around in muck and myre without shoes and get parasites because of the infected water from feces and all sorts of gross stuff. In America, we take for granted all of the things that we already know how to do and we don't think twice about it. But the people in the Mathare slums have no idea how to take care of themselves! Nobody has taught them. They need to be taught. I would love to take shoes for every single person there. But that is just not possible. I may have an opportunity to help with some school screenings and do some microscopy work which will be very exciting. We will possibly be able to see the little girl that we sponsor. That is truly something to look forward too! I am just amazed at the fact that some of these people don't know how to boil their water so they can have disease free meals. But if we can teach them, they in turn can teach others and then they can teach etc.... then they learn how to depend on their community instead of volunteers. That is amazing! Jesus walks along beside us, but He gives us the tools to use every day. We need to give the Africans those tools to use as well. They need the hope that only Jesus can bring. We will hopefully show them that hope. Life is so desolate in the Mathare slums. I am afraid of what I will see but I am so excited at what God can give to them through me. I am excited to see what the Holy Spirit will do.
We found out that our insurance won't cover our travel immunizations. But through numerous calls, I have found cheaper ways to help out with some of the shots. I guess I am just amazed at the fact that we are not the only ones who's insurance won't help. Numerous friends have said that their insurance doesn't cover travel shots. So I guess insurance would rather cover the hospitalizations from the diseases instead! Regardless, I found cheaper shots through respectable services. But we will still have to go to the travel clinic for some of the shots.
We have raised about 60% of our support. But with the cost of the immunizations now coming out of our pockets, we need to raise a little more than we thought. But God has been good and I know He will provide for us.
This trip will be a "trip of a lifetime". I know that it will change me. I am excited and scared as to what those changes will be. But I am so ready for them. I am hoping to come back a stronger wife, mother, and Christian. But only God knows what will happen.
So if you pray, please pray for our safe passage to Nairobi and a safe trip home. Otherwise, just keep us in your thoughts. We are scared but excited.
So now it is back to preparations and taking care of the family. Please remember us in your prayers.