Guinea

Well, the day has arrived. My flight leaves at 6pm, my ride will pick me up at 3pm. I think it's surreal, I can't believe this is my life! It is so hard leaving my family, my comfort is knowing that it is only 10 days. I know that our time in the village will fly by, I'm hoping that the flight goes well. I probably will not be able to update the blog while I'm gone, but I will definitely update you and add photos when I return. Thank you all for everything, much love.
Amber

One week from right now, I will be arriving in the village. I received my itinerary and want to share it with all of you.

I fly out this coming Saturday at 6pm We arrive at 11:30pm Sunday night. We will stay in Conkary the first night, first thing Monday morning we set off on our 8 hour drive to the village. Tuesday Morning we hit the ground running! We will do clinics through Saturday, ending the week with a celebration dinner at the church. The Anderson's will return us to Conkary and we begin the journey back Sunday night at 11:30pm, we arrive back home in Indiana at 6pm on Tuesday, December 4th.

I found out yesterday that I have to pack and have my things at HQ by Monday A.M. Take a guess at what I'll be doing this weekend? :-) On the upside, I will be completely packed a week before I leave. A lot of this experience has felt unorganized and not very well communicated, I hope that is NOT the case once we get to Africa........ I will say that working with the state (as foster parents) has been good preparation for this experience, I'm used to not knowing much and going with the flow.
I've been asked a lot lately if I'm nervous,,,,,Nope! I am excited. I also think that as the person leaving, I am so consumed with preparing I'm not thinking of much else. I know that I'm going to get on the plane and wonder if I forgot to do something related to the husband and seven little ones I'm leaving behind! As far as my family goes, I do feel very organized and well prepared for them to be cared for in my absence. I definitely could not do it without many of you helping!

How wonderful our therapists were during the time we spent in the hospital? Our PT and OT came several times and either sat with my kids at home, so that I could meet with specialists or care for Bonnie so that we (Michael and I) could spend time together, with our kids. Our DT brought several meals, some to eat and others that were frozen to eat later. We are thankful for all of you and the encouragement that you give us.

One week and two days until take off! It is down to the packing at this point. With next week being Thanksgiving, (short week) I'm starting to feel like time is evaporating! We got word that the Guinea team has prepared the place we are going to stay, hanging the mosquito netting and sweeping it out. :-) Did I mention I have packed my Deep Woods OFF? (maximum deet)

Some of you know that we have been put through the wringer the past two weeks. I felt from the start that it was a full on spiritual attack to keep me distracted and perhaps doubting that I heard His voice clearly when he told me to go to Africa. I called it out, even at the lowest point, making it clear that I was going and I would not be discouraged. (I called on others to be in prayer with me for my family as well)
We have felt your prayers! Approximately one week ago, I felt a complete peace come over me. God is so faithful, he has brought us through this, refreshed and encouraged!
My funds for the trip have come in! Someone in my church offered to pay any difference which is only $300 at this point. So exciting!

The surgical patient was Bonnie, not Emma!

Our daughter came through beautifully! We are home and she is recovering in the comfort of her home.
Also, more funds came in for the trip today! I am so excited to see how God is bringing everything together.
BTW this idea to blog came from a great friend :-) Thanks!
How am I doing?

We leave two weeks from yesterday and I can honestly say......I can't wait! I am so excited and cannot wait to get there and experience EVERYTHING. Julie (the other nurse going) and I had the opportunity to meet with a woman who lived in the same village we will be serving in. She actually built the home that the Anderson's (the missionaries we are serving with) live in now. We had a great conversation about what to expect and she was able to give us the history of Naiya and the Yalunka people, it was very informative. Her name is Sheila and she has promised to cover us and our families in prayer during this time and while we are there. She is a beautiful person that makes you feel at peace and encouraged, I'm glad we had the opportunity to meet her!

In the meantime, we are preparing for surgery in the morning, with one of our seven children!