Final preparations

Well, the last minute rush to complete our packing and organization is growing to a close. The day AFTER I had gotten our surgical supply order in , we got an email from Zambia of urgently needed supplies. Thankfully some of these were already prepared and we were able to get a few of the other items on their list. The team met for a "packing potluck" this week. Andy helped remind us that we go as Christ's ambassadors and the trip is more about BEING those ambassadors than the actual work we do - something that I especially need to keep in mind. Glen gave much needed advice on working God's plan, not necessarily our pre-planned agenda. We are so thankful for his ongoing support this trip, even though he is not coming with us. We each left the "party" with boxes of supplies for the mission hospital to pack in our luggage. We recently found out that groups for registered missionary travelors (we are) are allowed an extra suitcase on the plane for each member of the team so looks like we we get pretty much everything in!

The weather is supposed to be hot - up to 100 degrees, so I went for more Gator Aide powder tonight to put in the suitcase. Along with items for the mission, we have our clothes sprayed with insect repellent ( skirts for the women whenever possible as pants are considered suggestive), our anti-malaria pills that we start before leaving, our insect repellent to decrease the risk of multiple insect born diseases, specially requested items for the long-term missionaries ....

We ask for ongoing prayers from our many supporters in Michigan, North Carolina, Tennesee and elsewhere around the country. Especially please pray for smooth travel arrangements, pleasant and friendly passing through borders , that we will be a blessing to all we meet on our journeys, for the health of each traveler, for a spirit of support among the team members in dealing with soul - rending situations we will see, for the Wesleyan Church congregation in Zimba in it's mission in the region, that we are able to bring hope as well as practical benefit to those we serve in Zambia, for wisdom in our working with the nationals and long-term missionaries (especially respect and cultural sensitivity), and for ongoing team-work with the many committed people in the States who are striving to work togather in support of Zimba Mission Hospital and the people there.