The Trip....Update

WELL.....
Tomorrow is the day of departure. It's been a long couple of weeks trying to put it all together.
I have been collecting clothes for the village. In the last week clothes have been rolling in.
I have 2-50lb. bags with village clothes.
I have clothes from infant to adult skirts and shirts. I am very excited and happy, but a little
stressed over getting it all there. Thanks to all who have so graciously donated.
It is a good thing that Sage is already 6 foot and strong. We would be in so much trouble if he was
8 and little. I only have a small concern that he is 14 and sometimes completely in his own world.
I am sure he will step up and be taking care of grandma on this trip :)

We took typhoid pills as part of our drug regime.. Last time I took shots, but the pills are cheaper and they last longer, 5 years instead of 2. I think that they made me sick over the last week that I took them. I had migraines and aches and pains, and more tiredness than usual. Art says I am just stressing, but I think it was more than that, Sage handled them just fine.

I collected and packed Michele's list. I have hot sauce and chocolate chips in my carry on.
I added two more books to the Kindle this morning. I cringe at the Kindle bill, but Michele will love me cause she can inhale a book in a very short time.
For those who don't know a Kindle is an electronic book that can be downloaded it is a perfect way to travel. Art surprised me on my birthday.
Check out Amazon.com if interested.

Sage is excited, like I said it is a good thing that he has grown 5 inches in the last 6 months so he will be able to lift those bags, but the boy eats constantly.
"Can I bring snack?" he asked last week.
"If they don't weigh to much:)"
We couldn't carry enough snacks to keep him going for three weeks.
Maybe he will fall in love with sour sop or yams, coconuts maybe?

On the Vanuatu front, Joel is doing better. His leg appears to be healed. At one point last week
Erik considered just coming home and having me cancel the trip. I will not tell you my reaction to that suggestion. Thank Goodness God understands me.
After the docs saw him this week and the x-rays they determined that he is fine.
They are still not sure what caused the bone infection, and I know that troubles Erik, but we are thankful for healing.

And last but certainly not least. Several months ago I shared my struggle with getting off 20lbs. for this trip.
I am excited and thankful to God that I have accomplished it and strengthened my knees with exercise. I should be able to handle the long bouts of walking. I am taking the walking stick just in case though.

So As I take leave I ask for your prayers.
Pray we stay safe and well.
Pray that the trip goes easily with all this baggage.
Pray for Art he always misses me lots when I am gone.

I will try and keep the blog updated with pictures at least while I have Internet access.
Karen