Pack - a- lackin!

Hey everybody,

Only 6 more days to go until I fly out! My friend Laura drove down from WI to help me pack up all my stuff that I'm not taking with me to Uganda. Stuff that's been hiding in the attic and closets for years. We ended up throwing out about 6 or so bags and donating even more than that! Some things I'm saving for later on, but not a whole lot. In the grand scheme of life, material possessions don't matter anyway.

Now that Laura has gone back home (sniffle sniffle), I've been actually getting down to the business of packing my two suitcases for Uganda. My Mom has been a great motivator for me because without her I probably would have just stared at the mound of clothes and other items and thought "how is all of this ever going to fit?" But so far both suitcases are packed with only one being 5 lbs over the weight limit of 50 lbs. and a few odd and ends to add.

I'm getting really excited about my send off party, which everyone who is in the Evansville area should come to. It's going to be this Sunday (Oct 3rd) from 4-9pm at the Newburgh Community Pool Park (AKA Fortress of Fun for the kids:) ) Feel free to bring a dish to pass and be prepared to have a blast! LOL I rhymed:) Those who are friends with my brother Caleb are also invited to his birthday party at ARC Lanes immediately following my party- two in one night!

I'm not sure if I'll have time to post pics of the send off party or a blog update before I go, but if not, I'll do it after I get settled in Gulu. The grand adventure is about to begin! Pray for a safe flight for me and divine appointments on the way there. See you across the ocean soon:)

Naomi

The Countdown Begins...

So now I'm finally starting to count down the days until I fly out. I only have 20 more days! Everything is coming together nicely... EXCEPT the packing. Ugh LOL It's tough to pack for a three week mission trip, let alone for a whole year or more, in two suitcases each weighing 50 lbs or less. But slowly I am gathering all the supplies I'll need and making a huge mound in my room around the suitcase. Haha! One of the girls I'll be housemates with named Daneen has been very helpful through email, giving me tips of what to pack and what to wait and buy when I get to Uganda.

As far as finances go, I only have about $100 per month or $1100 total to raise to have enough for the whole upcoming year. If you would still like to give or pledge monthly support, just let me know.

I recently found out that the guest house I'll be living in has three bedrooms ( so when there aren't other visitors I'll get my own room), a mini fridge, a stovetop, and HOT WATER when the electricity is on. WooHoo!!! I totally didn't expect that last one:) Praise Jesus. And all the walls are...get this...purple! Purple is my favorite color:) Super fun!

I AM BLESSED