{Preparation}

So the journey doesn't begin the day our group leaves; there is much preparation that must be accomplished beforehand.  Of course the first thing that may run through your mind is fundraising.  This is most definitely important but there is so much more. 

Our group is made up of several college students, a Professor and his wife.  Some have had lots of missions experiences while others have had very little but all the students are new to Ethiopia.  Although we are all very excited, there is so much we have to learn about Ethiopians.

Because prayer is such a powerful tool here is a list of things that our group would appreciate you praying for:

• Safety  (driving, plane ride, walking through the city and villages)
• Health (good immune system, good response to travel shots, wisdom on what not to eat or drink, remain hydrated)
• Wise words (that we would be aware of cultural differences and not offend them, leave a clear path for future missionaries)
• Adjustment to the culture (their way of living is very different so flexibility is key)
• Spiritual wisdom (staying in the Word of God and awareness of when the Holy Spirit is moving)
• Energy (time change, ability to serve and keep up with the kids)

These are just a few things that have been coming to mind lately and I would love for your prayers to be all over these needs.

Here is a list of all those going on the trip so that you may pray for them by name:

     ~Bethany Risinger
     ~Macy Freeman
     ~Lucy Elston
     ~Onisha Bradshaw
     ~Alisa Roberts
     ~Breann Whitacker
     ~Anthony Ray
     ~Logan Moree
     ~Calvin Williams
     ~Payton Beggs
     ~Jordan Langford
     ~Elijah Brown
     ~Amy Brown

I hope that you enjoy the posts that will follow and allow yourself to be blessed and challenged by the words that will follow on this blog.

{Minor Cut}

So this past Saturday my lovely roommates and I had our very own Thanksgiving dinner since we will be without each other next week.  Since it is not often that we are all in the apartment and we weren't wearing sweats we decided it was a great opportunity for a roommate picture!

{My sweet roomies. I am truly blessed}

We all picked dishes we would make and spent the morning preparing them.  As I went to make my sweet potatoe casserole I grabbed the can opener and can of sweet potatoes. (I enjoy cooking but I have never thought to use fresh sweet potatoes.  Oh well, maybe after you read the rest of this blog you will recommend that I go with fresh.)  So, I was opening the can and then pouring its contents into the pan and saw that thetop was not open all the way.  Rather than being sensible, responsible, instinctual, etc. I grab the the top and put pressure on it with my thumb.  Below is the result of my actions.

{My thumb the day after}

It was very difficult to get a picture of this.  I hate to admit that I went through about 20 tries before I was blessed with this rather pitiful picture.  Anyways, it did hurt to quite a lot and was bleeding for a good while.  Finally I was able to stop the bleeding and finish getting ready for our scrumptous lunch.

This experience takes me back to when I poured hot grease into an empty green bean can and ended up ouring the grease on my hand resulting in a pretty decent burn.  You smart people out there can figure out why the grease ended up on my hand.  For those of you still confused here is a hint, aluminum can = heat conductor = me dropping said can while still pouring grease.  I guess that wasn't a clue but the whole story. 

Ok, so back to my point.  I began to notice how simple tasks became difficult since I can't put pressure on this thumb 'o' mine. 
Here is a little lst of the things I have adjusted too.
~ changing clothes
~ putting on boots (those in the picture made my thumb bleed a bit)
~ sewing
~ cooking
~ opening neosporin tube
~ putting hair in a ponytail
~ a hand-stand (might seem random, but attempting batmanning was painful in more ways than one)
~ showering

The list could go on, but you might notice these are simple tasks none of them being really important.  After accidentally hitting the gash on the counter and scrunching my face in pain a thought came to my mind.  I pictured all of the deep wounds that Christ had all over his body the day he was crucified for my sins.  I can't even begin to imagine the pain he felt to move much less carry two very heavy poles up a hill. 

I am not saying that we can't say when something hurts, but this thought made me realize just how painful my small gash is and how painful all of his wounds must hav felt.  I know that I would have never been able to take the pain that Christ endured.  I would have given up immediately without any care for the rest of the people on this earth. 

It just amazes me how extravagant Christ' love is for all of us.  He willingly chose to die for our sins because he knew that his death was the only sacrifice that could save us from Hell.  I am so thankful for his unconditional love.  I am also thatnkful that he took a stupid mistake on my part and turn it into a simple reminder of his love.  How sweetly his plan works for our good. 

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.   ~ John 3:16
Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; Sing praises to His name, for it is lovely.    ~ Psalm 135:3