Three Down, Three to Go

Today I had the dreaded vaccinations- and surprisingly they weren't too bad. I've never been a big fan of needles (to say the least), but the whole experience was quite harmless. I received my vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Meningitis, and a booster for Polio as well as an oral immunization for Typhoid to take over the next week. In a month I have to go back and get yellow fever and chickenpox vaccinations, and then I'll be all set to go. It'll be an easier appointment seeing as I'll only be getting shots- not blood drawn. The lab tech must have thought I was crazy- I was singing while she was drawing my blood- but hey, whatever you need to do to get through it, right? My arms are sore and I'm pretty out of energy, but the side effects haven't been to bad as of yet. I also got a whole myriad of antibiotics and other pills to take with me.

I've been absolutely overwhelmed with the generosity of Discovery United Methodist Church. I've known about this trip for less than two weeks and they have already helped me raise over a third of the money needed. Thank you so much to all of those who have helped out! I'm so grateful for this opportunity and your support is making what seemed an impossible dream reality.

Still no word on exactly which country I'll be in- but I thought a map of the potential countries may be helpful.

Looking at his disciples, he said:
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.

Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.
But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
Woe to you who are well fed now,
for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep.
Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.

-Luke 6