7 weeks and I'm gone.  Mostly everything is finished, I have my laptop, malaria pills, mosquito net, bathing suit :)...funds are coming along greatly.  I still have to remind anyone else who donates that it is best if donations are in before April 13.  If later that's ok, but it'll make my life soooo much easier.  I recently was linked to a friend at work, Cheri, and her website where you can view her life and the struggles she has overcome with Christ.  I'll make sure its o.k. if I post the website before I do, but I'd like everyone to take a peek at the obstacles her family has overcome.  I've been brushing up on spanish a whole bunch, but I have a feeling it with obviously be my hardest wall to jump while I'm in Honduras....not to mention that another girl, Anne from Minnesota, will be traveling with me to Casa Hogar and doesnt speak a hint of spanish.  I'm almost ready except for time......I'm even packed for college.  My graduation party is planned, August 10th at 11am.  I expect ya'll to be there :)  

List of Supplies

Well it's really happening.  I just ordered my laptop today; a great gift from Mom and Dad for my 18th/graduation.  This means that I'll be able to use the computer on the airplane and while I'm in Honduras to keep everyone updated!  Now I need to make a list of everything I need for Honduras, and I also need to pack for college at the same time.  That way, I won't have to worry about packing in between the 4-day period I'm home and leave for college.  It's also when my graduation party is; I'll be jam packed!  I didn't realize just how many irregular things I will need, like musk oil, a full-bodied mosquito net, and a spanish translator.  These are things that will be costly; things that I'll need everyone's donations for!  Otherwise I'll have to work myself overtime and even then I still might not have enough money.  Being simple is my key!

More Faith Letters

So I sent out a whole bunch (about 25) of faith letters last week.  I ran out of envelopes, so the next batch of letters will have to wait.  :)  Hopefully I'll get on that soon.  I have many people sending them back quickly, like my grandparents and some friends.  Thanks for all your donations and prayers!  They are really needed.

I went back to my school Wednesday and brought pizza for some of my girls I used to hang with. It kinda hit me hard; the fact that I won't be able to dress in my cap and gown I got fitted for and won't walk across the stage with them.  It's sad, but I got God telling me what to do, and he's all I'm listening to right now.

Sudden Changes & My Response

Sudden Changes:  When I had first planned to leave for Honduras, I was scheduled to depart on July 1st, and return August 8th (5 weeks).  Unexpectedly however, when I traveled to Virginia for training purposes, a Professor Thom Kettlekamp from Houghton College asked if I would join him for the May Term.  May Term, is a 2 week experience in which Houghton College kids go to Honduras at a local university and tour the country with Dr. Kettlekamp.  This mean that I would actually be leaving May 13th, and return August 8th (11 weeks).  What a huge leap; 3 months living in a Honduran orphanage!

My Response:  While in Honduras, I am expected to perform a number of tasks for World Hope.  The first 2 weeks spent with the Houghton students will be mainly touring the country.  I will even get to see the Maya Ruins!  Everyday we will be attending a 3-5 hour class of spanish (for the duration of the 2 weeks).  After 2 weeks with Thom, I will be dropped off at my final destination: Casa Hogar.  There I am expected to set up new technology, including a series of personal laptops for the kids.  I will walk the orphans to school everyday (about 2 hours of walking) and dig a garden.  The variety of food is a combination of rice and beans ... everyday. I am allowed to travel to local markets in the nearby towns. :) These orphans whom which I will be spending time with have literally been "pulled off the streets."