Monday, June 19, 2006

Heading Back


Assessing Orphans
Originally uploaded by momentswithmichelle.
Final preparations are well underway! I'm now down to counting hours as opposed to days until I head out to Africa. It is amazing what an undertaking packing for three months can be. This photo is from my last trip to Kenya. At that time I was able to spend a few days at the Children's Home in Illula. I did health assessments for many of the orphans while there. This year most of my "work" will be with the orphans at the new orphanage in Kipkaren. I just found out that the children begin arriving in Kipkaren just two days before me. I am sooo excited to meet them!

Please pray for me as I prepare to step into their lives. The task is not going to be easy but I'm sure it will be one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I'm full of a gazillion thoughts and feelings these days. I can't wait to renew and build relationships with friends in Kenya. I'm sooo excited about meeting the kids. But I'm also going to miss my family while I'm gone. I'll be honest and say that I'm more than just a little drained as well. School was pretty tough this last quarter and I just finished finals last week.

Here are some updated prayer requests:
• Peace and a calm spirit during these final chaotic days as I prepare to leave.
• Safety (and NO MOTION SICKNESS) as I travel. It will take me two days of travel before I arrive in Kipkaren.
• An open heart and flexible spirit for what God has already prepared for me.
• Wisdom and direction.
• That I will grow closer to my Jesus with each new day.

Thanks a million for all of your prayers, support and encouragement! I’ll be checking my e-mail nursechelle@verizon.net every few weeks. I would love to hear from you! I’m just asking that you please not send photos, forwards or attachments. I’m working off of a veeeeeeeerrrrrrryyyyyy slow dial-up modem. The lines get clogged pretty easily. I look forward to hearing from you. Be on the lookout for my next post from the other side of the world!

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