Monday, November 26, 2007

2 bandaids and some courage

I didn't think about the fact that when I went to visit the travel doctor today for immunizations that translates to "you are getting shots in the arm". I forgot how scared I am of those needles and felt like a small child as I eyeballed the jar of suckers wishing the nurse would offer me one to distract me. The glass is half full side says that I am now one step closer to my trip and I am happy about that. I was surprised as I spent some time with the doctor talking about safety and health precautions the anxiety I experienced. I have never really felt anxious about traveling before, maybe a little jittery but I think as I get older and become more aware of the great big world we live in, I don't take for granted the security I experience in W. Michigan. If I could ask for prayers over this anxiety I want to keep the awareness part but leave behind the nerves. I have submitted my passport by expedited mail and expect to see that back in the next 2 weeks in my married name, then only my visa and some snake proof shoes are the serious agenda items! 36 days and counting...

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

how it all came to be

From the beginning of my time at CapTrust in 2005, I had a heightened awareness of India through the Johnson family and thier experiences. Funny how God works because in 2002 during my time at TU, I had an opportunity to go abroad on Lighthouse and thought India sounded interesting. (PS. God had it for me to go to Kenya during that J-Term and I wouldn't trade it for the world). Fastfoward to the present; the idea of a trip with business professionals to support and encourage was our starting place and springboard for this trip.
Interestingly enough, only 5 have booked tickets and will make up our group. This is where the Spirit Led part comes in, we have lots of ideas of what this time will look like but know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it will take on its own life once we are there.
Here is an itinerary of where we will be:

January 2 depart GR
January 3 arrive in Mumbai, India
January 4-8 IPC Seminary:
http://www.ipcseminary.org/, time will be spent encouraging seminary
students and their famillies
Janaury 9 visit Tuticorin, a smaller city
January 10-11 Kodaikanal, a mountaintop location where we will be staying at a resort
and spending time with families from CBMC India
http://www.kodaikanal.org/
January 12-14 CBMC (Christian Business Mens Committee)
http://www.cbmc.com/ conference in
Bangalore; sharing business insight as well as personal approach to business as
ministry. Lindsay and I will be working with the girls from the Phoebe home.
January 15 back to Mumbai for a business summit
January 16 begin the trek home

For me personally, this trip is a chance to meet and encourage other believers as well as see a new part of the world. I am asking God to be big in giving me some life clarity as well in these two weeks away.
I covet your prayers specifically in the following ways:
~To experience true unity with the Indian believers we interact with, despite language and cultural barriers
~for traveling and health mercies, we will have many flights, train, car, and maybe even rickshaws taking us to and fro
~our hearts in preparation; setting time aside to hear God's direction
~for Ryan while I am away

I invite you to participate in supporting me most importantly in prayer and if God lays it on your heart to support financially as well all contributions can be made payable to Fishhook International who is kind enough to work with us in this capacity so contributions are tax-deductible. Blessings and thanks for taking part in this journey already.