It's nearly time, and there's so much left to do!

I have been preparing for this trip for about a year now. I started talking about it with the Bartletts at the end of June. After all this time, I still can't believe I'm actually going to be in Malawi in about two months.

Things are pretty busy at home. I finished up the spring semester at Yavapai College on May 18. I was taking some elementary education classes to help prepare me for teaching Anna and Lydia. After taking the classes, I fell in love with education, and I think that I will continue studying it when I return. As much as I loved the classes though, I am so glad the semester is over! I have been working for a company in Prescott called Creative Networks since last July. Creative provides caregivers for the elderly and disabled. I currently have two clients, Katie (15) and Charisma (10). I love them both a ton! I work with Katie in the mornings to help her grandparents get her ready for school. Katie is blind and deaf and is wheelchair bound due to cerebral palsy in her legs. Glenn and Sally (her grandparents) are both really strong Christians, and they have been a huge blessing since I began working with them. Charisma and her family attend my church (Prescott Free Methodist) and are amazing. Charisma has cerebral palsy as well, but she is able to walk (with a little help) and is otherwise a normal ten year old girl. I love the time I spend with her.

I took a few weeks off of work so that I could go to Oregon. My dad got married on June 2nd, so Amanda (my sister) and I came for a few weeks. The ceremony was really cool, Dad and Shannon (my stepmom) included Amanda, Lindsey (my stepsister), and I a lot. We had our own vows and rings, helped light the unity candle, and sang a song. I'm so glad that our families are finally united. I also got to spend a week with my grandparents, aunt and uncle, and my five cousins from Georgia. It was great that everyone came up for the wedding; I got to spend time with all of my family before I leave for Malawi.

Next month, I will go to Michigan for three days of training at Spring Arbor University. I look forward to learning more about the specific things I will need to know as a missionary. I am nearly there financially. At this point, I have raised about $12,000. Thank you to everyone who has supported me financially, there is no way I could do it without you. Unfortunately, I still need about $4,000. I also really need all of your prayers.

This trip is one of the most exciting things I could do, but it will also be one of the most challenging. I will need tons of prayer support as I leave my family and friends to serve in Malawi. Thank you all so much for everything you have already done.