What purpose?

Let me start by saying, Mom has arrived safely and no one is happier to have her here than me. The kids are enjoying testing her memory though and love spending time with her just as though she never left.

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A close friend of mine gave me a book to read when I first left for India. One I'm sure most of you have at least heard of and many have probably already finished yourself. Last month I finally began reading, "A Purpose Driven Life." I have always been 100% sure of the next steps I want to take in my life and started making ten year plans back when I was in Elementary school. These last two years, as all of my personal goals and plans fell to the wayside as I ended up in India, I realized that I left out a huge detail..God. Of course, Christ has always been an important part of my life, just not in the center where he belonged. I was asking the wrong questions. What do I want, what do I like, where do I want to be. None of those answers pointing to leaving friends and family and comfort to live overseas in boiling temperatures with spicy foods. I was the person who was never getting on a plane. If God wanted to use me, he would find a way to do it where I was currently located. Finally, he got my attention long enough for me to see that his plans were completely different. I took a leap of faith, but I'm happy with where he's brought me. He's taught me so much here that I would have missed out on back home. I also hope to have brought a little light and love into some children's lives here in India that they would have otherwise missed out on.

Coming to India has meant changing basically all of my plans for the future. I wasn't sure where I would be in the coming months, let alone five years from now. I decided now would be the perfect time to get started on the book. I'm here now, but what's next. Being naive, I was sure that by day 40 there was going to be a sign in flashing neon lights..."Your next destination is...GOD and Rick Warren fill in the blank!" Not long after starting, I realized it was going to require a little more work than reading a chapter a day from me. I finished all 40 days and Rick Warren forgot to add in there, Kim Shroyer, you will be doing _____ work next year at ______ location with _____ and ______ people in your life. But, long before the last chapter, I knew that wasn't coming.

The most important thing that I learned from reading this book is that there is not one set path that I must take. I can live a life of purpose for God anywhere I go and I should. The most important thing for me to remember is Christ should always be the focus of my life. It doesn't matter what country I'm teaching in or even if I'm bagging groceries for that matter. Everything I do, I should do for him. Coming to peace with the fact that several decisions for next year can be the right choice as long as I have the right attitude and heart, I feel closer to a decision than after any of my pro/con lists. Unless I find there is a need for my voluntary services here next year, I am looking into rehabilitation/temporary living/homless shelters. Whether it becomes a career or place I can volunteer my time, I see this as possibly a great next step for me. Children are my passion and I want to find those most in need. I'm open to all advice and assistance to help make this happen. I have started looking, but am still in the heavy prayer stage. I know God can open any doors if he wants to support my decision. And at the same time, close them if not.

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Tuni in two days! Can't wait to see my American (Westside) family and Indian brothers and sisters at the orphanage!! Please pray for safe travels

Happy Thanksgiving

One thing I really hated to miss this year was the holiday season with my family. So, it came as a surprise to me when I almost missed one of the first important ones! As many holidays as I've celebrated since being here, Thanksgiving isn't one they have...for obvious reasons, being that it's an American holiday. You can't miss it at home with all the turkeys and talk of Black friday; and of course the time off school!

I decided the best way for me to celebrate was to write out all the things I am thankful for. I will spare those of you who read this from the detail I went into in my Indian journal, but I thought it would be nice to share some nonetheless.

I have a wonderful family who loves and supports me in everything I do. I can travel half way around the world and they either follow along or stay home cheering me on. I know I can come to them with anything and they'll be by my side. I wouldn't be where I am without them.

My friends are also true to the end. Some old and some new, they are all wonderful in their different ways. Nothing brightens my day like reading an email or message from home. It's easy to get disconnected with so much space between us, but they are always there when I need them and I know it will be the case when I return home as well. There may be a language barrier with the friends I've made this year, but they've proven just as faithful as those I'm missing back in the states. It hasn't taken them long to pick up on my strange ways and they always give encouragement when I need it most. -I hope all of you know who you are, all of those who I've served and travelled with at church, those I've laugh and cried with from school and work, and you who I've met through random circumstances, but thankfully God brought you all into my life. (My choice to not use names is having people whom I love so far spread and a mind so disorganized, I will leave at least one off!)

I have my health and a safe place to call home. Both here in India and back in Kansas. As I've had time to see different parts of India, it's become even more clear that this is something everyone isn't blessed with. A roof over your head, does not always a safe home make. (I think that sentence was my inner Yoda coming out...3 star wars movies in the last two weeks!) To further prove my point, it was announced that there would be 3 days leave from school because of the heavy rains. At home we may be slightly annoyed with several days rain, but it's nothing rain boots, umbrellas, staying indoors, and a little extra travel time can't fix. Here is becomes more of a threat. Getting 300 children home safely every night becomes more difficult, and I'm sure some of the homes they return to are not suited for staying dry in heavy rains. With temperatures rarely dropping below boiling hot here, the rain brings a cold that they don't take as well. I'm feeling as cool and comfortable as ever while they are wearing coats and caps. All around I see children and teachers getting colds and realize I'm probably the only one enjoying the temperature change.

The children I've met this year have changed my life. I will never forget them, and hopefully will have the opportunity to return frequently. I am here to serve them and share God's love, but they have ended up impacting my life just as much if not more. I am thankful for every morning I wake up to their smiling faces. Nothing can beat the feeling of walking hand in hand with the two kids I sponsor at New Life or hearing the kids at Light of Love call my name when we come as though we had just been there the day before. I love all the different personalities that I've come to know here at Annai Erica. I have come to see them all as little brothers and sisters. A picture taken from my first day has completely changed over time. Before it was lines of cute Indian children who all seemed very similar to me. Now I can go through each face and connect it to a name and most a story that brings a smile to my face.

Last, but definitely most important on the list...I have a wonderful loving God. I am never alone. He has become my closest friend this year, as he should have been always. I don't have to fear the quiet or the empty places because he is always by my side. Everyone back home may be asleep when I need to make a phone call most, but the line of prayer to him is always open. He has blessed me with everything I have today and everything I will have in the future. Being here this year, I've never been so glad that I don't need idols or witchcraft or science to find meaning in life. Living a life for Christ is my purpose. When everything centers around him, I don't have to doubt. I hope I never waste an opportunity to share that kind of love with someone else.

If you are reading this, consider yourself on the list of things I'm thankful for.

Happy Diwali (Deepavali)!

The students just returned this week from a four day holiday where they celebrated Diwali with their families.

I spent the weekend with the Father here at the school and a new acquaintance, Claire, from England. We really enjoyed our time together and it was nice speaking fluent English with someone who was familiar with customs of the west.

First, we visited Thanjavur to see a temple that is 1,000 years old this year. I have to admit it is the most beautifully built temple I've seen since I've been here. It is constructed entirely of stone and wasn't overdone with paint like most.

Next, we went to Vailankanni, an incredible Catholic church by the coast. It is famous for a crippled boy who was onced healed there. People from all religions go to worship at this church. Just outside the building, there is a stretch of sand about 1 km in length where people kneel and pray the full length of the grounds until they reach the site where the boy was healed. We ate fresh fish from the ocean and watched as men and children in their clothes and women in their sarees jumped in for a wash and swim.

The next day was Diwali, so we returned to the school. Driving was an adventure with fireworks (patasu) being set off on all the streets. We had a few close calls under our vehicle! After arriving at the school, I went on a walk with Claire to show her the local village. We were greeted by my usual walking buddies along the way with Diwali sweets. Back at the school, the current was cut. What a lovely Diwali surprise! Had the students been there, the generator would have been put on, but with only 5 of us, there was no real need. The two of us sat outside with Father and Math Sir. I'm thankful the power was cut, because our original plans were to sit in the room and watch a movie. Instead, we had three hours under to the stars listening and seeing fireworks from all surrounding villages. The school grounds have never been as quiet and peaceful as they were that night. They prepared a dinner by candlelight for us. Right as we sat down, the lights came back on. Claire and I decided to turn them out and finish with only the candles. We were enjoying ourselves and not ready to go back to normal routine just yet.

The next day, we set off for Madurai to see one last temple. The drive was incredible with mountains, rivers and palm trees. We may have prefered that the journey ended there! Arriving at the temple, it was the first time I didn't feel welcome in India. "Foreigners" as they so loosely labeled us, were charged to enter. After walking inside, we were not so kindly informed by many people that "those people" shouldn't be in here. At this temple, you have to be Hindu to go inside (or at least look the part). Even so, this was the first place I had four different groups of people request pictures with me. I'm not welcome in their place of worship, but my skin color is still fascinating!

Though slightly perturbed, we found ourselves especially thankful for the love of Jesus and a religion that encourages others to come and join.

Diwali weekend was a nice break and I really enjoyed all the experiences we had. However, I was never happier than when my students returned full of smiling faces and hugs.

A Wise Lifestyle

Talk Softly
Walk Humbly
Eat Sensibly
Breathe Deeply
Sleep Sufficiently
Dress Smartly
Act Fearlessly
Work Patiently
Think Truthfully
Believe Completely
Behave Decently
Learn Practically
Plan Orderly
Earn Honestly
Save Regularly
Spend Intelligently

Will you refuse Jesus?

You are, I know, the most incapable person, weak and sinful, but just because you are that- I want to use you for My glory. Will you refuse?

Village Visit

Today I was finally able to go home with a few of the students who don't stay at the hostel. I've had permission for over a week, but the eye problems set me back. I walked home with one family after the school bell rang ending our day.

I went to one of my 5th standard girls' house first. I don't know what I was expecting, certainly not much from the time I've spent here in India so far. Even so, I was still surprised to come to three small huts about the size of an American closet (not the walk-in kind!) joined in the middle by a blue tarp. The sleeping cots were outside under the tarp as they were too large to fit in any of the three huts. The whole arrangement looked similar to something I constructed in my bedroom as a child during playtime. To take a picture with the children standing at full height, we had to stand just outside the tarp.

What I have the hardest time wrapping my mind around, is the fact that these two children were hostel students a month before. She was so excited when she told me they were living in their own home and she didn't have to stay at the school full-time anymore. In my mind I had always pictured that the students who ride the bus to our school every morning are coming from American style homes. I realize this was a foolish thought, but it's where my mind went. Not living in the hostel meant, well-off. In all reality, there are only a handful of people in all of India who are "well-off."

Next, I went to the home of 3 of my other students. One 3rd standard, one 5th, and one 8th. These sisters live in a home with their younger brother, older sister, mother and grandparents. It was a little larger than the first home and had cement walls. We could all fit inside and stand straight. Basically, their belongings consisted of clothes, school items, cooking utensils, and a few pictures of their father who passed away. When I think about my house in comparison, I am disgusted in the way I live. If they can live happily day by day as they do, there is so much in my home that is just waste. I have more in my room here in India than they have in their entire house. In fact, my room here is larger than their house. But don't get me wrong, the size, material, and contents of the house don't matter. These families have a great home filled with love and simple pleasures. I would be happy to spend the rest of my time here living in the villages.

While there, their mother made me coffee and purchased cake at the village shop. I felt bad eating with so many children around, but they were so happy to serve me and wouldn't let me share my piece. The way these people would give the shirt off their back without even flinching is inspiring. I hope to show such hospitality to everyone who enters my home.

We spent the rest of my time there touring the village, playing games, and dancing to the radio. That two hours spent in the village was one of my best experiences so far. I hope to go with several more students before the year ends.

A day in the life of an Untouchable...

This week there is a problem spreading through our school similar to pink-eye. Today I woke up to the same eye pain that all these students have been experiencing. As it only begun a couple days back, we the infected, are only about 40-50 strong. I was hoping I could go through the day without anyone noticing. But of course, the first people I came to, could immediately point out the problem.

The uninfected keep their distance and everyone looks at me as though I'm carrying the plague. The currently infected look at me with shame and guilt as though they are to blame. Some actually believe that they will catch it merely from looking and guard their eyes as they pass.

I have come to find comfort in the touch of those students who are experiencing these same problems. While the touch and acknowlegement of those students who aren't, feels like a blessing from God. I imagine this is only a fraction of how the "Untouchables" must feel every day of their lives.

Though I have entitled this post "A day in the life," in all reality, I haven't even made it the whole day. I have only made it until afternoon and I am filled with shame and embarrassment. I also have the sympathy and support here of all who love me, so my experience is nothing in comparison. And I know that this is nothing more than an eye infection and soon will heal. But, the behavior and suggestion of others has a huge affect on our feelings. I do believe that everyone should know, even if only for a brief time, what it feels like to be an outcast.

I don't blame anyone for this problem and I am not worried about my health. It will pass in a week and nothing will have changed. I just found the experience to be enlightening and I wanted to share it with anyone who's still reading.

BTW, keep us all in your prayers because there are many of us experiencing pain and the number is growing daily!

The last month at a glance!

Again, I am slow to get an update. There is so much to say and it feels like time is flying faster than ever. So many things have happened in the last few weeks. I celebrated teacher’s day here in India. It was nice to have 300 wishes of “Happy Teacher’s Day,” from the students and staff as well as a few heartfelt gifts the students drew.

We also attended the marriage party of one of the teachers from my school. She is no longer working at the school as she has moved to her husband’s village. The bride was a beautiful sight. For weddings, they spare no expense for jewelry. The parents arranged the marriage. I tried to imagine getting to know everything you would like to know about the man you would spend the rest of your life with a week before the ceremony. Scary thought!

My students took their quarterly exams, and I am happy with the results. It is nothing like testing in America, but I think they did well. One teacher told me her students scored higher in English than in Tamil! After exams, everyone was leaving for 10 days. Mom and I took this time to see our kids at New Life and Light of Love.

We took a train to Visak to save ourselves about $750. It was an experience. The scenery was beautiful, and something we wouldn’t get on the flight. We met some interesting people and had plenty of time to relax, talk and listen to music. For a 19 hour trip we decided to just bring along some snacks instead of worrying about getting train food. Staring at a young teenage boy crawling on the floor of a dirty train, tugging on clothes and begging for money, my appetite was soon gone. How could I sit there eating my snacks while a different beggar is coming through our car every five minutes? At first, I am ashamed to say that I felt frustration because everyone is guaranteed to stop at us for money because we are white and appear to be the golden ticket. I wasn’t irritated at the act of begging, but feeling like I couldn’t help everyone who stops. Soon thereafter, I realized I could probably afford to pay every begging child, mother, or disabled person who passed me enough to live off for a few days in India, without putting a dent in my American wallet. Even so, more overwhelming than the feeling of shame for not giving immediately and wholeheartedly, was the realization that my money can’t really help them at all. That boy will probably be working the same train route tomorrow and the next day for as long as I can imagine. These people are not only monetarily poor, but also physically, emotionally, and spiritually. How can I make a difference? I still believe in freely giving to and serving others. No good deed, no matter how big or small, goes without benefiting someone. I just need to decide what I’m doing that changes the big picture. Am I living a life worthwhile that really makes a difference, or am I living for me. I think I will need all 7 months left in India to decide my next steps when returning home. If coming home is even the answer.

As we were a good two hours from our final destination on the train, I look out to see my familiar second home, Light of Love. There were definitely some mixed emotions. Overjoyed that seeing the school means we are back and those beautiful children are closer than ever. Saddened by the fact that we are quickly rolling past and not ready to just jump out and start giving our hugs.

Arriving at New Life was a rush. I made sure to put on all my memory gifts from the children before we arrived. I have to change them from one school to the next because I have gotten so many. Stepping out of the car, I see Malleswari, the girl I sponsor, holding the garland for me. She looked as beautiful and ever and it was great to be able to hug her again. Walking through the line of children, mom and I are able to answer correctly, as many students ask, “My name?” The look they give you followed by a big smile and hug is such a rush. We forget what it means to the kids to have you remember them and know them by name. I get a small picture of heaven as we all run to Jesus, seeing that he really does know us all down to the number of hairs on our head.

One day, the older girls decided they wanted to go for picnic in the forest. We started walking with some water bottles and biscuits (Indian cookies) in hand. Nothing like narrow paths lined with thorny bushes and trees to remind me why long skirts aren’t the most convenient thing to wear. It’s moments like these that I find myself wondering how I can ever begin to convey them to family and friends back home. Having my mom with me, I know she will understand. However, thorn in foot, sweat rolling, snakes crawling, dress catching at every step I take, it seems as though most people won’t be able to figure out why I enjoyed myself so much. I suppose I’m the one who doesn’t know how to put it into words properly. It seems as though every experience I have here in India is new. What I like more than anything is that I am usually living outside of my comfort zone. For once in my life, I am happy to do things I’ve never tried before. No matter what my fears in the past have been, I try new things put before me without hesitation.

One thing I have discovered very quickly, is that with each trip to New Life and Light of Love, leaving gets a little harder. This time I was dreading the moment the car started for us to leave several hours before. The handful of children who I had bonded with the most over the last several months of visits knew exactly how much time I had left. With a language barrier, it would seem difficult to build relationships with the children. But, it such a short time, no words are needed. Walking hand in hand with the kids and sharing those knowing glances during prayer are all I need to be filled with love.

While I’m not sure I will ever leave New Life again without tears, it was also good when we reached my school in Annai Erica again. I was happy to see all my students and friends looking fresh after a long break. Now the hard part is having Mom leave. Her two months here are finished and we just took her to the airport today. I know she will be greatly missed by all the students as well. It was nice to have family here for a while to share in all the joys of India. Now I will need to work a little harder on my Tamil to communicate even easier with everyone.

I will try to be more consistent with my posts!

Flickr photos

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52906936@N08/

I opened an account so I can share some photos besides what I have on Facebook. My internet is very slow, so I will be lucky to upload one a day. If you check periodically, hopefully you will find some new ones!

WFC/ Tuni

The last couple of weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions. Two weeks ago, the team from Westside arrived in Trichy. It was so great to be there at the airport to receive them and greet both the familiar and new faces. Having them here with me was exactly like our mission trip last year, while at the same time, completely different. I experienced new things with different people, but God was as present as ever. With Father Dhana, the decision was made to get more involved in those villages and schools receiving water. The trip to Tuni only reinforced that decision as we went into the villages and saw how the people were filled up with the love of our Father. It was great to share in the experiences of dedicating wells provided by 4 different members from our trip. How cool to see the outcome from all their hard work and giving!

Seeing all the children at New Life and Light of Love again was incredible. Being there just two months before, it was a great feeling to have them all greet me by name and actually be able to name a few of them myself. Having Chinni, from Light of Love, run to me calling out “Hi, Mommy!” was definitely a highlight. I love the way she always finds me when I come and stays right by my side. It’s also pretty cool that after only 3 visits, the kids know exactly who to run and find for me when I show up.

One day of the trip, I was surprised to find we were basically running a youth conference. I love that anything can happen in India and the most you need is 30 seconds notice! When Viser asked who wanted to speak, Jesus volunteered me. I don’t know if I’ve ever been as scared as I was standing in front of over 100 young adults encouraging them to go where God leads them. I am incredibly thankful for Mike being right by my side and the rest of the team directly behind as support. God brought several teenagers to their knees that day, and I’m glad I could be there to stand by their side and pray for them, even if I couldn’t offer a word of encouragement in Telugu that they would understand.

The hardest part will always be saying goodbye. I thought I would be ok this time knowing I will return soon, but driving away from all those beautiful faces and my friends heading back to American was as difficult as ever.

The ending was bittersweet. After a week of traveling in cars and trains and hotel stays, it was nice to return to the place in India I now call home. I was proud to get every name correct in the swarm of children as we unloaded from the van at my school. As if I could forget them so quickly! Since then, I have enjoyed building even stronger bonds with all the kids. The more comfortable they become with me, the more I feel at home. It has also been fun introducing my mother to culture. She is picking up on things quickly and the kids love having her around. I am thankful for the English practice! Don’t know what I’ll do when I have to go back to speaking pure Tamil in one month.

BTW..prayer at my school is 30 minutes, so if you have any requests, please send them my way!

Daily Schedule

A few people have asked about a typical day here, so I thought I would give an update on the schedule.

*The morning details, I am just going from what they tell me, because I am not as quick out of bed in the morning and the children. Most of them wake up around five and have their bath and then go to study hall. At six they have morning prayer and usually I can hear the prayer song on the speakers from my room. Then, they go back to study hall until 7:15.

*All Primary and secondary students follow the same bell schedule.

7:15- Cleaning work (sweeping, trash dumping)
7:45- Breakfast
8:30- Classroom study hall (1st bus of village children arrives)
9:15- School prayer and national anthem
9:30- 1st period starts (2nd bus arrives)
10:20- 2nd period
11:00- 10 minute break (recess)
11:10- 3rd period
11:50- 4th period
12:40- Lunch
1:40- 5th period
2:20- 6th period
3:00- 10 minute break (recess)
3:10- 7th period
3:50- 8th period
4:30- Recreation time
5:30- Evening study hall
7:15- Evening prayer (Rosary)
7:45- Supper
8:15- Free time (I have agreed to 15 minutes with the girls and 15 minutes with the boys because it was the easiest way to please everyone)
8:45- Night study
9:30- Sleeping

They have school most Saturdays, so it's the same schedule. Sundays they have morning church and afternoon mass. The rest of the day is free for parents and family to come visit and many students take naps. There are still several hours for them to study though. This week every student has their big public exam, so there is more studying than usual. They are looking forward to the visit from Westside's team though with many dances planned. They also get a 3 day holiday to go home and rest from all the exams.

I am looking forward to seeing the team as well and will keep their safe travels in my prayer.

Checking in!

I am sorry to be so behind on the updates. The last few weeks have flown by and I feel like I rarely get a chance to sit down.

I am completely settled at the school now. I have to admit the first week was difficult. There came a time when I actually thought about how long a year is without my family and friends. After lots of prayers, God gave me the strength to move past that. I know many of those prayers were coming from all of you back home, so thank you!

Another big shock came about 2 weeks after my arrival. Being naïve, I just assumed that students and teachers at a Catholic school would be Catholic, or at least Christian. Two visits to the local temple with the school and I realized that 98% of the students and staff are Hindu. Probably shouldn’t come as a shock in India. This was very eye opening and hit me hard at first, but it made my purpose here clearer.

As hard as it is to believe, I’ve almost been here a month and half. I have the schedule down finally…study, prayer, study, eat, study, school (6 days a week), study, prayer, eat, study… I wonder why these Indian children seem so smart?
I know I have learned at least 50 names, but I think it is closer to 100. My goal has been at least one a day. This task would be much easier with a John or Sally thrown in there! My first month here, I was known as Mam. Now that there is one other American and four visitors from France, I am Kim Mam. Being the first one here, I have become the go between for teachers and foreigners. I’m glad they are feeling more comfortable with me. The students love to come to me and ask if I know their name. Their next question: My friend’s name? The answer they are looking for being, “Kim,” just melts my heart every time. I now have 600 friends who I love spending time with and get to daily. However, some have upgraded me from friend to sister (Aca). I am proud to carry either title.

I now know 138 Tamil letters. Over half way there! I can read Tamil, but couldn’t tell you what I’m saying. All students and teachers have taken advantage of the few sentences I do know and let’s just say I get plenty of practice saying that I’m finished eating and telling everyone what I had. According to them, I will speak fluent Tamil by the time I leave. I wonder if there’s a great need for Tamil teachers in Kansas?

I will do my best to give more frequent updates. Hopefully, I will have a flickr account soon so I can share an occasional picture.

Let Go and Let God

India is the place where I never say never. Anything I thought and said I could never do, I'm eventually brought to here. Some things fun and others a little scary!

- Took a man-powered rickshaw that I'm pretty sure I could have passed on foot.
- Rode a motorcycle through the streets of India with luggage.
- Walked across train tracks after the bar was down.
- Used an Indian style toilet.
- Rested my eyes in India traffic.
- Brushed my teeth with India water.
- Ate mango without swelling (almost every time).
- Led prayer in front of hundreds.

This is only after one week. I'm sure I won't be able to keep track of all of the new experiences I have. I am just learning that I don't always have to be in control. I can trust God to take care of things.


My first week with the children was great. I forgot how much I have missed them all until they were crowded around quizzing me with all the English they knew. No matter how hot the temperature, it never gets old having ten children holding you as you walk to evening prayer together. Their smiles are contagious and laughs heart melting. The best feeling was when the children i knew who remembered me from my last visit came to greet me. Or possibly walking hand in hand with the brother and sister at New Life who my mother and I sponsor.

Although saying goodbye again was difficult, I am on to Trichy to begin teaching. I will hope for the best and appreciate everyone's prayers.

Landed

I have landed in India and my next flight is in four hours. I am going on about three hours of sleep over the last day and a half, so I don't really have anything profound to say. Looking forward to seeing the beautiful faces at New Life and Light of Love!

1 Week Left in Kansas

I have all of my plane tickets purchased and hotel rooms booked for travel. I am officially leaving on Monday, June 7. My plane leaves Kansas at 2:20 and I will be arriving in India 11:45 (1:15 pm Central Time), the next day. Hopefully, I will be giving some updates by the 8th or 9th. My biggest fear for this trip is getting on those flights. Please keep me in your prayers as I travel.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog! More to come when I have a plane ticket and official date nailed down.