39 days

 39 days till Zambia!

39 days till working with these two wonderful people!

        

Wow, we're getting so close to our trip! Update about preparations: The shipping container will not make it to New Day in time, so we're looking at what supplies we left there at New Day from last year (what's still good out of that) and what we can take in plastic containers as extra baggage on flights. Chris found a resin that can be shipped via FedEx to New Day in Zambia (resin is used for laminating the materials for the prosthetic sockets, so is vital that we have that). Blu was able to locate some plaster there in Zambia that we can buy. And, the other materials we need will have to be packed for flights. 

I've spoken with a few reps from prosthetic manufacturers about our shipping container not making it, so they have checked about getting us donations of prosthetic parts. Otto Bock is sending us some feet and knees....yay!  

I'm starting to get nervous about our trip. You would think that since I went last year and did just fine, I'd be not so nervous....but I am. I'm just terrible about worrying.....though, I'm getting better than I used to be. I think "maybe I'm getting too comfortable, complacent with my abilities to do prosthetics/orthotics....therefore I'm not thinking things through enough or not providing the best device for a patient". It's like if I'm not nervous enough or I don't fret enough, then I won't be good enough. How ridiculous! I have definitely realized that I do this cycle of worry and then stop to realize how ridiculous that is and then do the cycle all over again. God will take care of it. God will take care of me and every situation. He will give me all I need for whatever life brings. I just need to keep reminding myself that.

Prayer requests:

• Pray for John and Chris as they are packing supplies again for travel with us on flights...prayers for patience with running through checklists again and purchasing in the midst of their busy schedules. 
• Pray for Erin (John's daughter) as she works to finish up the spring semester at college...prayers that she keeps her determination and focus to do well even when anticipating our fast approaching trip.
• Pray that all the needed supplies will be with us during our trip, patients will be able to come to us for prosthetic fittings and MANY people will be touched through our mission as we strive to show others Christ. 

Thank you for praying for us and our mission!