Whoa! There’s A Lot To Do in 3 Weeks
First of all, in my last post, I mentioned that we still weren’t sure if Blake needed the yellow fever vaccine. After MANY calls to the doctor’s office (each with increasing sternness) we FINALLY got the information we needed. Turns out that Blake does not need the vaccine because he got it in boot camp. So hooray! This is great news.
We also have already gotten our malaria pills. And praise God they were only $7! We honestly had no idea how much it’d cost. The only medical thing left on the to-do list is to get our antibiotic. This is just to have in case we get sick in Africa.
In other news, we had another conference call with the team this past Sunday night. Each ministry team gave an update on how the planning is coming along. It made the trip seem more real to me, because now it’s not all vague and obscure, but actual physical things are starting to take place, and a plan is beginning to form. It also made me feel WAY BEHIND. All the other teams (sports, crafts, and Bible stories) have all their materials purchased and have started packing up their suitcases and have lesson plans ready for their activities. Umm…the music team (led by yours truly) is apparently slacking. So far this is what I’ve planned: I’ll bring a battery powered iHome to play music through phones and mp3 players so I just need people to bring playlists with music on it. That’s it. Obviously I need to start doing more to prepare (like downloading songs and memorizing them…because unlike in our churches here, there will not be a screen with the lyrics on PowerPoint).
If you know of any really great, kid-friendly worship songs, please let me know! I would especially love songs that have movements to them. We also have a few items we can add to the list of things to be donated. Blake and I will be taking a good deal of sports equipment and musical items for our activities. So here are some ideas, but you’re certainly welcome to donate other things that could be easily transported in a suitcase!
Sports equipment:
- Frisbees
- Jump ropes
- Parachutes (the kind with handles)
- Balls (basketballs, soccer balls, beach balls, really anything that can be deflated)
- Pump for the balls
Music equipment:
- Egg shakers
- Maracas
- Tambourines
- Finger cymbals
- Rain stick
There is also one thing I’d like to ask you all to pray for as we get closer. That is, that I would trust wholeheartedly in Him, and not in myself. I am a control freak to the max, and I get very worried and anxious when I’m not in control. I have no idea what to expect in Africa or even how to plan for it. I feel like no amount of preparing will really prepare me, especially to lead the music. My nerves are starting to kick in, and I feel like Satan is attacking me and making me feel inadequate. I know that God is using this to teach me that I am truly NEVER in control, and I have to learn to rely on Him and His guidance. Also, being a perfectionist, I really beat myself up over little things. So please pray that once we get over there, I’ll be ready to do whatever God wants, even if things don’t go the way I planned them (cuz they probably won’t), because that’s just the way God intended it all along.
We really appreciate all the support you all give. I know I’ve said that a thousand times, but it needs to be said again. From money to prayers to donated items, we are so blessed to have all of you answering the call to “send” as we answer the call to “go”.
Hello,
Joe (my husband) first told me about your blog a few weeks ago, and after looking at it he said “you and this girl are gonna be friends.” As craft leader (ps not necessarily a crafty person), I get what your saying about feeling inadequate. As a teacher too I know how we are conditioned to plan and overplan and then differentiate our plans and then have sub plans…you get where I am going with that. Some people may be packed, but others of us are way behind ya. I think the most important thing is to have a few ideas, but be most willing just to wing it. You’ll be awesome, and your love for God and those children will shine through you. On a funny note I was so excited to think someone thought the craft team had it together 🙂 I am so excited our paths will cross soon.
Hi April! Thank you so much for your encouraging words! And you’re right, I think this “teacher mindset” is part of the issue. Being a teacher gives me free reign to be a control freak about what goes on in my classroom, but does little to prepare me for circumstances where planning goes out the window! Can’t wait to meet you in person and see what God has in store for us!
And by the way, I know it says Blake, but this is really Lindsay. He’s just the one with the blog account :-).
Me too!
Hey. Do you know where to get the parachutes. I know several games if you need them. Let me know how to get them and I will buy 5 or so. You both are in my prayers and I am in awe of your unabandoned obedience! It is such a joy to know you both.
Hey there, Blake here! You’re awesome. Thanks for the encouragement!
We have 10 of them being bought by another team member so I don’t think we need anymore, but any game suggestions I would love to get from you!
I just wanted to tell you how awesome I think it is tht you are going to Africa! I also wanted to tell you how glad I am to have you as a choir teacher! It’s nice to know that you are such a great person and that you are a dedicated Christian. I hope you have fun on your trip and I know you’ll touch so many lives.
Hi JMB! Thank you so much for your sweet words. It’s so encouraging to me as a missionary, a Christian, and a teacher! I’m sitting here wracking my brain trying to think of which student JMB might be! Would you mind telling me your name so I know who you are?
I’d love to tell you who I am, but my mother would have my head if I were to put my name on something like this. I know the Internet rules, so I must follow them. Also, this is actually my cousins email, because mine is being rude, if you know what I mean! (;
How about this… when school starts back, I will tell you exactly who I am. I know, it’s killing me, too not telling you, but I can’t. I’m sorry. Trust me, if I could I would though! 🙂
Haha well I’m super proud of you for being safe on the internet and following the rules! I suppose I can wait until August to know who you are. Have a great summer!