Colombia Preparations

Well, I'm going to Colombia, there's no turning back now. My passport is ordered, I've had my first Hepatitis shot and my plane tickets have no cancellation insurance :) It's a done deal as they say. Besides the idea of leaving my family, I am extremely excited about it (haven't been doing so well with the Spanish lessons though as you can see). I've learned what I figure to be one of the most important phrases in Spanish: Coma esta el bano? Which means, where is the bathroom :) I should be fine.

A lot of my friends ask me if I'm scared to go to Colombia. Considering the statistics of violence there I probably should be, but I'm not. I know that my church family will be back home praying for our team as we're over there. When Joel went in April with a team from church he said he never once felt unsafe. Even though they heard a gun shot on their last night in Bogota. I figure if I die there, than it's meant to be I guess. I'm not afraid of the afterlife. In my opinion I think it was harder to let Joel go than it will be to go myself. I was afraid of him being killed and being left alone to raise the kids and losing my best friend. Aren't fears amazing things?

My dear friend Valerie shared today at heart to heart about a very scary situation she had involving her son (who was diagnosed with viral meningitis and encephalitis). She explained how she felt at peace with the situation even when she was watching her son in extreme pain and hearing from the doctors that he may not survive. Isn't the peace of God amazing? That we can have peace when peace just doesn't make any sense. It's one of the things I love most about having a relationship with God. One of the perks you could say ;)

Yes, I'll be praying for that peace in a little over a month when I leave for Colombia. It's easy to say that I'm not afraid now, but as a home-body and a person that doesn't care much for flying, the idea of leaving my family and home for 8 days and flying in planes 6 different times in a week could easily overcome me with fear. It's a challenge I am eager to tackle, with God on my side. Let's face it, He made it abundantly clear that I'm supposed to be going, so what have I got to fear but fear itself?

I'm so grateful for all the people that are pitching in to help with childcare as I leave. Thanks so much guys, without you I wouldn't be able to do this. I appreciate you so much!

To Joel and my kidlets, we'll get through this. It'll just make us appreciate eachother all the more. I'm expecting God to do some amazing things while we're down there. Your love and support from home make it possible for me to be a part of that. I love you so much!

Mel