Hey friends and family,

The trip is fast approaching and I've been slowly collecting the items I'll need. The following is a list of items on my "To Buy" list, but I'm hoping to borrow as many as possible. Please let me know if you can help me out?

Travel Alarm Clock

TSA approved locks

European Adapter

Converter

Inflatable neck pillow

Fast Drying Travel Towel

Raincoat (S or M)
Travel Sleeping Bag

Also, it turns out I'm not going to be in the southern part of Ireland (Co. Kilkenny), but central Ireland (Co. Roscommon). Elle, from OM, emailed the Impact Ireland Preparation Pack the other day. It's full of great tidbits, some recommendations, and history. In the next six weeks (!!!), I'd like to share what I'm learning about this country.

The following is from the Preparation Pack in regards to "understanding something of the complex history of Ireland in order to present the Gospel in a meaningful way and avoid the pitfalls.

1. Ireland has a long and noble history
The point for us is that Christianity is not of recent origin for the Irish. Ireland was evangelized relatively early and since then has been active in spreading the Christan faith. It is known as "the land of saints and scholars" and produced such wonderful masterpieces as the Book of Kells. For the Irish to have people coming to share the gospel with them can be viewed as an insult, especially when those young people come from the USA, the home of all the new "funny religions." The Irish may feel insecure in many areas, but in religion they believe they have the one true Church and have had it for a long time, in fact a lot longer than most nations have been around.

The big excitement of last week was when American Airlines changed my departure time, without telling me, leaving only an hour between flying into Chicago (from Detroit) and flying out to Dublin. Not enough time. Everything is fixed and the only snafoo of the whole thing might be not getting a window seat on the flight over. We'll see.

Some other exciting news...Last week I received an email from my contact at OM saying there were two other girls going on this trip by themselves (from the US). One of the girls wanted to exchange email addresses and we've been chatting on Facebook. It's an answer to prayer to be able to know someone before I get over there.

Two Day Sponsorships are still available and funds can still be received in my OM account after the due date.

It's the home stretch!

April Update

This month has been amazing! Over $400 in support alone. It's the home stretch and funds are due by May 10. And you want to hear some amazing news?

Just $151 to go!!!

Thanks so much for the support you've shown me. Thank you for allowing God to work through you. Thank you for the opportunity to experience what God's doing around the world.

My missionary philosophy is that why would I travel half way around the world to share Jesus with others, if I am not doing it in my own home town. Going to Ireland is not something I'm doing to say that's I've done missions work. To me that is not congruent. I desire this trip to be an extension of what I'm already living. If I am not already showing the love of Christ to my neighbors here in Grand Rapids, what justification do I have to jump on a plane and minister in Ireland. For this reason I have a hard time referring to this as a missions trip. It is far more then that phrase connotes.

This trip is a chance to experience God in a new way, among new people. To see how the Irish worship and see new creations. To jump past American Christianity and experience another tribe and nation. To meet my brothers from another mother and sisters from another mister. It's a time of renewal and dependence on Christ.

My thoughts, as of recent, are filled with concerns. Below is a list of prayer requests:

1. Please pray that God provides me others in the larger group to connect with. I fear loneliness when I initially get in the country. Though I am going alone, that is probably not the case for the majority, as many churches and families come on this trip.

2. Please pray that my impulse for control is not my undoing on my flight over. Pray that everything goes smoothly and that I may rest on my overnight flight. I'm fearing jet lag.

3. Please pray that I allow the Holy Spirit's courage to work through me and my timidity does not hinder God's work. This is probably a prayer that needs prayed more often.

Thank you again for your support. I cannot express how thankful I am.