Let the packing begin!

Already? Absolutely. 38 days seems like such a long time to pack but it is a work in progress.

Brennan, my middle daughter, and I made some lists this morning: what to pack, what we need to buy, and what needs done. This I hope will give us some direction and help to reduce last minute frenzy.

Each person is permitted to take 2-50# suitcases of donations and personal belongings we need for the week go in our carry on bag. My family alone will be taking 400# of donations.

Folks have been donating items over the past few months including much needed shoes. My family alone has nearly 200 pairs of flip flops in addition probably 10 pairs of gently used little girls shoes. Why all the shoes? Most of the children in Santa Maria de Jesus are infected with hookworms, an intestinal parasite lives in the soil.
Without shoes on their feet they are constantly being reinfected.

Vitamins, vitamins, and more vitamins. Having been part of the medical team each year I see the importance of vitamins. The medical team distributes vitamins to each child and pregnant woman that come to the clinic. Such a simple thing can have a profound difference.

Since Lisa Keller is also the vacation Bible School crew leader and part of our local team, we also take ALL the supplies needed to have a great Bible school for over 200 children! ALL supplies means everything from snacks to scotch tape and everything in between! I am sure she will post soon to share the uniqueness of preparing for Mission Bible school.

Pray for our ability to take everything we need to and some extra space for the things we want to take for them