Thursday, January 13, 2011

17 more days, but who's counting?!?!?

When you're planning a trip, what do you do first?  Well, of course you make a check off list ~ here's our "top 10" things... 1) Typhoid shots - check, 2) Malaria prevention prescription filled - check, 3) anti diarrhea medication - check, 4) toilet paper - check, 5) hand sanitizer - check, 6) extra underwear (refer to #3) - check, 7) Passports and Visas obtained and approved - check, 8)  reading material, card games, and MP3 players for the 24 plus travel time (are we there yet??) - check, 9) 40 skirts (so we blend in better with the culture, Big Bob is excluded from this) - check, and 10), our new lap top so you can follow along on our adventure and feel like you are traveling with us, (without having to deal with #1-9).

Now that we have our list checked off, what's next...  We each get to bring one checked bag (not to exceed 50lbs) and one carry on.  That shouldn't be a problem, right?  After all, we're going to a place where the temperature is currently in the 90's (it's their cool time of year), so no bulky coats, sweatshirts, or jeans need to be taken with us.  Alright then, we have plenty of space to pack things like a full set of encyclopedias and other books that Novahu picked out while he was visiting here last spring for the library we are putting together in the Marshall Public School.  Then there's the 191 beautiful hand knit hats for the school children and 25 sweaters for the orphans that were made by the loving women at our church.  How about those 25 towel sets (1 for each orphan) given by the caring orphan sponsors.  And we can't forget the unbelievable amount of granola bars given by many kind folks, to be handed out to the hungry beggars on the streets.  Oh and did I mention the games, videos, and other gifts purchased for those we are visiting?  Most recently added to our "treasure chests" would be the 200 candy necklaces for all the school children generously donated by Scoops deVille in Hartford (I wish I could take some of their Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip Ice Cream with us)!  Did I say we needed to bring extra underwear...maybe we'll just wear it in layers on the way over so we don't have to pack it!  In all seriousness though, it has been out of sheer love and kindness that all these things have been given for us to take and it is our honor to carry them to the other side of the world.  We've been given extra luggage to help transport our goods, as well as cash donations to help cover the expenses of additional luggage, so truly...there really is no problem!  Not to mention, we have 3 other couples traveling with us, so they will share the load.

With our list checked twice and our suitcases starting to be packed, we're moving right along, although some of us faster than others...  The final report on Olivia's broken foot is that it is healing, just not as quickly as we hoped.  She will need to wear the boot and use the crutches while traveling, although she has been given a smaller foot brace to try out for more flexibility once we're there. Obviously the last thing we want to do is end up in the hospital while in India, so you can bet that we will be proceeding with caution.  We really are simply grateful that it wasn't an injury that would prevent us from traveling, so anything else we can handle.

I do believe that I've touched on everything regarding our trip preparations except our mental state.  Contrary to those of you who saw me crying in church last week, I would like to report that all really is well...sometimes it just takes a song to get emotions flowing.  We have not only been financially and physically preparing for this trip over the past year, but mentally and spiritually too.  We know that this journey may come with some trials, as Jesus never said following Him would be easy, but we rest assure in knowing that He will give us what we need to endure and thrive in the mission before us.  We are moving forward with open minds, thankful hearts, and the peace that comes from knowing that we are not alone.

For all your support and love, for your prayers and encouragement, and for the opportunity that lies before us, the Landowski Family is eternally grateful!

Signing off with love...
~Jenny