One week in! Thank you for all your prayers thus far! Please pray for continued strength and energy as we begin our second week overseas!! Pray that we continue to reach out to the people who we meet, that we continue to share smiles, laughter, and love, three things that cross any language barrier. Pray for safety as we continuously travel from orphanges to hospitals to prisons, as well as into Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia! I'll be coming home on the 6th!
Here's my flight information for the 6th:
Flight information from Riga to Omaha, for June 6th:
Flight Numbers:
SK Scandinavian Airlines
Riga to Stockholm: 9619
Delta Airlines
Stockholm to Amsterdam: 9277
Amsterdam to Detroit: 235
Detroit to Omaha: 3118
Blessings on all that you do!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
5/22
Today, I fly out! Pray for a safe journey, good company, God's love and word to shine through constantly in our lives, and for a quick adjustment to the nine hour time difference! If it is 8:30 AM in Nebraska, then it is currently 5:30 PM in Russia! (Which, by the way, is when we're supposed to land on the 23rd.) Thanks for your prayers!
For those of you interested in tracking my flights, both to Russia and on the way home, here are a few options you can use:
http://updates.orbitz.com/
http://www.flightview.com/traveltools/
Flight information from Omaha to St. Petersburg, for May 22nd:
Flight Numbers:
DL Delta Airlines
Omaha to Minneapolis: 5847
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Minneapolis to Amsterdam: 6064
Amsterdam to St. Petersburg: 1395
Flight information from Riga to Omaha, for June 6th:
Flight Numbers:
SK Scandinavian Airlines
Riga to Stockholm: 9619
Delta Airlines
Stockholm to Amsterdam: 9277
Amsterdam to Detroit: 235
Detroit to Omaha: 3118
Blessings on all that you do!
For those of you interested in tracking my flights, both to Russia and on the way home, here are a few options you can use:
http://updates.orbitz.com/
http://www.flightview.com/traveltools/
Flight information from Omaha to St. Petersburg, for May 22nd:
Flight Numbers:
DL Delta Airlines
Omaha to Minneapolis: 5847
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Minneapolis to Amsterdam: 6064
Amsterdam to St. Petersburg: 1395
Flight information from Riga to Omaha, for June 6th:
Flight Numbers:
SK Scandinavian Airlines
Riga to Stockholm: 9619
Delta Airlines
Stockholm to Amsterdam: 9277
Amsterdam to Detroit: 235
Detroit to Omaha: 3118
Blessings on all that you do!
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Three Days Left!!
Here we are, finishing off my final full week in the States! I left home yesterday (Friday,) and I'm staying in Des Moines with my dad. This whole weekend, by the way, has been a huge blessing, as I have gotten to see my cousins and their two new babies, as well as attend my uncle's wedding, where I got to see most of my dad's side of the family. What a great way to start this great adventure!
Getting more and more anxious as the days go on, that's for sure! When I left the house yesterday, I was hoping and praying that I had everything, but, naturally, being me, something was, of course, forgotten. Thankfully, it was only my sweatpants that I planned on wearing to fly and sleep in, and they are easily replaced here in the city.
Tomorrow, I'm meeting up with a friend at the mall, and I'll be on the lookout for a Russian language book. I saw one in Barnes and Noble a couple months ago, but I didn't get it. I decided that it will be a useful tool on my new journey, so that's what I'll be doing tomorrow, as well as stocking up on flying snacks (airline food just doesn't always make the cut,) and bug spray!! Huzzah!
Had more generous people find me the day before I left. Two of my dear friends came to spend a few hours with me before I departed, and both of their moms sent generous monetary donations with them, so the thanks and praise continues, even as my trip draws closer and closer.
I may or may not have posts set up for automatic posting while I'm in Russia. I can promise they won't be live, but I can also promise that I will be journaling with great detail everything that is going on. When I return, that'll all get transfered here! Have a wonderful two weeks, dear friends, and I can't wait to share all of God's grace and glory that will be expereienced on this trip!!
Blessings on all that you do!
Getting more and more anxious as the days go on, that's for sure! When I left the house yesterday, I was hoping and praying that I had everything, but, naturally, being me, something was, of course, forgotten. Thankfully, it was only my sweatpants that I planned on wearing to fly and sleep in, and they are easily replaced here in the city.
Tomorrow, I'm meeting up with a friend at the mall, and I'll be on the lookout for a Russian language book. I saw one in Barnes and Noble a couple months ago, but I didn't get it. I decided that it will be a useful tool on my new journey, so that's what I'll be doing tomorrow, as well as stocking up on flying snacks (airline food just doesn't always make the cut,) and bug spray!! Huzzah!
Had more generous people find me the day before I left. Two of my dear friends came to spend a few hours with me before I departed, and both of their moms sent generous monetary donations with them, so the thanks and praise continues, even as my trip draws closer and closer.
I may or may not have posts set up for automatic posting while I'm in Russia. I can promise they won't be live, but I can also promise that I will be journaling with great detail everything that is going on. When I return, that'll all get transfered here! Have a wonderful two weeks, dear friends, and I can't wait to share all of God's grace and glory that will be expereienced on this trip!!
Blessings on all that you do!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Count Down Starts... NOW!!!
I can't believe that this is my final week in Nebraska before I leave for my trip! I'll be working (by the way, quick note of praise to God for my summer job,) up through Thursday, and then Friday I'll be leaving for my dad's! He'll be working on my car while its driver is across seas. :)
Tuesday, May 22nd, I fly out of Omaha airport! My group leader has been very kind and has sent me e-mails with reminders, as well as a nice little postcard to let me know how excited she is to go!
At this point, I'm getting kind of nervous! I've never flown overseas before!! The longest that I've ever flown was from Omaha, Nebraska to Orlando, Florida, and I think that took all of three to five hours. At any rate, my flight from Minneapolis to Amsterdam is almost eight and half hours! Whoosta!! My flight duration on the way over is right around thirteen hours, and I believe it's the same coming back.
I have to continuously thank my church as I write these posts, because I have an amazing congregation, full of a wonderful collection of God's people. Today I was commissioned for my trip, and my sister and I were able to perform the song "You Are My King" (by the Newsboys) for my final service at home before I leave. On top of that, I am still receiving generous monetary donations, even in my final week at home. God's goodness, mercy, and generosity that is shown through his children has really left me speechless, and I will never be able to express the gratitude that I feel for all that has been given to me. This trip would not have been possible without the help of the people around me, and I thank them.
When I finish up this post, I think I'll start packing! Such a daunting task!!! I have to make sure that I don't have too much liquid, and that I have enough clothes, but that I stay under the weight limit, and that I have enough time-passers for my flight, and that I take the right notebooks to record my trips in, and that I don't forget my camera, etc., etc. So yeah, I'm starting to stress about it now! But all things into the hand of God, and everything will be fine. After all, I've gotten this far!! :D
I thank you all again for your support, your prayers, and all that you do for me, both in my overseas adventures and in my every day life. I can't wait to tell you all about my amazing opportunity! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!!
Blessings in all that you do!
Tuesday, May 22nd, I fly out of Omaha airport! My group leader has been very kind and has sent me e-mails with reminders, as well as a nice little postcard to let me know how excited she is to go!
At this point, I'm getting kind of nervous! I've never flown overseas before!! The longest that I've ever flown was from Omaha, Nebraska to Orlando, Florida, and I think that took all of three to five hours. At any rate, my flight from Minneapolis to Amsterdam is almost eight and half hours! Whoosta!! My flight duration on the way over is right around thirteen hours, and I believe it's the same coming back.
I have to continuously thank my church as I write these posts, because I have an amazing congregation, full of a wonderful collection of God's people. Today I was commissioned for my trip, and my sister and I were able to perform the song "You Are My King" (by the Newsboys) for my final service at home before I leave. On top of that, I am still receiving generous monetary donations, even in my final week at home. God's goodness, mercy, and generosity that is shown through his children has really left me speechless, and I will never be able to express the gratitude that I feel for all that has been given to me. This trip would not have been possible without the help of the people around me, and I thank them.
When I finish up this post, I think I'll start packing! Such a daunting task!!! I have to make sure that I don't have too much liquid, and that I have enough clothes, but that I stay under the weight limit, and that I have enough time-passers for my flight, and that I take the right notebooks to record my trips in, and that I don't forget my camera, etc., etc. So yeah, I'm starting to stress about it now! But all things into the hand of God, and everything will be fine. After all, I've gotten this far!! :D
I thank you all again for your support, your prayers, and all that you do for me, both in my overseas adventures and in my every day life. I can't wait to tell you all about my amazing opportunity! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!!
Blessings in all that you do!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Blessings Keep Coming
Just a brief praise to God! My mother called me and informed me that I received an extra $450 than I had calculated into my costs, which puts my at around $350 short of going to Russia!!
I am still in awe of all that has been given to me, and I thank God every day for his rich gifts and blessings.
Blessings on all that you do!
I am still in awe of all that has been given to me, and I thank God every day for his rich gifts and blessings.
Blessings on all that you do!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Almost There! (In a couple different senses!!)
Well, this past Sunday was a huge gift from God, in several senses! Pastor Reehl, the leader of the trip, came to speak at the churches that my pastor serves, and it was wonderful! He gave very nice sermons, and did a great job of tying them into my mission trip! Both churches had goodwill offerings for my trip following the services, which was a wonderful thing, and both congregations (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod churches, St. Mark's - Ruskin, Nebraska and Trinity - Friedensau, Nebraska,) have been wonderful and supportive, and I am so grateful for them!!
Later that day, my church hosted a Lutheran Laymen's League gathering, and there was a free-will offering taken there as well, and my mom and I hosted a dinner so that more of the proceeds could go to my trip instead of paying back a caterer. My church (and community of churches!) were both very very supportive that night, and I'm very grateful for the efforts from that night as well!
All things counted up, I'm approximately $800 away from meeting my goal to be able to go on the trip!!! I can't believe it!!!! I thank God and my congregation nearly every day for all of the blessings, and for the opportunity to go on this trip!
Speaking of which, that's coming up here pretty quick! I'm less than two months away from traveling to Russia!!!!! We fly out of Omaha, Nebraska on May 22nd and I'll get into Saint Petersburg sometime after 18 (ish) hours on a plane. I am SOO excited for that! :) Everything said, though, this is going to be a great trip, and I thank you all again for your continued prayers and thoughts as this big event draws closer!!
Blessings on all that you do!
Later that day, my church hosted a Lutheran Laymen's League gathering, and there was a free-will offering taken there as well, and my mom and I hosted a dinner so that more of the proceeds could go to my trip instead of paying back a caterer. My church (and community of churches!) were both very very supportive that night, and I'm very grateful for the efforts from that night as well!
All things counted up, I'm approximately $800 away from meeting my goal to be able to go on the trip!!! I can't believe it!!!! I thank God and my congregation nearly every day for all of the blessings, and for the opportunity to go on this trip!
Speaking of which, that's coming up here pretty quick! I'm less than two months away from traveling to Russia!!!!! We fly out of Omaha, Nebraska on May 22nd and I'll get into Saint Petersburg sometime after 18 (ish) hours on a plane. I am SOO excited for that! :) Everything said, though, this is going to be a great trip, and I thank you all again for your continued prayers and thoughts as this big event draws closer!!
Blessings on all that you do!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Meetings and Donations and Journals and Such
Well, as of this past Sunday, the 11th, this trip is seeming more and more plausible! (Good thing, since I have my passport and my trip is about a third of the way paid for!) At any rate, we learned more about the flight, the trip plans, the people we're traveling with, etc. Things are looking great!
On the 25th, we've got another fundraiser planned! It involves Pastor Reehl, the leader, coming to my church and the church that my pastor also serves. He'll be the guest preacher, and then my mom and I will be "catering" a meal for the Lutheran Laymen's League gathering that afternoon. So, here's hoping that this fundraiser goes great! It will be added to the generous gift that was left in our church mailbox.
Something else that's exciting, at least to me, is that I bought a journal for the trip today! I won't be able to take my computer with me, mostly because taking a computer that far across seas just doesn't seem like a great idea, but also because of the charging options in Russia. The voltage over there is 220, and if my charger isn't ready to hold that kind of voltage, then my computer becomes about as useful as firewood. All that being said, the technology will stay at home, and I'll be recording my travels in my new journal so that I can post them to this here blog when I return!
As far as Russia, that's all I have to say. James and I are at my dad's for Spring Break this week, and it's slowly coming to an end. We've had plenty of wonderful adventures, including some exploring of downtown Des Moines, going swimming, taking my cousin's son to the Science Center, some shopping, and we're going to finish off with a bike ride with my dad and stepmom. So it's been a great week!
Constantly planning for this Russia trip, heading out from Omaha on May 22nd! Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers!
Blessings on all that you do!
On the 25th, we've got another fundraiser planned! It involves Pastor Reehl, the leader, coming to my church and the church that my pastor also serves. He'll be the guest preacher, and then my mom and I will be "catering" a meal for the Lutheran Laymen's League gathering that afternoon. So, here's hoping that this fundraiser goes great! It will be added to the generous gift that was left in our church mailbox.
Something else that's exciting, at least to me, is that I bought a journal for the trip today! I won't be able to take my computer with me, mostly because taking a computer that far across seas just doesn't seem like a great idea, but also because of the charging options in Russia. The voltage over there is 220, and if my charger isn't ready to hold that kind of voltage, then my computer becomes about as useful as firewood. All that being said, the technology will stay at home, and I'll be recording my travels in my new journal so that I can post them to this here blog when I return!
As far as Russia, that's all I have to say. James and I are at my dad's for Spring Break this week, and it's slowly coming to an end. We've had plenty of wonderful adventures, including some exploring of downtown Des Moines, going swimming, taking my cousin's son to the Science Center, some shopping, and we're going to finish off with a bike ride with my dad and stepmom. So it's been a great week!
Constantly planning for this Russia trip, heading out from Omaha on May 22nd! Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers!
Blessings on all that you do!
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