Passports

My passport just had to be renewed for the trip since I had my maiden name on it. Yes, I have been married for over 8 years, but since it wasn't something I needed, I just let it be. Carlie had to get her first passport. She didn't cooperate for the picture at all!

I checked the status online on Thursday and was happy to see that mine was being processed and should be here this week sometime. Carlie's though said it was being processed, but I had only requested routine service and to expect it in 10-12 weeks!

After waiting on hold for over 40 minutes with Passport Services, I finally got through to a live person. Thankfully, it was just a website error and hers should be arriving around the same time as mine.

As soon as they come, I will take a picture of Carlie's to share. I am sure she is really going to love it when she gets older. She wouldn't look directly at the camera and had her tongue sticking out. You can tell she is almost 2!

Supply Donations

For those of you that live locally (or are willing to ship to me) and want to help contribute, I just received a list of things that Mercy Maternity Center is always in need of. I can pick up if you live in Southern Utah up until I leave for my trip in the end of July. I am also going to be in Southern California the week of 6/25 - 6/30 and could arrange pickup there during that time.

Here is what is needed:

receiving blankets
summery baby clothes (year round it is about 85 degrees)
KY Jelly
sterile and non sterile gloves
new, unopened vitamins
white twin fitted sheets
new, unopened analgesics (generic Tylenol and IB Profen are great)
blue surgical towels
digital thermometers
Chux pads
alcohol prep pads
sterile gauze pads

Let me know if you need to arrange a pickup.

Thanks!

It's the little things...

Since we have started planning this trip, I have been concerned about what to do with the diaper situation and Carlie. Carlie has never worn a disposable and I really didn't want to start now.
Well, I just got word from the clinic that there is a washing machine that will be available to us and we will just hang everything to dry.
I am so relieved not to have to worry about finding another diaper alternatives.
Doesn't take much to make me happy :)

I can't believe it!

The airline tickets are booked, the passports are being processed and our room and board check has been sent out. I am going to do this for real! I am in shock.
For those of you that don't know, I (along with my mom and Carlie), will be spending 5 weeks in the Philippines this August. I am going to be interning at Mercy Maternity Center in Davao. It is the largest charity based maternity clinic in the Philippines. We will be leaving on July 26th from Las Vegas and returning on August 31st. I am so excited to be able to be able to learn while serving others. I am sure this trip is going to be life changing.
I have been so humbled to see God's working in this whole process. Things that shouldn't have worked out have worked out without a problem. Ben has been so supportive. Not that I would expect him not to be, but I definitely didn't expect him to immediately give his 100% support. I can't say that I would do the same if he asked to go away for 5 weeks with one of the kids to a developing nation.
My mind seems to be running a million different directions the past week or so. I have got a constant list going in my mind of things that need to be packed, bought or gotten together before we leave. It is a bit overwhelming!
I covet your prayers during the next couple of months. We are still trying to figure out how we are going to pay for this trip. It is going to cost over $4,000. Donations have been coming in and for that I am so grateful. I have faith that it is going to be taken care of one way or another. Please pray for safety while we are there and in our travels. Ten years ago, going on a mission trip wouldn't have phased me, but now, taking my 2 year old to the other end of the world and leaving my other three at home, I am apprehensive. I guess that is what happens when you are a mom and wife. Last but not least, pray that God's love would be shown to these women and that I would be able to minister to them - not only physically, but also spiritually.
You can read about Mercy Maternity Center here... http://www.midwifeschool.org/mercy.htm
This woman did the same thing last year. Her blog just amazes me. For those that are interested, you can read about it here... http://www.geocities.com/shiphranita/
Stay tuned for pictures and updates!