It's been quite some time since I've updated this blog, but believe me when I tell you the preparations for this trip have continued to move forward. We've been having conference calls approximately every other week and the leadership for this trip has done an amazing job in getting us all ready.

Fundraising has been amazing. I am truly surrounded by wonderful people. I took the approach that fundraising is an opportunity to raise awareness, and God has provided! He always does!

My personal preparation has included lots of reading, praying, and devotional time. Here is a list of a few of the books I've recently read...

The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns
Fields of the Fatherless by Tom Davis
When Helping Hurts by Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett
Courageous by Randy Alcorn, Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick
Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt

I would recommend any or all of the above even if you aren't planning on a trip.

The preparation for this trip has been an amazing journey so far...I can't wait to go! We fly out of Washington D.C. on Monday, August 13th.

I also want to thank everyone who has been praying for me and the entire mission team. I'll continue to update here and also hope to update this blog while we are in Ethiopia and Uganda.