almost ready!

I have my passport, with the Indian visa. I-pod is charging, and camera is in my purse!

My suitcases are mostly packed. One is filled with craft supplies, games and treats for the kids (all supplied by coworkers and dear friends from our small group), the other is my clothes, etc... Both checked bags are free- miracle of miracles! I'm SO glad, b/c I do not know how else all those things for the kids would get there and me still have clothes and other essentials :)

Last night, while eating a deliciously chewy brownie, my temporary crown popped off my tooth. I guess I'm thankful that it happened while I'm here and can have it easily repaired as opposed to in India, but it was still nerve-racking, and trying to schedule an appointment before I need to be at the airport (4pm Fri- TOMORROW!!!!) looked bleak, but once again our big God came through and I have an appointment, and very likely my permanent crown should be in and that will be the end of dealing with it. Hallelujah!

Did I mention ALL my funds (and then some) have come in. Thank you for praying and if you were able to give, thank you! It has been a real faith building experience for me: my first mission trip, obstacles overcome, funds generously provided... I am praying that I will love those kids well and be a blessing to them and their parents. My hope is that I'll keep a good attitude despite being tired, sharing living quarters, eating foreign, potentially unappetizing, foods and being away from Kellen, who's a bit of a rock to me in those kinds of situations. I'm a little nervous- it is pretty far out of my comfort zone; even though I'm quite comfortable caring for kids, this set of circumstances is so outside of the norm. It will take some adjusting, but our time is limited. It would be great for the kids to warm up to us quickly so we can all enjoy the time we spend together.

Of course, I am excited to travel to Europe (our layover is in London) and India! Both are firsts for me, and even though this isn't at all a touristy trip (much of my time will be spent with Americans, indoors) I am excited to be able to go at all and experience even a tiny taste of it!

We have wifi where we're staying, so hopefully I'll be able to update and post pics by midweek. Keep praying and watch for more news!