In 15 days my plane takes off for Burkina Faso, Africa. I have two suitcases (that can only weigh 50 lbs/each) that have to contain one year's worth of living. A very unique way to look at what is really necessary to exist!
The experience leading up to this adventure has been phenomenal. Almost every day I have the opportunity to talk to someone about the work in Burkina Faso, and have learned so much through those discussions. The outpouring of care and support has been unbelievable. A dear friend told me yesterday that my friends in HR are planning a monthly "Dee Dee Day" to go to the Grotto, light a candle and pray for me. How cool is that! Clay Church is donating funds to purchase transportation for me to use for the year and the car will then be donated for future interns and missionaries, AND a working fund for the mission work I'll be doing. Unbelievable! The local Kiwanis Club donated funds to plant over 100 Moringa trees, Harper Cancer Research Institute is donating a microscope so that the villagers can see "live" germs - and that's just a few examples of so many great things that are happening.
A friend recently asked me how she could help. My task for her was to find a way to make something out of nothing and with that, the widows of Tabitha House could use it to make an income. When you live in the poorest section of the third poorest country in the world, that's poor! The missionaries and interns study the Bible with these women and introduce ways to make a living. That is one of the places I'll be working at for the first three months of my stay. Your ideas and thoughts are requested and welcome!
For the past two weeks my youngest daughter (who is due to deliver a little girl the last of October) has been in the hospital in Indy. There have been problems with the baby's heart rate going up to the mid 200's and then suddenly dropping down into the 50's. The first couple of days were a little scary, but the problem is almost resolved and she may get to go home today or tomorrow. My daughters are so great about my year in Burkina Faso. My oldest daughter will come to be with her sister after the baby is born, something I would normally do. They are wonderful.
The next time I write will be from Africa. As always, your prayers are requested and gratefully received.
Dee Dee
