You guys. I'm leaving on Wednesday. I don't know if anybody else has noticed, but it's coming up so soon. I'm freaking out just a little. 

Anyway, thought I would update you a bit on what my first few days are going to look like. I leave Seattle Wednesday morning at 7:30 arrive in Bangkok on Thursday night at 9:45. Prayers would be appreciated for that whole trip. It's going to be insane and probably super emotional. We'll leave the airport at 10:30 and go straight to the YWAM base where we'll stay in air conditioned rooms with western bathrooms. Seriously. It doesn't get a whole lot better than that. The next day, we'll have cultural orientation followed by a scavenger hunt around the city. We'll also have some team bonding time that day. The following night (Saturday), we'll take an overnight bus up north to Chiang Rai, where we'll be spending most of our time in Thailand. I'm really excited for everything the Lord has in store for our time there.

Please be praying for my last few days in Seattle. I'm a complete mess. Please pray for peace and clarity of mind.

Also, since posts without pictures are boring, here's a few from today. Love these people. And this city. And will miss them all terribly.

Whenever I tell people about this upcoming trip, there are about three different responses they typically come up with:

Quite a lot. But not anything Jesus can't handle.

Why yes, I've met every single volunteer worker or local in every single country I've ever been. AND I remember all of their names. I'm a genius and have an unlimited amount of time.

Yes. Yes they are. I mean, just look at them. How could people that gorgeous not be awesome.

Back when I was in Haiti, laying on the cement and not able to move because of the Dengue fever, I thought for sure that they would never let me go to another tropical country ever again in my life. I'm so glad that the Lord has been able to give them a peace about me going out again. There are an unlimited amount of things that could go wrong, but they are the greatest about everything. They are so supportive of everything I do and I'm so blessed to have them involved in my life.

It completely amazes me how generous they are with their finances. They've never been the type to get hugely in debt, and that allows them to give freely to those in need. Ever since I can remember, we've had photos of missionaries and children they support on the fridge. I'm so glad they chose to spend in that way rather than buying fancy cars or huge houses. They are now one of my biggest financial supporters and it's such a blessing to have them help in that way. I'm so glad the Lord has blessed my dad with a great job and steady income and that both my parents are able to use that for His glory.

My mom is taking a bunch of time off this week and next just to help me finish up things that need to be done - hemming pants for my short little legs, sewing a cover for my kindle, helping pack and clean, and really anything she can. She's always willing to help in whatever way she can. Thanks to all the lovely people at her office for giving her up for a few days!

Many thanks to both of my parents for being so fabulous. There's no way I could ever thank you enough for all you do. Love you!

It's crazy how fast this trip is coming up! I had my last day of work on Friday, which was pretty bittersweet. I'm going to miss them, but I'm also so excited for everything in the future.

On Tuesday, I went to the travel doctor. It was just splendid... Ended up having to get 4 shots and a whole bunch of medication. I'm not eligible for the cheap malaria medication because I'm so white and it tends to make you burn easily, so she had to put me on the kind that costs about $6 per pill. She said that normally insurance won't pay for much of it, but when I picked it up from the pharmacy, they said it was only a $10 copay! Jesus is so good to me.

I'm really excited to be working with this organization when we get to Thailand! The Lord has given me a heart for orphans, so I'm glad we get to be serving with their ministry. I'm not sure we'll really be working a ton with the kids from what the website says, but I'm still excited to partner with them!

I've been inspired by the music of The Brilliance lately and would encourage you to check it out. My parents took us to their concert with Gungor the other night and it was incredible. They are so talented. If nothing else, listen to this one.

Prayer requests for this week:

-That everything goes smoothly with my India visa and I'm able to get my passport back before I leave.

-That the Lord will be preparing my heart for everything that's going to happen.

-That the Lord will be working in the lives of those we will be working with even before we get there.

-For unity within the team, even before we leave.

-Logistical planning stuff. There is a LOT to get done.

     I have an assignment this week to write a photo essay about what I love about home. I figured I might as well share it here as well, so here you go!

I live in a gorgeous city. It's known for it's rain and dreariness, but the pretty days that we do have are incredible. I love living in a place where I can praise the Lord for his beautiful creation.

I think the thing I love most about living here is the people in my life. As you can probably tell, my sisters and I are pretty close and it's so great to be able to hang out with them whenever I want. I'm glad to be able to have such a close community within my church. Some of the people in the college-age ministry at church have come to be some of my closest friends and it's incredible to watch the work that the Lord is doing there.

I've been so blessed to be able to call this place home. I'll miss it like crazy, but I'm so excited for everything the Lord has in store for this next season of life.

    Here's the new support letter. It'll be going out in the mail this week, but I figured I'd put it here as well. So excited for this upcoming trip. Less than a month left!