Almost Ready!

We are now in our "countdown to blast-off" week.  The final weeks to departure have been packed full for the students.  First-quad papers and projects have been time-consuming but so productive, all related to being better informed and prepared for the countries we will be visiting.  The team devoted a good part of the past weekend to working at Homecoming, helping with set-up, running kids' booths, and selling home-made cookies, with all proceeds going to the trip.    Good-byes to families and friends are getting squeezed in between the last-minute shopping and figuring out how to pack one check-in bag with 40 pounds of the necessities of life for two months.  Someone gets to have a guitar as their carry-on.  Students have to come to class tomorrow night with their packed bags to make sure nothing's been forgotten!  There's a spirit of excitement in the air, and a lot of gratitude for how God is cementing the team together.  And thanks to all the supportive parents, families, and friends who are standing behind these students as they embark on this life-changing experience.