I wonder if Samsonite luggage has a lifetime guarantee? There’s a tear - a huge tear, in the side of my favorite piece of luggage who I named, Bertha. For now, duct tape will have to do. Bertha's been a good friend, full of character...only getting lost once. 

I wait as long as possible before packing for these trips. My boys, the 2 man eating Shitzu’s begin giving me sad eyes. Sometimes dropping toys among the piles of stuff waiting to be places in Bertha's belly. But, I’ve got it down. Each time, it’s same, same but different. I grab the same linen pants, the same long skirts, neck pillow and other “missionaryish”-stuff. I focus, I plow through. As much as I love the traveling, the ministry etc…I hate saying good-bye to the dogs and Don.

Today I pack, because…

Tomorrow, Don and I scoot up to SC to get dad. Yes! Dad, is going with me this time! I'm looking forward to this time with him. However, Don will then need to turn around and make the return drive to SC so he can get to work the next day. So while Dad and I lead the Adventures teams in Thailand and Cambodia for the next few weeks…Don and mom and the 2 dogs will be holding down the fort in SC. This leaves our friend “Bush” and his pug, pUGA to take care of the house in GA. Lot’s of moving parts….but somehow it always works out.

I leave for Thailand on Tuesday…

So please pray for us. Don and I are apart move than ever…and we miss each other. It’s hard. Once the home is sold, I will join him and commute back to Adventures as needed. I’m still praying about retail property to lease in Greenville for Purchase Effect. While in SE Asia, I will be finalizing details for the India team I’m leading in August. Following that trip, I’ll head to Nepal. Later this year, it’s back to Thailand and Cambodia followed by another Guatemala trip.

We couldn’t do any of this without your friendship, support and prayers.

Thank you!

Stay tuned for stories from the other side of the world!