Saturday, March 10, 2012

Packed & Ready

As I type, my husband is putting the finishing touches on our packing for Guatemala. We have packed seven very large bags...including one that we ran out to purchase this evening. In our defense, we do have a whole bag of food (something last year's trip to the Dominican Republic proved was critical when traveling to a third world country with a picky eater). We also have an entire bag of craft supplies for Vacation Bible School for 100 children. There are a couple of bags full of layers of clothing (mostly old play clothes that have been all but outgrown and will be left behind for the Guatemalan children). There is also an entire large duffle bag of rain boots and ratty tennis shoes for the muddy conditions we've been told to expect.

The real laughter, however, comes from the provisions packed by my ever-prepared hubby. Last year, our traveling companions in the D.R. nicknamed him "Safety Scott" because of his ability to meet any semi-emergency with just the right gear. We started our own little game of "Let's Make a Deal" trying earnestly to stump him with random requests.

As we were packing tonight I joked that we were ready for just about anything except being robbed at gunpoint.
"Oh, no, we could actually handle that," my husband retorted, revealing that he had scalpels, IV fluids and pain meds.
He was not kidding.

I have been assured that there is Wifi at our base camp and I should be able to blog about our experiences as we go. But if you think of us in the morning, could you please pray? While we would certainly appreciate the prayers for safe travel, I am especially praying that our hearts are as prepared for the days to come as our luggage seems to be.

P.S. In addition to our seven bags, we are also transporting two extra bags of supplies for the water filtration project we will be working on while in country. So, Sunday morning while you are gussied up and looking respectable at church, we will be the Clampetts unloading at the Atlanta Airport...2 adults, 3 seven year olds, 9 bags, 5 carry-on backpacks and 3 booster seats...because you know when traveling along mudslide prone mountain roads in 3rd world countries...safety first. :-)

9 comments:

Mindy said...

Hey Jennifer! I will be praying for you guys as you head out tomorrow morning and I'm sitting in Children's church....I think I will share with the kids there that you and your family are traveling to Guatemala and we will pray for you all together.
Safe travels! And I can't wait to hear about the trip.
I hope to take my children on a mission trip one day!!!
in HIM-
Mindy

sherene said...

I will pray for ur safe journey!
Take care:))
I can't wait for the updates ur going to share us:))

Amy said...

Praying for your family and for all the lives you will touch while there. Can't wait to hear all about your adventures!
Amy

Anonymous said...

Will be praying for your family while you are away.
Look forward to reading about your adventures while you are there.
Love in Christ
Dixie

Jennifer said...

This is going to be an amazing adventure for your family and something that will stay with your kids forever. Praying for safe travels, open hearts and minds and strength for the coming week! Can't wait to hear more.

Bethany said...

I'm praying for your family as you travel. I can't wait to hear of your adventures!! I will be in Guatemala for a week with my younger sister in three months doing mission awareness work. :)

Deidre said...

I'm imagining the scene at the airport and laughing. I WILL pray for you and your family. What a treat to share with your kids. Can't wait to read all about it.

sl said...

Praying for your family. A group from my church in KY is in Hati to put in 2 water system.

Mona Baker said...

praying for y'all on your trip, i hope you are there safe now, can't wait to hear about it