The time is approaching!

We are only 2 days away from leaving. I can't believe how fast the time has gone since we first booked this mission trip flight. It seemed so far away!
Well, we may have all had obstacles along the way in our personal lives, businesses, or some aspect of our life but we have continued to pray and ask God to help us reach our goal. I have really enjoyed getting to know my fellow team members as we have done bible studies, fundraising and packing for this venture. Bill and Roberta especially have the wisdom of missions from past experiences as do Pastor  and Jennifer Kolonich. We found out that Bill will be unable to attend due to health reasons at this time, but we pray he will be able to join the MO team in early November. Roberta amazes me as she has been through trials and tribulations that many of us have not, yet she continues with a smile and simply says, "We've learned over the years to expect some things like this before our mission trips, knowing indeed that the more effective the Lord will be through us, the more Satan tries to discourage us. So.... this trip is going to be awesome!" Pastor Kolonich reminds us in person and texts and emails us that we need to be vigilant in pray. Oh how true that is!
This past Sunday, we were commissioned at church. Redeemer Lutheran Church and Preschool have been supportive beyond our wildest dreams. The congregation members greeted us, wished us well, giving us God's blessing and their support before we go. Our community just keeps on giving. The Manitowoc Company has generously donated a DVD telling how the cranes are made and a big model crane to be donated to the school. 
Time flies when you are having fun and I have had fun just preparing for this journey! I can't imagine how great it will be to share the love of Jesus with those abroad, or on the plane. We need to remember too, as Pastor Kolonich has reminded us in this weeks sermon that we can be missionaries right in our own back yard.