Start The Count Down!

The countdown to our departure date has been going on for some time at our house.  The boys have a list of days on the chalkboard and cross off each day at breakfast.

The Mission Control countdown board

We're within a month of leaving - and the excitement is growing.  Also growing is the amount of stuff we are gathering to take with us.  Things are getting tidied up at our house in preparation for the Winter family to come from Japan while we're gone.  Time is once again a valuable commodity.

Ten Tubs

Our departure date is April 15th.  There is a counter full of medical supplies and a few school books in our family room.

Some of the equipment and school material we'll be taking with us

There is a stack of Rubbermaid tubs stashed there as well.  That's what we're going to fill with all of the items, equipment and clothing we're taking with us.

Five people, ten tubs, 50 lbs max. for each tub.  That's what we can haul with us - plus a carry-on and some little stuff.  Is it possible to load up our stuff into 10 tubs?  Should be an interesting exercise!

Doesn't look like it will hold much!

Bake Sale!!

A couple of awesome girls from the hospital Christine works at decided they wanted to hold a bake sale to help raise some money for this trip.  This wasn't just a few cookies on a tray...  Nay, nay, my friends.  This was a smorgasbord of cupcakes, cookies and all kinds of squares and sweets!  With announcements being made in various departments the tables were picked over with just one small container of treats left over after the sale - then it was sold, too!

Cute little chicks, bunnies and eggs in nests

It's okay to look, these pictures are sugar free!

They were able to blow away what they thought they might raise.  Blown out of the water - to the tune of $1500!!  Wow!

So much thanks goes out to everyone at the hospital who has a sweet tooth, to those who paid way too much to add on extra calories, and to the two girls who arranged this bake sale.  You ROCK!

Christine with Michele and Dawn

How cool is it to have co-workers who are enthusiastic and supportive of this opportunity.  We'll be sure to show you what your donations have helped provide at the HBB Hospital in Togo.

Farewell Service

Our church, Stoney Creek, wants to celebrate the fact that we are leaving!  Wait... That didn't come out quite right.  Our church wants to send us off with special recognition and some prayers for our safety and for success in our mission.

Sunday, April 10th is the date that this is going to happen.  The service starts at 10:30am, same as always.  It would be cool to have friends and family join us for this occasion.  We'll also be at Open Bible Fellowship in Lasalle on April 3rd for one last visit of family and friends there.  As the date gets closer we look forward to it with lots of excitement and a tinge of sadness.

Financial Support

Another answered prayer - we're completely funded for the trip!  100%.  

People have been so generous towards us and this project.  We're blown away by the support we've received.  We never expected it, but we should have known better.  With God being in control of this whole process, could the result be any different?

Any extra funds we receive now will give us greater opportunity and flexibility to assist people or projects that are going on in Togo while we're there.  The money certainly won't go to waste.  It will be used to make a genuine difference in the lives of people.

Thank you again for all the generosity and kindness shown to us.  We hope to make you proud of partnering with us in this.  

Driving Permit

I thought it would be good to have an International Diving Permit, in case there is a chance of driving while we're away.  It cost $25 at the local CAA store and is valid for 1 year.  Basically, it says that I am a licensed driver in a number of languages inside.  It contains my picture and Ontario driver's license number.  If you read the fine print of  countries covered by this permit you'll see Togo listed.  Hurray!

Added this shot for Taylor and Derek, who will
be going to Haiti to serve.