Tuesday, April 26, 2011

More Preparations

Hey, everyone!

I figured it's time for an update since we've gotten some new information since Amber posted last time.

First, we now have a team and assignments!   Our team consists of four "real adults": Curt, Jori, Mike, and Juanita and two college students (that's us!). Our students will be middle school teachers interested in an English training program for improving English communication, learning about western culture, and enhancing their teaching skills.  Amber and I will be co-teaching with Juanita and Jori respectively.  If you could please continue to pray for us as well as our team!

Second, it was just over a month ago that Amber and I said, "We're answering God's call and going to China even though we have no idea how we're going to pay for it."  The trip is not completely paid for yet, but we've definitely seen the hand of our faithful God!  I have been awarded a generous summer missions scholarship through our school which is such a blessing!  If you feel led give to help step towards having a fully funded trip, please let us know.  Every dollar makes a difference.

This trip definitely will not be possible without your prayers and support!  In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul writes, "I thank my God every time I remember you" (Philippians 1:3).  So simple and so true.

Thanks, friends!
<>< Katie

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Quick Overview

Hey all....This is Amber!
     I just wanted to give a quick update/explanation of this blog and trip. Katie and I have been given the awesome opportunity to travel to China for 3 weeks this summer (summer 2011). We are working through an organization named Volunteers for China (VFC). We met David (him and his wife are the organizers of VFC) through our college. We started planning immediately. God has blessed us greatly. The cost of the trip is high due to the cost of airline tickets. However, the church family we are connected with at school (Zoar) has been so gracious to us. Due to their promise of funds by mid-May, Katie and I were able to go ahead and buy our plane tickets a few weeks ago. Praise God the amount that Zoar has promised and the amount of the airline ticket round-trip were almost identical. There was only a $5 difference. Moreover, I have been blessed with a large amount of support from home. My trip is basically paid for. Katie and I are now working together to finish off her fundraising - but we aren't concerned. We know God has got this. He has proven that already with this trip.
     For all who have supported us so far through prayers and finances - we are SO GRATEFUL!!!! THANK YOU!!!

    Currently, we are actually getting to know team members through email, which is very comforting to be able to have these conversations so we aren't strangers when we actually arrive in China. As a team, we will be working in a school, teaching English and building relationships. Katie and I will be assistants to other team members who will be the actual teachers. We are actually the only two young people going with our team as of now. However, we are excited about working with our team and they seem like a fun bunch.
    We will do our best to continue to update this blog as things happen with planning and then also once we are in China. We will be limited while actually on the trip but we will do our best and promise to update everything when we return. Hopefully, even adding some videos.

If you have any questions - please feel free to ask. Katie or myself will answer to the best of our ability. We are so grateful for this opportunity and are very excited!

-God Bless-