Yesterday I found out that I cannot arrive earlier in the Philippines. It makes sense why not. The IMB is training the team leaders for a couple of days before their teams show up. I am not a team leader, so it does make sense why I don't belong in that training.
But,that means I will at least have to fly in the States alone. Hopefully, I will meet some fellow Nehemiah teammates at the LAX airport layover and have companions on my looong international flight but I'll be flying solo literally in the USA. My parents are concerned about the whole thing...okay, maybe me too. Plus, on top of that, this means I am back at square one when it comes to travel agents and iteniaries. Now I leave on a completely different date: June 3rd. (Though, don't make a note of the date, because who knows when that might change again!!)

I feel jetlagged and I haven't even stepped on the plane yet. Not that everything has been negative this week- I have been worried I wouldn't have money to buy a brandnew dufflebag to bring to the Island( a suitcase really wouldn't work out). Well,I went to the City Rescue Mission thrift store yestreday to look around. That place is a goldmine! I looked at the luggage and found a huge duffle bag for four dollars!! It is just the size I need and doesn't look too bad over the old shoulder either. Plus, I got to tell the thrift store ladies about my trip!

Also, I had another Yard Sale today. It was so hot I thought I was gonna spontaneously combust a couple times. I sold the last of Kelly's stuff from last week and Tracy donated alot of items today that sold as well. Thanks, ladies! Oh, and I met this family who was from Haiti.The mom, the daughter, and the grandmother bought three bags of clothes. I struggled talking with them,as they had a thick accent and knew only some English, but I finally figured out that the Mom was going to bring most of these clothes back to the unfortunate in Haiti! I told her about my mission trip. I wanted to make sure she was understanding, so I spoke very loud. Quick tip- Increasing volume does not make people who don't speak your language understand what your saying. Glad I figured that out before I shouted at a Filipino this summer. I just thought that it was interesting how they paid me for my trip to the Pacific Rim and that money bought clothes to help with their trip to Haiti. Who knew I would have a crosscultural expeirence at my yard sale!

Last set of shots Monday, whoo-hoo!! Waiting for the plane ticket situation to clear up. I heard a preacher say that not many people talk about the "jagged edge of ministry". Basically, the part they don't tell you about. The stuff that isn't exciting. It's just following Him daily. I don't know what this air travel dilemma is gonna do to strengthen my faith, but maybe this is the jagged edge part.