Russia, Here I Come!

So, God willing, I am officially going to Russia! I am so, so excited. If you haven't read my previous blog about Russia, it covers a little more about the trip itself.

I'm turning in my final application materials tomorrow (I had to wait for an expedited passport name change because it was still in my maiden name -- there was an exorbitant amount of money!!). I just finished writing my prayer support letter this evening and will be sending those out shortly (some of you will see those soon!). In the mean time, I still am coveting your prayers. Specifically for:

~ Raising my support money -- $1200.
~ My visa application and letter of invitation for Russia -- we are in a hurry for these and since my passport is just now coming in, well, we are time crunched.
~ Absorbing all the information about Russia. There are a lot of things that I need and want to know about the culture, religion, and people of Russia so that I can knowledgeably minister to those I will be working with.

RUSSIA!!

I am prayerfully considering a Russia missions trip this summer. There are 9 slots for our church to fill for a trip through EastWest Ministries International. From what I understand, it's a one week camp for Russians age 14-21 plus some adults. We'll be basically hanging out with the campers - hiking, walking to the beach -- the Black Sea! -- and group worship times. Most won't speak English; so there will be translators.

I'll be heading to my first meeting, completed 20 page -- yes, 20 page! -- application in hand, Monday evening. Would you please pray with me -- that if this is what God wants me to do this summer all the doors will be open wide for me?

This is a much more involved missions trip than I have ever participated in, mainly because of where we are going and the oppurtunities that we will have while there. I'll keep everyone updated on my final decision. This is something I really want to do, but I want to be sure that the "want to go" is not blinding me from what God's will is. This is why I need some prayer warriors! And, some of my most faithful prayer warriors are right here in MySpace!

Oh yeah! I almost forgot... Another reason I am so excited about this trip -- my sister-in-law Cassidy is also submitting her application to go. We are so looking forward to sharing this experience together. She is an amazing sophomore in high school. I'm so proud of her!