I am not as eloquent as my wife in posting about things that still seem very abstract to us right now. but, i do try my best to convey my heart for our trip to anyone who asks.
I have been browsing information about South Africa and, specifically, information about the AIDS pandemic there and Africa as a whole on my lunch breaks at work (it's some of the few sites that aren't blocked! haha). it has been good and bad though. it is very equipping to learn what kind of situation a people or county, or in this case, a continent is in before you get involved, but at the same time, it can be a bit overwhelming. for example, i am not sure how i missed this before, but this is some of the information Ten Thousand Homes had posted on their site...
"HIV has swept across Africa in 3 waves. The 1st is what is called the invisible wave, where hundreds of thousands of people were infected with HIV. The 2nd wave is the one hitting Africa at the moment, where the hundreds of thousands who were infected begin to die. Finally the 3rd wave is after the hundreds of thousands die there are millions of children left orphaned and vulnerable. The widespread loss of parents, teachers and other adult community figures often result in children being forced to care for themselves. In most cases, these orphans lack access to food, housing, clean water and health care. Orphans often forced to quit school and can easily be exploited for cheap labor."
So, i sit back and ask myself, "what can I do about this?" our two months seem so short to really impact a village, or a community, much less a country, or even a continent. i guess this brings me back to calling...
Laura and i love people, and i believe that is what we are called to do. we are not going to fix a problem, but show compassion, and give care where none may have existed. i think this is also tough because i know that simply trying to love the people will allow God to change my heart in ways i may not be prepared for.
Anyways, Laura and I are starting to make phone calls and sending emails, contacting those of you who have sent us questions inquiring about donations. we are still trying to raise a good chunk of our support by the end of the month so we can buy plane tickets ASAP! (the sooner we buy them, the cheaper they'll be!)
so, if you have any questions for us, or are wanting to support us, but haven't yet, then please send me or laura and email (mikey@fissel.com and laura@fissel.com) so we can work out those details. as soon as we have the funds we are going to get our tickets, and that's when it gets REALLY real...
Thank you all for your love and support!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
A new month begins
Our Dear Family and Friends,
February was a blur for us, and March promises to be much the same. With our first month of support raising at an end, we find ourselves unspeakably touched by so many of you.
We have currently received 15% of our needed support from generous family and friends. Getting our first support check was a surreal experience. All I can say is that Mikey and I were grinning like idiots, speechless and excited. That first check was proof that we could hold in our hands that this is really happening. This weekend, I was at a retreat with the women from our church body and I was floored by how many people, whom I hadn't initially spoken to about our trip, approached me with interest about our plans. I received an unbelievable amount of encouragement and confirmation--it was unexpected but so meaningful.
The support that we are receiving is a sober challenge to Mikey and I. As I was praying about Africa this morning, I got this mental image that Mikey and I are simply the hands that are being sent, fueled by hearts of love and passion that humble us. I have to confess that this morning, my own motivation and passion feels so small compared to what I have seen and experienced from all of you. We are thankful for your belief and trust in us.
Please continue to pray for us; these are the things most on our hearts this month:
-We are setting a goal for ourselves! By the end of March, we are praying to receive $4500 of our support--enough to purchase our plane tickets and finalize the dates that we will be gone.
-Mikey has an appointment for his passport next Monday (March 9) and then we will see how the process goes...
We love you and we love to hear from you. Please continue to e-mail us at mikey@fissel.com.
Love,
Laura and Mikey
February was a blur for us, and March promises to be much the same. With our first month of support raising at an end, we find ourselves unspeakably touched by so many of you.
We have currently received 15% of our needed support from generous family and friends. Getting our first support check was a surreal experience. All I can say is that Mikey and I were grinning like idiots, speechless and excited. That first check was proof that we could hold in our hands that this is really happening. This weekend, I was at a retreat with the women from our church body and I was floored by how many people, whom I hadn't initially spoken to about our trip, approached me with interest about our plans. I received an unbelievable amount of encouragement and confirmation--it was unexpected but so meaningful.
The support that we are receiving is a sober challenge to Mikey and I. As I was praying about Africa this morning, I got this mental image that Mikey and I are simply the hands that are being sent, fueled by hearts of love and passion that humble us. I have to confess that this morning, my own motivation and passion feels so small compared to what I have seen and experienced from all of you. We are thankful for your belief and trust in us.
Please continue to pray for us; these are the things most on our hearts this month:
-We are setting a goal for ourselves! By the end of March, we are praying to receive $4500 of our support--enough to purchase our plane tickets and finalize the dates that we will be gone.
-Mikey has an appointment for his passport next Monday (March 9) and then we will see how the process goes...
We love you and we love to hear from you. Please continue to e-mail us at mikey@fissel.com.
Love,
Laura and Mikey
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