Time is Ticking Away!

AHHH! It's only EIGHT days until I'm boarding a plane to take me to China! EIGHT!


Can anyone else believe it?

I'm pretty sure that everyone on our team can't. It seems like just yesterday I signed up for the trip (though I guess that's almost true), and here we are, almost a week out.

Things have been SO busy for me (working, babysitting, VBS this week, annnd more working), that I haven't even started backing. Which is crazy for me, because usually I'm done like a week before the trip.

This year we've decided to buy most of our donations over in China to save us space. One of the legs of our trip we can only have a carry-on size suitcase and a backpack on us, so we're trying to save on space.

The only things we're bringing are things that are expensive over there, like formula. I noticed last year that toothpaste is expensive as well, so I'm having people donate that.

I've really had an amazing response of people who want to help out. Within an hour of posting a facebook status asking for help, I had numerous people asking... which is amazing.

I even had one family ask if I need a suitcase that I can just toss while I'm there, which I did! How wonderful is that? The Lord truly does know our needs and provides just in the perfect timing.

So this week will be my collecting donations and packing week. It's going to be so crazy! I'm so excited though :) I'm itching to see/meet my teammates and more importantly MY KIDS! :)

It's coming so close that I get so excited thinking about it. :)

EIGHT DAYS!

A Father's Love

My Goodness its been forever since I've posted.

I must say, it's been harder for me to post this year. Last year I was so transparent because I wanted to remember everything: my struggles, joys, and excitement from our trip.

I don't know what it was about this year, maybe life got so busy, but I just haven't been able to be like that.

To be honest, it's been a hard process, once again. Raising the money and waiting on God's timing is insanely hard. And you think after being through this three times I'd have learned, right? But that just goes to show how much we really DO need to depend on Him.

This year I set out with the goal of earning every penny for this trip. I thought I didn't need my parent's help, and it would all be from me. I truly believed that.

But as time went by, as I worked my butt off babysitting and working, it just wasn't enough.

As my deadline grew closer, I realized that I wasn't going to make it. Not on my own, anyways.

I still had a pretty significant amount, and on top of that they added $300 more to the cost my trip towards the end.

The Lord was really testing my faith in Him.

Our deadline came around and I asked my parents to pay the rest, and I'd pay them back--it just wouldn't be until after the trip.

But one day my dad, Mr. Never Spend a Penny More Than Necessary, came to me and said I didn't need to pay them back. And he sincerely meant it. It wasn't one of those sheepish "I'm saying this to make you feel better" things, he really meant it!

And in that moment a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders and it felt so good. I cried because of the love that he was showing.

It was just such a good glimpse of the Father's love from my dad. Something that I didn't deserve, he gave to me willingly... even though it probably wasn't easy.

I am such a blessed girl. Blessed by the Father, to be given this opportunity again. Blessed by my mom and dad, who support me fully in everything I do.

So with that being said, the crazy planning starts! :)

Rich Girl

Yesterday I realized something.

If I weren't going to China, I'd be one very rich girl.

You see, lately I've been so busy. Working, gardening, babysitting SO much, to the point where I'm barely home. And I'd be rich if I weren't going to China. Because all that I make is going towards it. Really, all of it.

But the thing is... I couldn't be happier. I'm so glad that I'm going, and when I look back, I don't know what else is be spending my money on.

Certainly nothing as important as the precious orphans in Chenzhou.

And on the bad days when in tired or really not wanting to deal with customers... I think of my sweet friends in the orphanage, and everything is better. :)

And in the end, I AM a rich girl... Because in three weeks I get the BEST treasure of all. I get to be in Chenzhou to see those I love. And THAT is the biggest blessing God can give me right now. :)

I still have about $1,500 to raise in one week.... Consider donating to my trip fund?

The website is: https://www.visitingorphans.org/cgi-bin/donate.cgi
I'm going on the "Chenzhou - July 2012" trip.
And click "yes" to giving to a specific team member and write "Megan Konyn" in the box.

ANY financial help is a blessing.

20 days! :)