Apr-Jul: I'll be in the South Pacific.
Preparations gear up
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — I graduated from LeTourneau University on May 7 and am back home in Springfield until June 1. My shiny new degree is a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in computer science. I didn’t know what I was doing when I picked LETU as a senior in high school, but the Lord did know what He was doing. Over the last four years, I have made friendships and memories that will not easily fade. Saturday’s departure was more difficult than I had anticipated. I had to say goodbye to my closest friends and professors not knowing when we will meet again.
I received two hepatitis vaccinations May 9, and I have to go back for more shots on May 27. Because of the short preparation time, I will not be able to get the full series of immunizations that Wycliffe recommends. Hepatitis series normally take six months. I will also need to begin taking a malaria prophylaxis shortly before I leave the United States. I have to call the doctor today to find out about that.
This weekend, I will shop and probably begin to pack. I need to buy some clothing and other items, and I might have to buy new luggage as well. The airline to PNG enforces strict restrictions on luggage size and weight, so packing everything I need promises to be quite a challenge. I’m sure my perspective on what I “need” will be very different in three months than it is right now.
Thank the Lord: He has provided miraculously for my financial needs. I began fundraising in the second week of March — only a month before half of the trip cost was due. Eight weeks later, family, friends, and even strangers have given over $5,000 and a free plane ticket to Los Angeles International Airport. Praise the Lord! (And thank you, His servants!)
Please pray that my visa will arrive soon. The embassy gave Wycliffe a positive report, so everything should be OK. But I’m still waiting to receive mine.
Please pray for all the preparation work still to be done: packing, immunizations, prescriptions, paperwork, logistical planning, etc. I have much to do before I go, and so do the other team members. Many of the team members are still struggling with finances.
Please pray for spiritual preparation. I can’t let excitement and busyness distract me from what is truly important: selflessly serving the Lord in whatever He calls me to do.
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Comments
Comment from Josh
Time: May 13, 2005, 5:08 pm
So are these immunizations required of all Wycliffe overseas people, or is it a PNG-specific thing?
Comment from Wilson
Time: May 13, 2005, 6:58 pm
A blog. Good choice.
Are they still using quinine to prevent malaria?
Comment from djr
Time: May 13, 2005, 10:15 pm
Well, they are recommendations based on prevalent diseases. So yes, it’s tailored to PNG, but the diseases aren’t unique to the country.
Quinine has sort of been replaced by synthetics, though apparently it’s still used: Quinine.
Comment from Karen
Time: May 13, 2005, 11:09 pm
So… will there be enough room in those suitcases for hair gel? ;-)
Comment from tank
Time: May 14, 2005, 6:57 am
Yo, you better post often so we don’t have to worry about you or anything.
Comment from chirp
Time: May 14, 2005, 2:11 pm
you will be a great minister to us as you record God’s doings in your experiences. write often of them!
Comment from Baggins
Time: May 15, 2005, 12:52 am
Hmm… Another victim of Blogspot- methinks it’s catching.
Seriously, though, this sounds like a good plan. I’m looking forward to those promised pictures!
Comment from Knight’s Disciple
Time: May 15, 2005, 4:11 pm
*Blinks*. Bolt. Has. A. Blog. Wow. Congratulations again on the plans. I look forward to hearing more from you on how things go. God Bless.
Comment from Didlake
Time: May 16, 2005, 12:04 am
David Ringer - Live [close to] forever!
Comment from spork
Time: May 19, 2005, 8:31 pm
Hello, good luck, etc., Bolt! In your honor, I will make a series of jokes pertaining to your personality over the next couple of weeks to unsuspecting passers-by.
Comment from becky
Time: May 23, 2005, 6:00 pm
I’ll definitely keep you in my prayers, Bolt. I trust that the Lord will continue to do great things through you as you serve around the world! God bless you, friend.
Comment from Sarah
Time: May 26, 2005, 5:10 pm
hey david….maybe meet up and catch up with whats happening in each other’s lives…im still in springfield….u know the area code 883-9984….or stop by battlefield and 65 mcdonalds between 9pm and 5 am :) ill be there all weekend
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