Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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So this is it.  I’m leaving Greenville on Saturday and won’t return for 11 months!  Just for the record, I really love home.  I love being at home.  I didn’t even like living 45 minutes away from home for the last two years.  The longest I’ve been away from home is 4 months, and that felt like an eternity (but at least I got some practice).  


I wanted to post one last blog from this country but wasn’t sure what all I wanted to say.  So much has been going on lately, I’ve hardly had the time to write anything down, but I didn’t want the next two days to pass without at least an update.  So here are a few things. . . 


PACKING


Wow.  I’ve never been a light packer, but this is new territory.  There’s no  way that whoever made that packing list actually PUT all that stuff into a pack that weighs 30-40lbs.  Okay, I admit I’m taking a few “extras” – luxuries, if you will. . . a travel hair dryer, 1 extra pair of extremely lightweight – and might I mention seriously cute – shoes, and a Nook for my own in-flight entertainment, . . . but honestly, I am packing the BASICS.  So here are a few conclusions I’ve drawn about packing.  I’ll be interested to see what changes over the course of 11 months.


  • My carry-on is my new best friend.   Anything small and heavy is in there.  Let’s hope they don’t weigh it.
  • Fashion is not my friend.  
  • If it’s cold, I will wear every article of clothing I have.  Every day.  
  • I think my sleeping bag is too heavy.  Oh well.
I’m reading Luke right now, and a few days ago, I read in Chapter 9 where Jesus sends out his disciples.  He tells them, “Take nothing for the journey – no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic.”  Ha!  Well of course they don’t need an extra tunic.  They’re guys!  They could get away with the tunic on their back, the sandals on their feet, and maybe a fresh pair of undies or two.  In all seriousness, though, I know that I what I am taking is plenty more than I need to survive, and that I don’t even need to cling too tightly to what I have.  It could be taken, ruined, lost, stolen, or otherwise destroyed before I even get to India. As scary as that is, it’s not ultimately about stuff.  

SUPPORT


Again, WOW!  To date, God has provided $12,440.00 (87%) of the $14,300 I need to be fully-funded.  I feel so blessed to be able to leave on Sunday without that burden on my shoulders.  I feel confident that the remaining $1,800 will come in before the deadline in June.    


If you would still like to make a donation, find the “My Favorite Posts” section on the left side of this blog.  Choose the link called “Supporting Me.”  There’s info there!  


NEW BLOG SITE!!


I’ve created a new blog that is written just for kids!  I will include stories, pictures, and videos from the field in a kid-friendly way.  If you have kids, or know any that would like to follow a missionary’s year, check it out!


http://www.erinontheworldrace.blogspot.com/ 


SO THIS IS GOODBYE


I feel like all I’ve done these last two weeks is eat, pack, and say goodbye.  So here are a few pics. 


Last day at MLES with my fourth graders



Cathie, Kathryn, and I

Annual Christmas dinner/farewell dinner with the Coaching Group (minus Rachael)

I have to make a quick shout-out to these ladies.  This group of 4 began meeting weekly for Bible study/mentoring/brownies when we were in the seventh grade.  Cathie mentored, encouraged, and entertained us (Disney music anyone?) as we navigated the waters of adolescence.  Though we have gone our separate ways now, we never fail to get together, catch up, and laugh about old times.  I love these girls! 


   

Jackye, me, Ellie in downtown Anderson

Farewell to my MLES friends!  And my paycheck!!  🙂


WHAT HAPPENS NOW?


Thursday and Friday

wrap-up last minute details, say goodbye to my family, cat, harp, warm bed, car, hot showers, barbecue, Target, etc., etc. 

Saturday

fly to NYC to visit my lovely and talented former roommate Nichole Martini (yay!)

Sunday

meet my T-squad family at JFK to depart for India! 


VIDEO


Check out the video below on praying for India.  Join me in praying for my squad, our leaders, our contacts in India, and the hearts of the people we are about to encounter.