Cambodia Update #1

The Travel Dates
We will depart June 6th and return July 28th. That is about two months away! It is so hard to believe at times, but I am getting more excited each day (as if you couldn't tell by my abundant use of exclamation points). There is still so much to do in preparation for the trip and to finish the semester that it will fly by.

The Team
Who is "we" you ask? The "we" refers to my teammate, Lisa Yunker, and myself. Lisa is a good friend and fellow student from DTS. We first met at a function for prospective students back in March 2006. She is also in the Cross-Cultural Ministries program and has some pretty awesome physical therapy skills too. I am grateful for my friendship with Lisa because she encourages me in the Lord and directs be back toward Him. I know this will be important as we minister in a land of darkness.

The Ministries
Our sending agency, CrossWorld, has already set up some ministry opportunities for us. At the beginning of the trip we will have a few days of basic language and culture learning. Then, in no particular order as of yet, we will teach English to young adults in a village north of Phnom Penh for approximately 10 days, spend about 2 weeks ministering to women who have left the sex trade, and teach at an international school during the first part of July. Hopefully, I will be able to gain some experience working with orphans, and Lisa will be able to explore physical therapy opportunities. In the next update, I will give you specifics about CrossWorld as well as some of the ministries we will partner with in Cambodia.

Support-Raising Recap
The total cost of the trip is $4100 per person. I must have 100% of the funds in by May 1st or I will not be able to go. At this time, I am currently at 13% or $548. I am grateful for this amount because I know with this economy any gift amount is a blessing. So THANK YOU to those who have given! If you have not considered giving, then I ask that you would sincerely pray about it and see how the Lord leads. Any amount is one step closer to the goal. Will you be the answer to my prayers? If you have any questions or concerns please let me know.

Prayer Requests
- Pray that I will reach 100% by May 1st.
- Pray Lisa & I will continue to grow together as friends and as a team and that we would continue to encourage each other.
- Pray that we would be able to finish this school semester well and with sanity intact ;).
- Pray for opportunities to minister to Cambodian orphans on this trip.

Next Update
In the next update look for information about CrossWorld, Cambodia, and the other ministries I will partner with while I am there.