Pharmacy in a suitcase

It looks like I am creating a pattern of posting every 2 weeks or so. I am actually hoping to post on a weekly basis once I am in the Philippines. I have just been having a hard time coming up with things to say about my preparations, besides "I bought another 3 items for my suitcase sized pharmacy this week..."

My mini pharmacy - and the second greatest invention*: ziplock bags!

I now have begun the process of packing. It actually began many weeks ago as I began to collect things that I needed. For a while they were just slowly accumulating in a shopping bag on my floor. Then I got a ridiculously large toiletries bag and began to pack all the relevant items into that. Last week Dad bought me a rolling duffel bag, and over the last few bags I have been much more deliberate about 'packing', rather than just accumulating.

When ever I go on a trip I always wonder why there are so many things that I need to purchase before I leave, and this doesn't just apply to overseas trips. Is this a result of our consumeristic culture or are there things that are genuinely needed for a trip? I have been on a few trips where there were some quite specific requirements, eg. a long hike. But in general I always feel like there are things that I must get for to trip; and I do, because I don't know how not to. But I wonder, if the Lord said to me, as he did to the disciples, "leave everything and follow me" could I do it? But for now I am thankful that I have the time and resources to feel prepared (and my staff discount at the pharmacy!)

*In case you were wondering, the greatest invention, in my opinion, is duct tape!

Volunteering, Visas and Vaccinations

It is 4 weeks exactly until I leave! That seems really short, but at the same time it seems like a long time. There are still so many things that are happening in the mean time. Most of the major preparations have been dealt with: my flights are booked, my accommodation has been arranged and I have a visa (despite some confusion and concern, it is fine!). All I have left to do is find my vaccination records to see if I need any of the shots, find/make some suitable church skirts and, of course, pack! I am sure there are plenty of other little things I have to do but I can't seem to think of them at the moment.

I am very thankful for the way that God has provided the finances for my trip. Last year during my last year of school I got a job working at a pharmacy on Saturdays and during school breaks. I had saved up several thousand dollars from that work, and over the last few months I have been able to fill in for people who are sick or away. I have actually had quite a bit of work and, with what I had saved, this has sufficiently funded my trip.

At the moment my exact role/work in the Philippines is unsure. So I can't tell you exactly what I will be doing but I can tell you about the organisations that I will be volunteering at. I am spending about 3 weeks staying in Rizal (about a 4hr drive out of Manila) helping out at Covenant Christian Academy (a primary/elementary school). Friends from church are from Rizal and are involved with the school board. I will be spending a further 3 weeks at Rehoboth Children's Home which is a part of Rehoboth Sampaloc Ministries.

For more information:

http://rehobothsampalocministries.com/what-we-do/childrens-home/