So those of you who know me know that I am recently recovered from a broken ankle. With a broken ankle, there is quite little you can do to stay in shape. Needless to say, I've gained some weight and lost some muscle tone over the last 12 weeks. I have just finished my prescribed 6 weeks of physical therapy, and now that I am mobile, its time to get into backpacking shape. I've got a little under 2 months to be ready to hike through the jungle carrying a 40+ pound pack of equipment and supplies. 

To get into shape I'm primarily going to be going to the gym (the lovely UNT Pohl Recreation Center) daily and at the least getting a 20-30 minute cardio workout in. On weekends or any day in the week I can spare a few hours, I am going to walk the Greenbelt Trail with my pack, working on increasing weight each weak.

I am so excited for this, but I'm thinking that I need someone to help keep me accountable for going through with my plan, so I'm going to ask a couple of my friends, and my parents, to ask me daily if I did my workout. I also am going to try to find someone to work out with when I can.

Well that's all I've got for today. Thanks for reading and thanks for the support, I pray that the Lord blesses you this week, and that you would find joy in his presence. Take a moment to thank Him for all He has provided.

There's only 6 weeks left of school, a week of finals, a week visiting my family for Christmas, then it's off to Panama! 8 weeks, it seems so long, but unbelievably short at the same time. Honestly I'm starting to get pretty nervous about raising funds, I had a few donations right at the beginning, but I haven't gotten a donation in months. I know that has a lot to do with the fact that I didn't stay on top of fund raising, but now that it is getting close, I'm wishing I had done more. I need to buy my plane ticket VERY soon but I do not have the money for it yet. One of my friends went on a trip with ISL last summer and she suggested I look at getting some corporate sponsorship, but I'm not sure how to go about doing that. 

I did send out support letters yesterday and Tuesday, so hopefully I'll be getting some support coming in in the next week or so. I also plan on sending out e-mail versions of my support letter to more people who's addresses I don't have. I just pray that the Lord gives me peace and that I learn to trust in Him. I am confident He will provide. 

Thank you to everyone following my progress for your support and prayers. You all mean so much to me. Have a great week!

The last couple of days it has begun to sink in that I am actually going to Panama! I received the e-mail confirming my trip and giving instructions on buying plane tickets. I also received my lengthy packing list. With all this I was suddenly reminded that I have raised next to no support yet. So on my agenda for the weekend is to have my support letter written and at least 50 copies mailed out. 

Another way I have been working to pay for the trip is by becoming an ISL Student representative on the University of North Texas campus. I was mailed a bunch of goodies to help me promote International Service Learning and their trips and will be giving presentations in a number of pre-heath student organizations. As a representative, I will receive $50 towards my trip for every student who signs up for their own trip. So if you happen to know anyone who's interested in serving, medical or otherwise, be sure to send them my way!

I'm asking for continued prayer as I prepare for this trip. Pray that I would continue to trust that the Lord would provide the funds and that I allow Him to work in my heart in this time. Also pray for the Lord to prepare the hearts of the people that we will be in contact with in Panama. While we won't be directly presenting the Gospel to them, pray that through our actions they can see the love of the Lord.

Thank you to everyone who has helped financially so far and to everyone who has been praying. Your support means so much. Have a great week!