More Packing Fun...

It's more than enough.

Well, the group packing was finished on Saturday, but the Karge family is still going strong. While trying to get everything I need for eleven days in Haiti stuffed into a carry-on is difficult, trying to anticipate the needs of three children who will also be away from home for eleven days is by far the greater of the two evils.


It has actually been a great exercise in "What do I REALLY need?" Also, it puts all that I have into better perspective: "I really own 10 solid colored t-shirts?" Being a person that enjoys the simplicity that comes from owning less stuff, I was surprised to learn that (when not looking through the American lens) Im a shopping happy, materialistic, sale-monger.

"You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."- 2 Corinthians 9:11.  This applies to so much more than just stuff, and Im excited to share every gift I have been given. These are the bits of wisdom God has been sending my way while packing. I can't wait to see what He reveals when we are actually serving.

Partying while Packing for Haiti: Part One

With somewhere around ten days till departure, it has been all about the details.

Tons of items were donated for the people of Fort Liberte.

Friday night I dropped the kids off for a trial sleepover at the Asberry residence. Then, Reece and I went to pick up a few trip necessities: Sunscreen, bug spray, and batteries. I spent most of the outing checking my phone and trying not to worry. There was planning about donations and getting them to the church, and some dinner somewhere in there too. I took my daughter's blanket to bed with me. I'm praising God that Bethan has been so patient with my neediness. She texted to ask if I was okay because apparently the kids were doing great. :/ I would never had noticed that I had such trust issues concerning my children if God hadn't required this journey. This is another praise because trust and obedience are so entirely connected.

 This is a blurry phone pic, but still proof of my packing prowess

Saturday morning was a group packing day at Clarksburg Baptist Church.  We battled a group of bikers to get downtown.... and by bikers I mean racers on bicycles. It was an excellent time of fellowship and team-building. We were very blessed by the generosity of all the people that donated items to be taken to the Haitians. It was incredible. People were beyond generous; the items were thoughtful, and it was awesome. We loaded these gifts into 50 lb. army duffel bags that will be nearly impossible to carry.  :D Excitement is starting to edge its way past the terror. There is no better remedy for selfishness than serving others.