Let the countdown begin

Well this last week has been very busy. I should probably give an review of the events. Last Tuesday was an day of emotions. First I had to say goodbye to Lindsay for 7 months, then I had to be at World Gospel Mission headquarters that evening. The orientation went well, had a lot of fun with my fellow VIA's. There is a great group of VIA's this year. At orientation, we talked about the experiences and the emotions that are felt with longer term volunteer work. We dealt with culture shock, re-entry to the US, adapting to local culture, and we of course had to watch a cultural movie.... Cool Runnings!!! Ok, so it wasn't exactly a documentary but it was still a lot of fun. Other things we did while at orientation includes, ice cream at Ivanhoe's (oh yeah...be jealous), fishing in the pond, and eating a worm (it was a pact to remember to pray for each other). I guess I remember.
Right, so now the countdown begins. Next Thursday is the big loooong day. I received the last of my books for school today. I also went to get vaccinations today. I feel like a human pin cushion. 4 shots!!! ouch. All my support has been raised!!! What a blessing. Everyone has been so great. I still have about 40 thank you cards to get done...so if you haven't received one yet, it is on the list.

Continue to pray for:
- all the plans to finalize smoothly
- safe travel
- good health (no allergic reactions to vaccines)
- youth in Bolivia
- my curriculum preparation (or lack of)


God Bless,

Jon Birkey

Trip Changes

Sorry about not posting lately, I forgot my password. Anyways, the date for my departure has changed. I now fly out on the 5th of June. This gives me an extra week to get some things planned which is good since I needed to focus on my final exams instead of PRIME. Now I am in the process of buying books and figuring out my visa status. On Tues. Lindsay heads to Wisconsin. Later that day, I report to WGM to get a few days of training. Hopefully I will get a better idea on how these last couple of weeks are going to fall together. As far as my financial status, I still have about 1,000 to go but I feel good about it. Just keep praying that God will provide. That's all for now.

God Bless,
Jon

Flights

It's official, my tickets are bought. PRIME is becoming more of a reality each day. I will be leaving on May 28th. I leave at 12 noon and won't touch ground in Santa Cruz until 8 am. on May 29th. There are a lot of stops. I go from Indy to Chicago to Miami to La Paz to Santa Cruz. With transfers in Chicago and Miami. Sure hope the luggage doesn't get lost. I guess on a positive note, I will have pleanty of time to get a head start on the reading for class.

I wont be back until December 20th! WOW! Sure seems like a long time. The flight back will be just as rough as the one down.

That's all for now.