Down to the Wire

Down to the Wire
Well, I am down to 11 days remaining. Wow! I am super stoked to get down to El Salvador, start settling into life and begin really learning Spanish! Thanks for all of your prayers, support, etc. thus far.

The Nitty Gritty
Many of you have asked about my preparations—some out of interest about what one has to do to “enter the mission field” and some because you wander if there is any tangible way that you can help. Well, there are a few final details that I would love to share with you guys for your prayer and potentially your help.

I need your old luggage – I am not shipping any furniture or possessions down because shipping is cost prohibitive (and I don’t really own anything of real value—it’s just all cute looking.) So, my plan is to get as much of my life into my luggage as necessary. Initially I will fly down with two huge duffle bags! And then I hope to convince a few folks coming down on the November trip to also bring some additional luggage. Rather then buy luggage, which I will likely only use once, I was hoping that a person or two has some old duffles or luggage that I can use. At this point I am looking only for large and extra large pieces (as close to, but no larger then the limit of 62 total inches length+width+height.) If you have something, let me know and I will arrange a way to get in the next few days.
Looking for a good roomie – Leaving on a grand adventure is awesome, but is also means leaving behind dearly loved friends. Most of you know my long-time roomie Darcy Carroll and she is looking for a woman to replace me in our lovely little house. Darcy has been so supportive and encouraging, even though my departure has shaken up her world some. I am praying for a really great woman to fit into the house with Darcy and Jennifer Dale—who just moved in a month or so ago. The bedroom is small, but rent is great at $350 and the downstairs part of the house is fully furnished, including a dishwasher, washer/dryer, etc. There is a great yard that many of you have enjoyed for numerous BBQs. It’s a really lovely home in the Burlingame neighborhood of Portland which is about 10 minutes from the church and 10 to downtown. I5 access is super easy. Anyway, please join me in prayer for someone asap and let Darcy know darcycarroll@hotmail.com If you can think of anyone looking for a great place to live.
Looking for a Car? – I bought my Toyota Corolla LE about 2 years ago and have loved every minute of it! Truly, this I my first car that just runs reliably and well. And to be honest, I have tried multiple schemes to NOT sell my car, so it can be waiting for me. But in the end, that is kind of silly—a car is a car—and I really need a car in El Salvador. Every cent I can get towards a car, means the safer, more reliable whatever I get will be—and that’s most important! And it is pretty likely that I will be using a car to transport teams, even River West teams—in the future, so the nicer the better for everyone. Which means, I need to just sell my car. It is a 4 door 5 speed manual with 123K mileage (but it’s a Toyota, so it will probably run for another 100K). The tires are new and I just had the belts changed and some other tune-up work. It has a good stereo CD player, AC, Auto windows and doors, and cruise control. AND a cool spoiler thing on the back. I’m asking $4600. If you are interested or know anyone interested, let me know.

Thanks again for all of your amazing support. I have a lot more to say about that, but for now just wanted to get this info out in case any of you know anyone that can help me out!

In His Grace,
-Tina