Details!

I am almost exactly 20 days away from my departure. And I am beginning to realize what I've gotten myself into. I was able to Skype with Tinashe (my supervisor in Africa) this morning. He was able to answer some of my questions. Here is some of what I now know:

1. I will be living and working mainly in Mbabane, the capital and largest city in Swaziland.
2. Tinashe is talking to some missionaries about me potentially living with them. Living with them might be very valuable in terms of understanding the culture and getting to know the city. Otherwise, I could also look into living on my own. I will be able to get settled more once I get there.
3. It would be useful for me to have a means of transportation. A motorbike would probably be good, but Tinashe said a used one would cost about $2,500. I don't have anything budgeted for that, but I think it's something that's worth investigating.
4. I will have regular access to internet at work. That means I'll be able to stay up to date on the Packers and my siblings.

My brother has told me how I can make things more convenient for my readers (he's somewhat of a blog expert). So if you scroll to the bottom of the page, there should be a box for you to enter your email address. That way, whenever I post a blog, you will receive an email notification. At least you won't be checking my blog if I haven't posted anything new.

I am very excited, but there are certainly things to pray about. Pray that the trip goes safely, and that I am able to get settled easily in Mbabane. Pray that my fundraising continues to go well and that I am actually able to afford to go to Africa. I also would appreciate prayers regarding the motorbike.

Starting to say Goodbye

This past weekend, I have been back in Milwaukee saying visiting with friends and family for the last time before my departure week in August. It's been great to see old faces, and there's lots to talk about. The support that I've received for my trip has been absolutely overwhelming. I've never liked asking people for money, but the people I've talked to have been excited to talk to me about fundraising and their own contributions. It's been humbling that people are putting so much faith in me, and the responsibility that carries is a little daunting. But I can't think of anything that could be more encouraging than the excitement of all these men and women whom I respect so much. While moving to Africa for a year is a daunting prospect, and I am nervous about the transition, I am infected by the enthusiasm of these people whose wisdom and passion have been models for me in the past.
I am now fully vaccinated, after 4 shots and a night of sweating out a fever. I'll be working in Grand Rapids through the rest of July, and orientation with Partners is the first week in August, about a week before I leave. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to get in contact with me at BenjaminCVerhulst@gmail.com.
Prayer: Please begin praying that my move goes well. Living situation, visa, and communications status are all things that need to be worked out yet and I'd be grateful if I were mentioned as you ask, seek, and knock.