Packing and Prayers

How long does it take you to use a stick of deodorant? What about a bottle of shampoo? Your favorite lotion? If you're going on the mission field any time soon, I suggest you start a nice spread sheet now. 

I'm leaving Friday, January 2nd, and I would appreciate your prayers. Here is how you can pray for me...

• Good health.  The stomach bug has visited our family, and that's no fun. 
• Safe and smooth travels.  I have a short connection in Houston.
• Last minute details and packing to all get done with minimal stress.
• Saying goodbyes to family and friends. (And for the people left behind.)
• Smooth transition into life and teaching in Ethiopia.

Anybody want to come help??
And yes, WinShape friends, that is a token in my suitcase.

December

I've fallen behind on updating my blog, but I sure have enjoyed celebrating the Christmas season with my family. Take a look at some of my December adventures. 

I took a quick trip to Athens, GA to visit dear friends. #campfriendsarebestfriends

One of my favorite Huntsville Christmas Traditions.
Live Nativity in Downtown Huntsville.

And a beautiful walk through downtown. 

This semester, I had the opportunity to work with the Student Ministry at church.
It was a pleasure to serve alongside these people.
Tacky Sweater Christmas Party 2014

Day trip to Nashville to see this dear friend from college say "I do."
It was a nice reUNION. 

My favorite type of Christmas dinner!

Christmas at home.

Christmas Selfie

Every family has two sides, so another Christmas selfie.

Learning to cut the brisket. Poppa approves. 

Sweet TN visits from one of my roomies from college. 

Nana and Poppa

Don't mess with me. I can cut branches off trees. 

Breakfast with this dearie!

Cousins came to town for a night.
Family picture outtakes. 

Quick vacation to Nashville with my family.

Opryland Hotel

Opryland Hotel

Opryland Hotel

Just running into famous [and tall] people. 

Marmee

What a special time to spend with family and friends.  Now it's time to put the final touches on packing. Ethiopia bound on Friday.

One BIG thank you!

THANK YOU for purchasing t-shirts!

Nerd Bird Creative in Memphis did a fantastic job printing the shirts, and my dear friend, Katie Staples, did an excellent job with the design! Greg is a pastor by day and a creative nerd bird for fun. Katie is a (almost) graduate of Georgia Tech with a beautiful heart for ministry. What a blessing it is to have people use their gifts and talents to support my ministry. 

With your support, I was able to raise over $3,000 from the donations.  That covered over 40% of my one time start up fees.  What a blessing! Please remember to pray for my ministry in Ethiopia whenever you wear your shirt. 

I love all the selfies!

Keep sending me pictures! Love it!

I am only 8% away from my final goal.  Would you consider helping me get to the finish line?

laurakay.richardson@sim.org