Overwhelming

The process has begun!  I probably have received around ten to fifteen e-mails from various people within Mercy Ships, detailing things I need to do to prepare to volunteer.  I am excited and now fairly overwhelmed at the long list of forms to complete, articles to read, videos to watch, and things to research, now that I have decided to serve with Mercy Ships.  While having a list of to-do's in preparation for my trip is very exciting, I am not quite sure just how I will accomplish it all!

As I check things off my list, this means I can slowly send in signed and completed documents.  For those of you looking to volunteer or even merely travel to specific countries, there are vaccines that may be required by your home country as well as by the countries you visit.  I will need to get several immunizations, including the yellow fever vaccine, meningococcal vaccine, and updated hepatitis A & B vaccines.  The yellow fever vaccine is a requirement of the country I will travel to, Benin, West Africa.  In fact, I am not able to enter the country unless I show proof of having received this immunization.

Other preparations I need to make include financial planning.  I need to decide if I will fundraise for my trip or if I will pay for the money out of pocket.  There are several articles that Mercy Ships has provided with suggestions for how to fundraise, all with very good advice.  However, many people choose to fund their volunteering themselves.  As God has purposed in each ones' heart, is how every volunteer ought to fund their trip.  I still am undecided on this and am praying about it.

It will all get done, as long as I am diligent to continue chipping away at my list!  The photo included with this blog post is part of my list.  Making lists helps me to organize what I need to accomplish, and it is definitely satisfying to cross off and check items off.  Are you are one of those people who write down an item that you have already completed, just so you can cross it out?  It looks then as if you have accomplished more and helps to motivate.  Yes, I am that person!