Hi Family and Friends,

So this is my last post before I leave.  I’ll try to update in Bangkok, but if not, then you’ll hear from me in Calcutta!

People have been asking if I’m excited.  I can say that I’m definitely excited!  I can’t believe I’m leaving on Monday in 4 days!  I’m so blessed to be able to go to these beautiful places, to serve God and His people and to do His work.  But at the same time, I’m nervous and sad too.  I’m sad because I’ll be leaving my family and my friends who I can so easily call, see or write to.  And I’m nervous because I know it’s going to be so HARD!  It’ll probably be the most mentally and physically challenging experience I’ve ever had.  I remind myself though, that that’s precisely why I’m going.  So I can challenge myself and rely completely on God without the comfort of money, family or electronics to distract me from the true provider  

So with that said, please keep me in your prayers for the following things:

*Health: big, big worry since Calcutta is so dirty and disease ridden.  Even with shots and pills and our own cook, you never know.  Water must be boiled or we drink bottled water.  So water, food, bugs and even the air we breathe can be a source of illness.

*People of Calcutta: pray that the people at our sites will welcome us and that people who see us, esp. men will not be so curious that their actions will deter us.

*Hope and Morale: we’ve been told that it’s easy to be discouraged, and think that we cannot help the people in a city that is set in its ways.  Pray that we will remember everyday that what we do is for the Lord and to show love to His people.  We may not be able to change the system or how the poor live and are treated, but our service and hearts are what count. 

So that’s all I can think of, I’m sure I’ll think of more while I’m there.   Shoot me an e-mail (cfung03@u.washington.edu), I’ll be trying to check it as much as I can.  If I don’t answer you right away, you can be sure I’ve read it and appreciate all your prayers and encouragement.  

I love you all and hopefully I’ll be seeing you in August  

-carina