2 days!!

I caught a ride back to school on the 26th and spent my evening unpacking from break and packing the last of my things for Tanzania. I am finished and glad that part is over! Now, I have two days that I can truly focus in on the Lord and prepare my heart and mind for this trip. Please continue to pray for my team and I over the course of this trip.

Here is just one picture with many more to follow!

Packing

I can't believe how fast the time has flown by. Thanksgiving break rolled in and right back out in the blink of an eye. Returning to school for a few short weeks, my time was consumed by studying for finals and completing end of semester projects. Looks as though I passed all of my classes once again! Now that I am home again for another short break, the last minute preparation and packing is in full throttle. A day was spent shopping to pick up prescriptions and medications as well as a few light weight skirts and shirts. While packing shouldn't be all that hard, I have never flown before. So, not only am I packing for a third world country but also as a first time flier trying to make sure I carefully follow all of the rules. While it is a crazy, busy process, it is an exciting one. The countdown continues and the first flight takes off in just 9 short days.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. All of the donations and truffle purchases are greatly appreciated. Please continue to pray for my team and I throughout the trip. We have come a very long way in the planning and preparation process and we are truly excited to see what God has in store for us.

Truffle sales have been going well! As of today I have made over 800 truffles and more to come. I am so grateful for the support from everyone. Please continue to pray for my team and I.

The other week at church one of the members was talking with me about this mission trip and the organization, STEMM. The following week she handed me this article from our local paper. I thought that it would be nice to share with others as well. 

Please take the time to watch this video that a crew from Dordt put together 3 years ago - this digs into STEMM's mission and what my team and I will be experiencing.

AMOR - Pre-Travel Health Visit

Time is closing in and I couldn't be more excited. I recently had my pre-travel health visit with the college nurse to determine what vaccinations I would need so that I can go on my trip. Lucky for me I will only be needing two pokes and two different types of oral vaccinations, you cannot understand my relief! Thinking about why I need these vaccinations and what could happen if I were to skip them, is really a scary thought. There are so many things that could possibly go wrong... This country is suffering from so many different things and for me to have the opportunity to go and possibly make a difference is quite encouraging. While prayers are requested for my team and I, prayers need to be sent out for the families in Tanzania that we might be able to make a difference in their community. It is my hope that this experience will help me to grow not only as a person but as a Christian and a global citizen as well. I am so excited for this opportunity and I cannot wait to share all of my experience with you.

AMOR

Dear Friends,                                            

           

            As I am making progress through my sophomore year at Dordt College, studying Animal Science with an emphasis in Pre-Veterinary, God has presented me with an opportunity.  I have committed to be part of a group at Dordt called AMOR (A Mission Outreach).  For nearly two decades, Dordt has participated in international service/mission projects, primarily in Central American Countries.  This year, our group will be going to Tanzania in East Africa during Christmas break, leaving approximately December 29 and returning January 11.

For this trip, we will be partnering with Siouxland Tanzania Educational Medical Missions (STEMM), a local US non-profit agency that ministers in areas of education, orphan care, and redevelopment from a decidedly Christian viewpoint.  You can learn more about STEMM and even ways that you can become involved in this ministry at stemm.org.  This trip has an emphasis in both agriculture and medical missions.  As an Animal Science major, the diverse aspect on agriculture will be very beneficial.  Although the medical emphasis is human health, the clinical and surgical aspects will give me the experience and opportunity to serve others.  I feel that God has opened a door and is directing me to this amazing place.

As to be expected, there are expenses associated with such an experience.  Each member of the team needs to raise approximately $4000 to cover costs related to travel (this is the biggest cost by far), food, and materials to be used at the work sites.  We are writing our friends and family to ask for your assistance in a couple of ways.  First, please pray for us as we prepare for this project, for the ministry that we will assist and for safety in travel.  Secondly, if you are able and willing to contribute financially to this ministry, I would be very grateful. 

Checks can be made out to Dordt College and sent to the address below. Recognition and thanks of your contribution will be recognized via Student Services upon receipt and for donations in excess of $250 the business office of Dordt College will send you a separate charitable contributions receipt.

                                    Dordt College

Att’n: Student Services – AMOR

498 4^th Ave NE

Sioux Center, IA 51250

(If writing a check, please include my name in the memo line so they know it’s for me!!)

You can also give online by visiting www.dordt.edu and then clicking on the “give a gift” tab at the top right of the homepage.  Then, halfway down the giving page there is an option of what you want to give your gift toward.  If you click “other” one more window will pop up.  When it does, please type: AMOR: Bethany Borup.  Your gift will go directly toward my personal fund raising.

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please feel free to contact me.

Email: bthnybrp@dordt.edu

Phone: (616)-902-6631.  

All prayers are greatly appreciated.

Thank you and God bless!

Bethany Borup