It's a Break!

Hey all,

We are currently still fundraising and while that may seem so daunting at times, I have faith the Lord is going to provide. If you are reading this please pray for us today that we would be encouraged and trust in the providence of our Savior. It is a blessing to have our team together and to come together no longer as just a melting pot of individuals but as a family who desires to glorify the Lord. Personally, it is incredible to see each person's heart in this adventure. Steven is a terrific co-leader who longs to inspire the teammates just as he was once inspired when he went to Uganda. We both have seen the effects of going on missions trips on our lives. He is truly responsible and proactive when it comes to getting things done. A born leader, his heart longs to lead others in loving the Lord deeply. It is awesome to see how different we are yet, able to work well together because of that. Adam led SMU's summer 08 Panama trip and I am looking forward to his advice as well as his humor and love of fostering relationships with people. He is a talented musician who, with Amanda, will be leading worship. Amanda is such a caring girl. I already see how the Lord is using her to bring unity and humility to our team. She is flexible and understanding in all circumstances. Jocy has such a love of culture and of the Lord that I constantly am amazed. She is the editor of the Spainish paper at Biola and that is just one example of her determination. Mckenna is a sweetheart who's joyfulness and tender spirit instantly draw people in. She blesses us with easy laughter and a steady reliance on the Lord. Sarah is so awesome! Her love for the Lord and personal preserverance astonish me everytime we talk. Her intelligence is to be applauded yet, she demonstrates grace in all things. Our team is made up of some of the most wonderful people I know and it is going to be beautiful to see them all grow.

I am so thanful for the Lord's goodness. Happy Thanksgiving.

In Him,
Liz

Beginnings...

Hey everyone,

Welcome to our Team Rwanda blogspot! My name is Elizabeth Phalan and I am one of two co-leaders for the trip. I cannot emphasize how wonderful it feels to finally have our team together, training and fundraising. Since the end of Spring 2008 semester, Steven Mendez (the other co-leader) and I have been praying about this trip, the students and the ministry we will be working with in Rwanda.

Today follows a big day. Yesterday, we bought our plane tickets! Granted we still have A LOT of money yet to raise but I praise God for providing a way for us to get the tickets. One exciting tidbit is that we will have about a day layover in London! In order for us to get the cheapest tickets possible we are flying from LAX to San Fran to London to Nairobi, Kenya to Kigali, Rwanda. Sounds round about, and it is, but I am so grateful we have tickets. This means...WE ARE GOING!

Tomorrow will be day one of our team retreat and it will be wonderful to get to know everyone on the team on a deeper level. Dr. Michael Anthony, of the Christian Ed program here at Biola, is Steven and my mentor and has proven to be an invaluable resource. On Saturday, our team will get to go sailing with him and his wife. How much fun that will be! Please be praying for unity amongst our team as we spend time together and open our lives up to one another.

Speaking of prayer, please, please, please keep praying for money to come in for our team. We are still far from the goal and right now that is our concern. I believe that we serve a big God and He is capable of amazing things. So, I am relying upon the Lord's providence as well as faithful support and our hard work. Aside from finances, be praying for the elementary students we will be teaching, the kids who will be at the weekend rallies, and the organization we will be working with, Transformational Leadership Africa (TLAfrica).

Check out our coffee fundraiser, too!

More to come, so keep checking up on us.

We are so thankful for you!

:)

Liz