Here we are today doing our best impression of human pin cushions!

Visited with a great physician and went over what immunizations we need.  Spent over 2 hours at the doctor's office.  By the time we left there we each had 6 injections, a TB test, I also had a blood draw to make sure one of my prior immunization series was still effective, and prescriptions for malaria preventatives.   Two more shots to go to finish our rabies (YES RABIES!) series, then a series of Typhoid oral immunizations. . . . never thought I'd be talking Yellow Fever, polio, the merits of oral or injectable Typhoid immunizations, etc!!

Although my arms hurt, so does the wallet. . . it appears insurance only covers 3 of the 7 immunizations.   Oh well we know this is God's plan so it will all work out!!

Please say a prayer for the people that God has planned to live in our house while we are gone. 

Looking forward to this weekend when my Dad stays with us for a couple nights and I get to go shooting with my son . . . gotta love it when a fundraiser for a Christian camp involves trap shooting!!

Matt

Wow, what a journey!! In May, 2012, we heard a missionary from Youth With a Mission who was present with Mercy Ships at the Togo screening. She showed pictures of approximately 5,000 people who were lined up for screening, desperate for medical care. Right then, God touched our hearts and we felt called to be a part of this ministry.

We have accepted positions onboard the Africa Mercy. Matt will work as the Program Security Officer.  In this position, he will oversee all security for off-ship functions.  Denise will initially work as a Steward, likely either in food service or housekeeping.

In September 2012, we began our training with a one-week orientation session at the International Operations Center (IOC) in Lindale, Texas. In January 2013, we will leave our home and travel back to the IOC to participate in a five-week comprehensive training session. Then, it's off to the Africa Mercy, currently docked in Conakry, Guinea. We have committed to two years of service on the ship.

We are strongly committed to the mission of Mercy Ships, "Bringing Hope and Healing to the World's Forgotten Poor." 

We truly value each and every one of you, whether you provide prayer support, financial support, or both. Thank you for joining us as partners in this journey. It would not be possible without you!!

We would love to hear from you, our email address is mtveite@gmail.com