Less than one month to go!

Last night we had another training meeting for our trip. It was fun to spend more time with our team and get to know them better. We spent some time discussing the book and then also in prayer. Some of the topics we've discussed from the book have been hard to reconcile. These recent chapters have touched on the issue of the Bible and what we think is right vs. what is cultural differences. We've had to ask ourselves if there are thing we think are the "right way" of "the way of Jesus" that may just be our culture's way of doing things.
We also discussed the issue of poverty. We assume that everyone wants what we have, because they look poor to us. In my own mind, the easiest way to help someone in poverty is to give them money. Maybe what they actually need is relationship, someone to get to know them and find out what their true needs are. In our culture, that takes too long....we want a quick fix to the problems we see. This trip will provide us a tangible opportunity to deal with those issues of poverty.
On a different note, Gwen (leader) informed us that a week of our time will be spent in Rootshuru (sp?) which is close to the border of Uganda and the national forest. It is the hometown of the World Relief national coordinator Marcel. This area is more "rustic" as she put it, meaning it's unlikely we'll have modern conveniences. The town was also previously controlled by rebels at one time. There is no threat currently and we are assured we won't go anywhere there is significant danger.
Please be in prayer for our financial situation. Our whole team is struggling to raise the funds needed to go. Clint and I learned last night that we currently have only a fraction of what we need. God can do mighty things are we're counting on Him for this one!