the beginning

"Now, are you aware of the hazards and risks to your health and general well being for this trip Rachel?" asked Lynn, the lovely nurse from the health clinic.

"Uh...wear sunscreen and bugspray, right?" I didn't really want to know all of the gory details of how I was voluntarily launching my life into great peril. I came to the clinic to get whatever immunization I needed for protection against any infectious diseases like...you know, death.

Lynn looked at me and smiled. And then whipped out, a 16 page document chalk full of every disease, bug, parasite, virus, infection, or illness that I could possibly contract in Israel or India. After going over the troubles of dengue fever, typhoid, travelers diarrhea, hepatitis a-c, polio, measles, japanese encephalitis, and rabies(NOM) Lynn paused for a breath and looked me in the eyes.

"We need to talk about Malaria."

Turns out I have three options for Malaria vaccinations, only at best 92% effective. One involves night terrors, extreme anxiety, and hallucinations. True life, I am already a weenie and do not need any medication that will induce what I can achieve on my own, thank you very much. The second option, is acne medication. Pros and cons to this one. I'll have great skin while in India, but will also be extremely susceptible to sunburn. Also have to take is for 6 weeks following the trip. Eh. The third option sounds great. No massive side effects, quite effective in staving off malaria. Downside? Pricy.

After more directions on how to stay well whilst overseas from Lynn, and me suggesting that perhaps I should just wear the DEET treated mosquito net like a burkha for real surefire protection (Lynn wasn't as amused at that as I was...) I got my shots, and some cute Band-Aids. I mean, seriously cute Band-Aids.

Despite my sore arms and a whole new set of fears for this trip, I am really excited. Excited to see the Lord at work. Excited to meet Him in His Land. Excited to grow, be challenged, establish relationships with these new people that I've never known before. Excited to have community with other Jewish believers in Messiah Jesus. What a rich experience this will be.

I am glad that you are reading this now. I am hoping that you will be able to follow along on this blog and be encouraged and challenged. Hope that these posts provide specific ways for you to be praying for the effectiveness in reaching God's Chosen People with His testament of faithfulness: the Messiahship of Jesus! Also am hoping that you will be able to laugh with me as I'm sure that this summer will conjure funny/awkward/hysterical situations-- like wrapping mosquito netting around myself to fend off things like malaria. Pesky little illness, that one.


Shalom shalom,
Rachel