Four Weeks and Counting!!!

We leave for Zambia four weeks from tomorrow -- CRAZY!!! I feel like there is so much to do - yet I'm not sure what to do.... (well, other than getting our malaria meds... the rest is going to be the last minute packing stuff).

Our team meets Saturday to talk details on where we're staying and when (Looks like Luke and I get a tent outside at least one night) and how we're getting where and when (lots of small planes - Luke is not a fan) and what to bring (toilet paper anyone?) and our support status (about 2/3 there!) and everything else we can possibly think of. It's also another opportunity for us to get to know the family with whom we'll be spending more than two very intensive weeks.

All that said, I figure I should share with you, our readers, a few factoids about Zambia:

• Zambia is slightly larger than Texas and borders Angola, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia, Democratic Rebulic of the Congo and Tanzania
• Natural Resources: copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver, uranium, hydropower
• Population (July 2008 estimate): 11,669,534
• Median Age: 16.9 years
• Life Expectancy: 38.59 years
• Infant Mortality Rate: 100.96 deaths/1,000 live births
• Number of People Living with HIV/AIDS (2003 data): 920,000
• Government: Republic; Capital City: Lusaka
• GDP: $17.83 billion
• Unemployment Rate: 50%
• Airports with paved runways: 9; Airports with unpaved runways: 98

There's just a taste of the facts. We can't wait to share with you all about the people, the needs, the hearts, the Hope of Christ, and how God chooses to work in and through us on our trip. Please continue to pray for us as we prepare and as we go. Satan is real and spiritual warfare is likely to occur. Please pray that our remaining support comes in to financially support this Vision trip. Also, please pray that the Lord will open our eyes and make it clear as to whether or not He would have us to serve long term in Zambia, and if so, in what capacity.

If you would like to partner with us financially as we enter the mission field, you may do so online at www.simusa.org/SIMGift.php. When you have entered your billing information, you will be able to put in our team name (Ackley Zambia PACE Team 2009) and number (31622).

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. To learn more about SIM's work in Zambia, visit: http://www.sim.org/index.php/country/ZM