Laura's first weeks in E. Asia

Laura's 14 hour flight to Dubai was terrible.  She said it's the worst turbulence she's ever experienced.  The flight from Dubai to her destination country was good....she slept the whole way!  But thankfully she made it safely and she's trying not to think about the flight back!

Her first day in a new country was spent getting to know the city they landed in and staying awake!  Laura was so tired when they finally got back to where they were staying.  It was a hard day....full of spiritual oppression.  That's extra hard to deal with and process when you have jet lag.  

Her second day was supposed to be spent on a 13+ hour bus ride through the Himalayas to where they would begin their trekking and ministering.  The bus ride turned out to be closer to 18 hours of twisting and turning roads.  Needless to say, everyone was so car sick (bus sick?)!! 

Her first night in the mountains was COLD!  She was very thankful for her nice warm coat, hat, mittens and cuddle duds!!  We had a chance to FaceTime her before she left Wifi for 2 weeks.  

I'm sure many of you have experienced this...but NOT talking your daughter for 2 weeks, when she's on the other side of the world, in the Himalayas, is HARD.  One of the hardest things I've ever done.  Most of my life is spent practicing my  "tra la la" faith.  You know, the kind of faith that doesn't REALLY have to trust God because life is basically easy?  In these past few weeks I've experienced "tiger attack" faith.  Why tiger attack?  Oh, I guess I haven't mentioned yet that Laura is in tiger country.  The week before she arrived at the base camp village, a child was killed by a tiger.  Yep, "tiger attack" faith.  How much do I trust God with my daughter?

We finally heard from her a few days ago.  The whole team has been sick...so sick.  Two people had to be air flighted (is that a word?) out because of illness and injury.  Laura heard a tiger roar.  AND....she led worship once and has gotten to preach twice.  AND she loves it.  Despite the difficulties, she loves seeing God work.  She loves being a part of what He is doing.  

They hiked 14 miles (stopping and ministering in villages as they went) before everyone got sick.  When we talked to her a few days ago, they had hiked back 9 miles (of the 14) and still had 5 more to go.  Hopefully she'll have wifi again soon and can update us again.  

Please keep her in your prayers!  Pray for healing.  Pray for no further sickness.  Pray for a boldness to keep sharing Jesus.  Pray for team dynamics and relationships.  Pray against discouragement.  Thank you and I'll update as soon as I know more!