How can we help you?

This is a question we have generously and quite often received from people lately. Everyone seems to be so supportive of our mission to move to Tanzania. It's a great feeling to have the backing of so many people in all kinds of communities.

Up until this point we really haven't had an answer to how people could help us. So much was unknown that we couldn't give any specifics. Now that we're a bit further into the process, we have come up with a list of three of our most pressing needs. We may add to this list as time goes on, but for now if you would like to support us in mission we're asking for the following things:

1) Prayer. This is the most important need, of course. The changes that we are making in our lives (and in the lives of family, friends, colleagues, etc.) would be insurmountable if it weren't for the Grace of God and the Peace of the Holy Spirit. We ask for continued prayers for us, our families, and our friends, as well as for all Missioners around the world working toward peace and justice. We would love it if people would add our intentions to any prayer groups or Church services that you know of.

2) Monetary Donations. Unlike most other mission-based work, our service with Maryknoll Lay Missioners does not require extensive fund-raising. MKLM has their own fund-raising staff who, with the occasional support of the Missioners, raise enough money so that the mission staff can concentrate on what they were hired to do--service to the poor and the marginalized. That being said, there is a small fund-raising goal that the hubby and I are asked to achieve before we leave in 2012. Our goal is to raise a combined $1000. If anyone would like to contribute to our goal, we would love for you to do so. Donating financial support to MKLM is a very important way for you folks at home to get involved in our mission. As a matter of fact, without donations MKLM would cease to function. It is a great way to support not only me and Chris, but also an organization that has been working for decades with some of the world's most needy people.

If you would like to make a donation, you can send a check directly to Maryknoll Lay Missioners, Advancement, PO Box 307, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0307. Please put mine and Chris's names in the memo line of the check in order to ensure that we can be "credited" for bringing in the donation. We can also take cash and mail a check to them ourselves with your name on it, if you would prefer.

3) Storage Space. Although we are selling/donating most of our possessions, there are a few things (photographs, family heirlooms, etc.) that we will put into storage while we are away. Some of these things need to be stored with care because prolonged heat/cold might hurt these items. Obviously, obtaining a climate controlled storage unit for 4 years can get a bit pricey (though we will do it if we have to), so if anyone has any storage space that they are willing/able to let us use for at least 4 years, please let us know. You can post a comment here, visit Chris on Facebook or email either of us to let us know. We'll weigh our options and then figure out the best solution from there. We don't want to have a box spread out at at each of two dozen homes around the country. ;)

Thank you again to everyone who has supported us thus far. Most of you know that this move has been a long-time in the making. In fact, I was checking out some old material on this blog from 2006 and found a post about our previous attempt at moving to Africa (which obviously didn't pan out). It just goes to show how much we have worked toward and prayed about this calling. Thanks to everyone for being an important part of our mission.