I once heard a pastor say something to the effect that "It can't really be missions unless you have to get immunizations to go there!"

That's always stuck in the back of my mind. I'm sure it's not absolutely true all the time, but there's some real truth to it... often people going into missionary situations face potential health threats we never think of at home in the US.

If you're wondering what kind of immunizations are required for Cuba, here's what I had to take based on what the CDC has to say:

Hepatitis A
Tetanus-Diptheria-Pertusis
Typhoid

I made the mistake of taking the first two on the same day.

That night I came down with what I thought was the world's deadliest bug... I was afraid I'd exposed the whole church to it! Evidently it was some sort of vaccine reaction!

I'll spare you the gory details, but they were "interesting" to say the least. 

Whew! At least I can feel like I'm going on a "real mission trip"... I've paid the price of getting the shots! :)

The Typhoid immunization is 4 pills stretched out over 8 days.  I'm still working up my courage to take them!

As one seasoned missionary told me... "No matter how bad the shot is... the disease is worse!"

Here's my prayer requests...

1) Please pray the Typhoid immunization series is uneventful... Still gun shy after the above reactions but I know the actual disease is worse!

2) Pray for the fundraising. I still have quite a bit I need to raise and the trip is February 19ths.

3) I learned about some other folks in town interested in hearing more about what we'll be doing in Cuba. I may be able to work with them to practice and perhaps do some "joint mission ventures" down the road!.. Pray for that door to open!

Thanks for reading, praying, and contributing!