It has been a crazy week - we leave for Scotland in TWO WEEKS now and the reality of this trip has finally hit. We have been emailing people in the UK like crazy, it seems as if we already know fifteen or so people and we’ve never even stepped foot over there. What’s great is most of these people don’t know each other yet, but they all share the same vision for creating a movement of love and service in the UK - whether in England or Scotland!

On another note, we have been overwhelmed with your generosity. It is amazing that people from all over the country - most of whom we have never met - have been so willing to invest in this trip. We needed $800 and to date, this community at FlowerDust.net has donated $650!

Honestly, we weren’t expecting much of a response since - well, most of you don’t know us personally. The fact that you have trusted us with your gifts and prayers means more than you know.

Please continue to pray for us the next two weeks as we finish the practical things like packing, lining up cat-sitters, finances, handling work responsibilities and time management.

But we especially covet your prayers for our health and safety, physically and spiritually as we prepare. My mom will also be having surgery while we are gone, so prayers for her health are appreciated as well.

We know there will be forces working against us, trying to divide us and beat us down, and through your prayers of protection and God’s grace, we will be more than covered.

Any advice for traveling overseas or missions?

It is less than three weeks before Chris and I leave for Scotland. We are so excited to get to meet and serve the people in the city of Edinburgh with James Petticrew and Mosaic Edinburgh. It has been amazing to see how this vision is becoming a reality.

We are in the last leg of raising support for our trip. With the exchange rate being almost double at the moment, we’re trying to stretch every bit of our savings so we can manage the costs of living out there in September.

I’ll be bold here and cut to the chase. We need to raise about $800 more dollars for food expense alone for the several weeks we are there. Below is our last support letter (click the haggis picture to read it.)

Even $15 would buy a meal for the both of us.

Also, I thought it would be responsible for us to post our current financial statement so you can see how blessed we have been to have people support us, as well as God giving us the discipline to save.

Donations Collected: 1407.00
Personal Savings: 2396.12

Expenses Paid: $1881.34
Upcoming Expenses: $2800
Total Expenses: 4681.34

Total Income less: 3803.12
Total Expenses: 4681.34
Left to Raise: 878.22

However, to be slightly amused, or to find out what a haggis is, click the haggis picture below. It will also take you to see what we’ll be doing, and easy ways you can help!

If you would like to buy us a meal (and save a haggis) online, please click here to be taken to our secure Paypal donation site. If you’d rather mail in something, or have a question, please email me.

Thanks for remembering us in your prayers too. If you want, please pass this on - you never know who might be up for catching this vision for Edinburgh!

Chris & Anne Jackson

What are your thoughts on taking medicine for Depression or Anxiety?

I can’t save the world -

(and that’s okay.)

I am 26 years old. In my life, I have moved 27 times. The longest I’ve lived somewhere is five years. And it’s hard to develop sincere and meaningful relationships in that short of time.

I moved to Kansas when I was almost 22, and moved back to Texas shortly after my 26th birthday. Even though I was only gone from Dallas a little over four years, the close friends from my past are now but mere acquaintances. I’ve seen my “best” Dallas friend once since moving back and only for a few minutes. I can see the same thing happening to my close Kansas friends. I realize it’s nobody’s fault. It really does just come with moving.

That’s not to say Chris & I are friendless. It has been incredible really getting to know some people here in Dallas. I’d even say it seems like we have more connections with people now than we ever have in any stage of our lives. But at the same time, as I visit old Kansas friends’ blogs or read their emails, it’s a bummer to see how easy it is to become disconnected when you don’t see someone for a while.

Have you ever moved and lost contact with people you thought you’d never lose touch with?

Have a great weekend…

PMS sucks.

But not as bad as IBS. At least, that’s what Los tells me.