Well, it finally came.  It actually came very quickly.  This is my passport – don’t worry, you won’t be subjected to the inside photo that I got on a whim at Kinkos on a off hair & clothing day.  I had it rushed & it just came this afternoon.  Now it will quickly be sent away to the Ethiopian Embassy in DC to apply for my visa.  In case you’re wondering why I am getting my passport & why I’m traveling to Ethiopia, let me explain quickly….

In March I’ll be traveling with Doctors Giving Back to Assosa, Ethiopia for 2 weeks.  Actually, I said it a lot more eloquently in my fundraising letter, so I’ll just paste that here:

From March 4 through 18 I will be traveling to Assosa, Ethiopia with Doctors Giving Back (www.doctorsgivingback.org).  I came about this opportunity in an odd way, or really, in a “God way.”  Who would think that a wife, & stay-at-home mom of two would even think of traveling half-way around the world without her family?!?!  Well, that’s just what I’m doing.  My friend, Jessica, who works with DGB, came to Maryland in October for a wedding & left with me on board as a teammate in her annual trek to Ethiopia.  She had convinced me that I could, even as a wife & mother, be used by God in Ethiopia.  So, I’m taking a huge leap of faith & going way out of my comfort zone to assist Doctors Giving Back in less than 3 months!

What is Doctors Giving Back?  It is a medical relief organization dedicated to education & empowerment through medical and health programs in the developing world.  Their mission is to conduct health outreach programs in impoverished African countries by providing medical care, support, supplies, education and other resources for the people living in these countries.  This year, 2010, DGB has expanded into two teams – a medical team & a construction team.  The medical team will be busy hosting various clinics, and education & sanitation projects.  The construction team will focus on the hospital renovation & land rebuilding.  I encourage you to visit the Doctors Giving Back blog for a short video showing exactly what they do & who they are helping – your time won’t be wasted!  (http://doctorsgivingback.wordpress.com/)

The reason I’m telling you all this is 1) yes, to ask for your hard earned money, but 2) more importantly to ask for your prayers.  I need to raise about $3,000 for this trip.  And on top of that, I need God’s grace & peace to go with me and to be with my family while I’m away.  Here are a few things you could be praying for:
Funds
My husband & daughters while I’m away
That I would be able to use God’s gift of photography in my life for DGB & the people of Ethiopia – one of my roles in this trip will be to document & tell the story of what Doctors Giving Back does through my camera lens
Travel
Health – spiritual & physical
Peace

There are two ways you can give to my trip to Ethiopia:  Mail checks to me or give online through this site.  Please make checks payable to Doctors Giving Back on my behalf & send to:
Doctors Giving Back
7172 Regional St. #155
Dublin, CA 94568
memo line:  Mandy Sroka

Thank you again for taking the time to read this letter & prayerfully consider how you can support this endeavor.  And be sure to look forward to a second letter when I return – I can’t wait to tell you all about my trip!

I feel so blessed to have already received donations towards my trip from some dear family & friends.  If you feel led to donate, & even more importantly to pray, please visit my fundraising page & let me know.  Thank you again!