Ya'll I'm in Texas now!

Wowwee! These last three weeks have been a whirl wind. I am not even sure how I'm still standing, but I am, and in Tyler, Texas.

 

The last weeks in California flew by and were filled with so much love and support. I feel so unbelievably blessed by all my friends, family and even strangers.

 

Here's a quick glimpse at these last few weeks. (I'm sorry if I missed something, there was just so much happening).

 

There was my fundraiser BBQ which was amazing. I really felt the love that night and ya'll (yes I will over use this these coming weeks while I'm a Texan) really helped me raise funds and made it clear this was going to all work out. So, a big THANK YOU!!!

 

I had my 10 year high school reunion...like I said I am not sure how I am still standing.

 



Watched some The Big Bang Theory and some more The Big Bang Theory

 

Drove to the coast to feel the sand in between my toes and had some me and God time.

What a beautiful sunset.

Want to know the route, I will tell you.

193 to 65 to 70 to 20 to 53 to 29 to 128 to 101 to River Rd. to 1 to some farm back road to 101 to 37 to 80 to home.

 

Visit to Quincy my town of birth. My mom was stalking a man she swears was the one that delivered me and tried to force a picture while I hid in the car. If only i got a picture of that, oh well this will have to do. Oh also side note, my parents had to drive 40 min to the hospital in this big ole city of 1800. Our place of residence was Caribou, CA and it now has a wooping 0 people.

 

Spent some time in Truckee with the family and did some kayaking. Love that place dearly.

There was time for one last trip to Napa with the girls.



 

I was kidnapped by some of my favorite people for a yummy breakfast and relaxing massage. Letters and cards were given to me that made me cry. The Montoya's are taking care of the love of my life Charlie which I am eternally grateful for. Family and friends bailed me out when i forgot to get things done in time. Some even forced me to focus and pack. This is why ya'll made it so hard to leave. I have the best people in my life and such a wonderful home. I am very excited for what is ahead, but I find myself looking back a little tonight. So, yes I will let you know what life is like here in Texas, but not tonight, tonight I want to let you know how thankful I am for all of you!

 

LOVE YA'LL BUNCHES

YOU'RE INVITED

This night will be full of food, fun and fundraising!

Your family and friends are invited as well. The more the merrier.

Can't wait to spend some time with all of you.

Support Letter, prayer cards and all that jazz

One of the hardest task when taking on something like this is writing a support letter. I never know what to say and how I want my voice to come across. It is difficult cause you don't want to come across greedy and money driven but at the same time I need people to sponsor me to help cover all the costs. I need people to come along side me and serve with me. A volunteers sponsor is serving just as much as the volunteer. With out them it would not happen, a ministry would not be able to provide. With that being said finally after many hours of pulling my hair out and a  gazillion deleted drafts here's what I am left with and I think it is as marvelous as it ever will be. Also check out the picture of cool swag I have to send out to make this all complete.

Dear friends,

I am about to embark on a crazy adventure aboard the Africa Mercy, a Mercy Ships’ ship that travels along the coast of West Africa. I will start the journey this September training in Texas and arrive on the ship November 9^th. I will be serving as Human Resource Facilitator for two years as a volunteer.

These next two years will be exciting, life changing, and challenging, so I would love it if you could keep me in your prayers. I know there will be good and bad days encountered. Pray also for those that the ship has already met and will meet. Pray many lives can be transformed for the better through the medical care provided by Mercy Ships and the education through other programs on board. Pray for the doctors, nurses, and all the others volunteering their time to bring these amazing services to those in need.

As a volunteer I will be paying my own way, which includes room and board, medical insurance, transportation, travel costs, and other general living expenses. This allows general Mercy Ships donations to be used for direct patient care, community development programs, and other costs associated with Mercy Ships Field Service initiatives.

  

If you would like to join me on this journey as a financial supporter to help with some of the costs, I would be forever grateful. You will be making a lasting difference in my life as well as the lives of the forgotten poor. Your support will enable me to serve those in need, bringing them hope and healing. You may make one-time or regularly scheduled contributions of any amount online or by mail.

Please check out my Crewmates page by going to www.mercyships.org/

crewmatesand type in my full name Nicole Pugh in the search box.

If you want to hear more about Mercy Ships or this next step in my life I would love to talk with you. I am available by phone, email. We can even set up a coffee meeting. Check out www.mercyships.org for information on this wonderful organization and check out my blog for updates, www.adventuresonafricamercy.

blogspot.com/.

Thank you for being such a blessing to me and those I am serving.

Love,

Nicole Pugh

Email: nicoledeypugh@gmail.com

Cell: 530-368-6443

To make a donation:

Online: just follow the instructions above to my Crewmates page and there will be a green button to the right of my profile.

By mail: Make the check out to Mercy Ships. On the memo line put my crewmember number, #3369 and send the check to: Mercy Ships, P.O. Box 1930, GardenValley, TX75771-1930

once again PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER is needed

Thanks all!

Let me tell you a story..

All about how, I began a journey.

For many years I have searched, hoped, and prayed that life would take a new direction. I had been feeling the tug of taking a big step, making a life change for sometime and now the time has come. I have been accepted to join Mercy Ships on their boat in West Africa as a Human Resources Facilitator for the next 2 years. It is truly a dream come true.

For those that have been around and known I did not take this lightly. I have been working on it seriously and it's been my prayer request for a full 2 years. There just comes a time where you either keep praying or actually listen to God and take the leap of faith. I guess when they contact you only hours after you send the application, it's a pretty clear indication the big guy upstairs needs you to leap for it. How could I not go for it. Mercy Ships does so many wonderful things that I feel so strongly about and can stand behind 100%. Let me just share a few of their fun facts ( heads up, I am a fact nerd).

• Performed services for 2.35 million direct beneficiaries, valued at more than $1 billion.
• Performed more than 61,000 operations such as cleft lip and palate, cataract removal, straightening of crossed eyes, orthopedic, facial reconstruction, and obstetric fistula repair.
• Treated over 539,000 patients in village clinics
• Educated 5,770 local health care teachers, who have in turn trained multiple thousands in primary health care.
• Trained over 29,400 local medical professionals in modern health care techniques.
• Completed over 1,100 community development projects focusing on water, sanitation, education, infrastructure development, and agriculture.
• Completed over 575 port visits in 54 developing nations and 18 developed nations.

Seriously, so amazing! I believe this opportunity I have is going to be an incredible blessing and a life changing time that I will cherish all of my days. I can not wait to be there, in AFRICA!!

Until than I am really going to need patience and to trust that it will all work out. I have sold all my things and I have quit my job in the insurance world (cubicleville) to go volunteer in Africa. That's a big step I would say. These next weeks are going to be full of fundraising, visits with family and friends, and preparation both physically and spiritually.

Oh man, it's about to get crazy, but I like it.

PRAY FOR ME! PRAY FOR THEM! PRAY FOR EVERYBODY!