Pathway to Peru

I am anticipating an awesome adventure. My dear friend Melina and I will be traveling to Lima Peru at the end of October. As part of a team sponsored by Joni and Friends Wheels for the World outreach, our mission will be to deliver wheelchairs and hope to those in need.

Many children and adults in this South American country do not have sufficient resources to afford mobility devices. Physical and Occupational therapists volunteer along with mechanics and will custom fit donated refurbished wheelchairs. Melina and I will go along to serve in a support role where needed. Not only will Melina use her talents as a gifted writer and skilled translator, she has graciously offered to assist me with my personal care needs. I am grateful for her kindness. I hope to participate in the counseling and education component of the mission.

I plan to post progress reports regarding preparation and planning.

Thus far:

My passport has been applied for and should be arriving shortly. Last week I received confirmation that I have  been officially accepted as a member of the team. Soon I need to make a payment to secure my airfare.

I would like to request your support as I get ready for my first ever international trip. I propose that you can partner with me in various ways:

Pennies Projects and Prayer

     Pennies  (Financial assistance)

One idea for fund raising is to simply take an empty jar or other container and label it “Wheelchairs for Peru”. Then daily or whenever you can toss in any spare coins. Yu may also give monetary gifts by check or cash which I will deposit in an account I have designated for expenses related to my trip to Peru.

The most efficient method for me, particularly because I need to raise funds that exceed the typical travel costs (due to my disability related expenses), would be to write a check to me and mail any donation to MaryBeth Gahan Pathway to Peru 8728 45th Street Lyons, IL 60534 However, if you need tax deductible status, you may make a check to Joni and Friends and indicate my name and WFTW Lima in memo line

  

Projects

    

Another way you could support my goal of travel to Peru might be through fundraising events or other creative endeavors. Perhaps you could organize a group of young people to conduct a car wash, yard clean up or pet care to raise money to aid in my efforts to get to Peru. Or maybe a bake sale or pancake breakfast, or the proceeds from craft items sold could be contributed. These are only a few suggestions.  I am sure my creative and generous friends and loved ones can come up with additional brilliant ideas.

 

Prayer

 

   

Please pray for me in the following ways:

 

•      Preparation

I need to get my body mind and spirit ready for this trip.

I want my heart and attitude to be right so I can convey a message of faith hope and love.

I desperately want to be able to communicate with the children and adults I encounter. Please ask God to give me the ability to converse in Spanish.

Since Peru is a developing nation wheelchair accessibility in accommodations and transportation will be limited. Therefore, I need to be as fit and strong as possible to make moving around and daily activities easier and safer for myself and my helpers. Please pray that I’d have the grace to be diligent to exercise and disciplined to make proper nutrition choices.

•      Provision

I am in need of funding for travel expenses. The estimated cost of the trip is $2,400. I am also in need of a new customized manual wheelchair which could cost as much as $3,000. I am requesting assistance with additional funds because a manual wheelchair would not be covered by medical insurance. I typically use a motorized wheelchair but I cannot travel with it on this trip. A manual wheelchair is needed for its lighter weight and portability but it needs to be suited for my support and comfort. We would also like to give reachers which is a long handled device to aid wheelchair users in retrieving dropped items.  Please ask God to supply these needs.

•      Protection

Please pray for my safety and the protection of other team members as well, that there would be no illness or injuries.

•      Peace

Please pray that I would be free from anxiety and worry and that I would trust God

•      Purpose

Please pray that I would be an asset to the mission and that all that God wants to accomplish would be fulfilled.

Here is a picture of my dear friend Melina and me to help you to remember to pray for us.

If you would like information regarding the Wheels for the World program you may visit the Joni and Friends website: http://www.joniandfriends.org/wheels-for-the-world/

Thank you so much!