Get your head in the game...

The past week and a half has been very busy, but everything that we are doing is helping us to prepare for the adventure ahead. Some of the things we've been able to do include classes about warfare (the spiritual kind), meetings with our region leaders, fun learning activities such as haircutting, watching "High School Musical 2" with all the kids and a party at our orientation director's home. Many of us have chosen to use two Saturdays to get our ESL/EFL teaching certificates and will finish that up this Saturday with an all-day workshop. Sunday night we had our first cultural night, and my region-South Asia-was the focus. The picture is of several of us dressed in some of our cultural clothes.

Yesterday was the very first shot day (eek!). I had five, yes five, shots and will have even more on the other two clinic days. But, it's not too bad. I got Hello Kitty bandaids.

Finally, we had our first "Special Meal" today. It was of the Middle Eastern culinary style. It was quite tasty, and we had to work really hard not to use our left hands!

Needless to say, we've been going non-stop. But, His glory is still our only aim.

You know you miss us...

Hard-core A-Yo, the ex-intern and the little one

The Journey begins...

Arriving at training this week helped me to recognize the reality of this all. I am moving in about 2 months to the other side of the world. Sometimes it seems overwhelming, but the One who calls is faithful and He will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24). I rest in knowing that I, in my flesh, can do nothing. Only by the Spirit in me can I be of any value and worth in this life. Throughout the Visa application process and planning to pack up and move, He has been teaching me more about my citizenship. I am an alien and stranger in this world and the citizen of an entirely different kingdom. And that kingdom is at war for the souls of the lost.

This time of training is invaluable. He is teaching me so much already and preparing me for what is to come. Most importantly, He is reminding me that following Him has nothing to do with me and my talents or abilities. It has everything to do with my poverty, my nothingness. The only thing of value is Christ in me and the relationship I am allowed to have with Him. His glory is what I must live for.

I am excited about the journey ahead, and I am thankful for you--those that are praying for me. Please be praying for the 354 of us (adults and kids) that are at training. I ask that you pray for our passion for the Lord...that our zeal for Him will only increase. Also be praying for our unity as we hope to bring a lost and dying world to faith and knowledge of the One True King (refer to John 17:20-).

I heart you all!

b

Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. Psalm 144:1-2