Training, Training, and More Training!

I was in Atlanta, Georgia from Sunday to Thursday this week for training for my time overseas. It was one of the most draining weeks I've had in a LONG time (we spent 12-13 hours a day in lecture and discussion), but I have to say that I was blown away by the information presented to us! These are some of the topics we studied throughout the 4 days: theology of mission (the Bible is a missionary book), the Wesleyan perspective, incarnation (specifically Philippians 2), worldviews, paramessages, confusing cultural forms with the intended meanings (i.e. baptism and Holy Communion), culture shock (its causes, symptoms, and cures), spiritual warfare (ways the enemy can get a foothold on our lives), personality types (using the MBTI), and practicing the spiritual disciplines (specifically meditation of Scripture and prayer). As you can see, we had a very busy week!! I feel more than prepared to go overseas!

Speaking of departure date, mine has been postponed to mid to late January 2014. This is for 2 reasons specifically: Their school year begins in February, and the missionaries I'm working with would like me to arrive at the start of the school year instead of toward the end (their seasons are opposite ours, so February is like our fall). Also, the missionaries will be back here in the U.S. for 6 weeks over the students' summer break (late December until the start of school), and they don't really feel comfortable having me in the country during that time without anyone I know. 

All that being said, any donations that have already come in or that will come in between now and January will still be deposited in my online account. No worries...none of it will get lost in the 5-month waiting period. It will all be put to use still! A HUGE thank you to everyone who has already donated! You are much appreciated! I will send out my thank yous once I know for sure what has come in. Right now I don't have an exact amount because my online budget hasn't been updated. I will keep everyone up to date.

Ways you can be praying...
1) that all of my support is raised in a timely manner
2) that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, would fill my heart
3) for my host pastor family
4) for the students to whom I will teach English
5) for the staff I met this week at The Mission Society

Until next time... :)