Last week of ICC Training

We have two days left of training then we are off to PA to see our family and friends before leaving for Tanzania (TZ) on Sept. 11. I can’t believe we are 11 days from leaving. It doesn’t seem real.

We have learned a lot while at training, but I have a feeling that we really won’t know how much we have learned until we are living in TZ. That is where we will be able to apply what we have talked about in our classes. One of my favorite things was the off road course that we did last Saturday. I didn’t realize how much fun I would have driving in the woods and through water. We have had a wonderful time catching up with old friends and making new ones. The kids have made some wonderful friends and the nice thing is they will probably get to see these friends again some day.

As I think about our week of goodbyes, I want to cry, even though it hasn’t started yet. I am excited about seeing family and friends we haven’t seen for month, yet sad that it will be the last time for a while. The kids are excited to see cousins and friends.

I am thankful we do not have to do this alone. God will help us through every step of the way. Please be praying for us and our families as we say goodbye and move to TZ.

Completed Our First Week of Training

Yes it has been a long time since updating our blog. Thought now that we are in training we can update everyone on what we are doing. We now have our bins packed for TZ and moved out of our house. It was such a huge relief to have that done. Yes there are things I have thought of in the last week that are in the wrong place (in storage vs. in bins for TZ). Now I have to decide if it should be moved or not. 

We arrived in NC on Tuesday Aug 2^nd. We got settled in and have now had a week of classes. Before classes started I took the opportunity to type up some of our favorite recipes so we can take them along. There is no room for all my 3 binders I use regularly.

Since training has started:

- We have started memorizing Philippians 2:1-11

- Learning how to study the Bible without other books or commentaries.

- Learned how to help our MKs (missionary kids)

- Learned about health issues we may encounter and helpful books and resources

- How our background and culture will affect how we react and respond in a new culture

- Attended an Ethiopian church last Sunday which we will continue to attend for the rest of the month.

I want to just say that we all enjoyed our time at the church. The service was 2 hours- in a language we didn't understand. The first hour was singing, communion, announcements and offering. The kids were allowed to participate in communion. Luke decided to and did very well. He does not like grape flavors and he drank the grape juice without gagging. And he is ready to do it again.

The kids have children’s church during the sermon. Luke and Nikki did not want to go at first but then we were told it is in English. They were still hesitant but then went when Keith offered to take them out. They loved it and even sang some songs they knew.

Keith and I wished we could have understood the sermon. God blessed us with someone sitting behind us that leaned forward and summarized in English what he had said, especially when he told stories. He talked on the Heb. 11:32-38. How you have to have faith even when things look really bad and to have faith God will answer your prayers. When you don’t have the faith he will help us through whatever we are dealing with we need to repent of our lack of faith.

The pastor has invited us for Ethiopian food the last Sunday we are there, which Keith and I are really looking forward to it. We are also looking forward to attending again this Sunday.