Week #1 Training

It is amazing that one week of missionary training has come and gone.  There are so many things we could share.  I will try to highlight a few of my thoughts and also try to recap a bit of what we are learning.

First, it is such a blessing to see other families and young singles heading to the mission field!  We are amazed at each one and thankful for their dear hearts to share the hope of Jesus all around the world!  Special friendships are forming in this sweet setting.

We will be here for a total of four weeks.  Monday through Friday we are in classes from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.  The first two weeks are spent focused on language learning.  I have to admit, I wasn't sure how I would feel about this part of the training since we will be speaking English on the reservation.  It has been an incredible experience though!  It has changed my whole mindset on how to go about learning a language.  The language training consists of drills, techniques, homework, language games, phonetics, language tips, etc.  The language training can easily be applied to any language someone might need to learn.   Our girls have even been able to apply it to the languages they are studying in high school.   It has also gotten me thinking that I might like to learn some of the Yakama tribal language.  

Amidst the language training, we are hearing wonderful testimonies from former missionaries.  We are learning about trials, joys, expectations, fears, etc.  We are being encouraged in our spiritual walks as well.  Each day we are encouraged to write down our joys or things we are thankful for - and we are encouraged to continue this as we head into our mission fields.  We are also split into smaller groups (growth groups) where we go deeper together and pray for each other.

The second two weeks we will spend time on cross cultural changes.  Just a few of the topics on our schedule include:

• Conflict Provides Opportunities
• Spiritual Vitality
• Managing Stress
• Grief & Loss
• Who We Are Under Stress
• Embracing Rest and Sabbath Keeping
• Glorifying God
• Entry Posture
• Goodbye's & Hello's

We are all looking forward to the teaching on these topics in weeks 3 and 4.

Today it is snowing and about 20 degrees -- it is so pretty!  They have sleds here and some snow gear for those who want to play outside.  The food has been delicious and it feels strange that I will not cook for a month.  There is a common area near the dining room with a fireplace where many gather each evening to talk, share a cup of tea, use wifi, play a game or read a book.  

I am so thankful to be here.  What a blessing and time our family will never forget.  I almost wish every Christian could experience something like this.  

Thank you so much for all of your prayers, emails, letters and love!  We are thankful for each of you.