Preparation

I've just returned home from three weeks of intense preparation for my time Kenya at Mission Training International in Palmer Lake, CO. I am SO grateful that I was able to participate in this invaluable training, and truly believe that what I learned there will greatly contribute to my effectiveness, longevity and vitality during my term of service. The sessions were taught by highly informed, dynamic instructors who had spent significant time on the mission field, and had priceless life experience and wisdom to share. Their obvious hearts for new missionaries were evident in their loving and thoughtful instruction and interaction with their students.  

A few topics covered during the program:

• Cultural Adaptation
• Language Acquisition Techniques
• Conflict Resolution
• Gender Issues on the Field
• Stress Management
• Grief and Loss
• Sabbath Rest
• Effective Goodbyes and Hellos

One of the best parts of this program was the opportunity to learn and grow together with the other participants. What a wonderful group of people! It was such a blessing for me to be with people who fully understand and can relate to my experiences over the past year - to talk through issues of fundraising, uprooting, uncertainty, trust, the strange paradox between joyful expectancy and fear and sadness. There developed a strong sense of camaraderie among our group, and I made some friends that I plan on staying in touch with for a long time to come!

God knew that I needed that time at MTI, and I am so grateful that He gave me those 3 weeks to prepare personally and spiritually, so that I could feel ready to come home to the crazy bittersweetness of packing and saying goodbye. Only 2 weeks till my departure!

Praise God. Praise Him for His graciousness. Praise Him for His perfect timing and gentle hand of guidance in my life. His ways are always always good. He knows what's best. May I continue to yield to Him as He molds me into the person He intends me to be. May I continue to submit to His will as I follow Him on this adventure of serving Him with Kids Alive in Kenya.