Still in East Texas

     This is what you do on a Saturday morning in East Texas, tie dye a tee shirt with red clay that you collected from the trail in the woods. We made a mess, got muddy and had a ball. I know I need to work on my technique but at least I have real 'red dirt' souvenir! 

     Last week was again a time of new insights, personal growth and a deeper understanding of God's purpose and plan for my life.  We discussed living and working in harmony and conflict resolution, things that I will definitely need to be aware of as I transition to life on the ship.  All of our teachers have been with this organization for many years and have served on the ship, they speak from a broad range of experiences and with a sincere heart to help us understand, grow spiritually and live in the spirit of Mercy Ships.

     I am convinced that the foundation and survival of Mercy Ships is because of prayer.  The people I have met here are authentic, humble and giving and they don't do anything without asking for God's guidance. It truly is a remarkable place to be!

      Just sixteen more days and we leave for the Congo! I'm getting anxious but I know that God is using this time to get me as prepared as possible. 

     Thank you for all the support and prayers, I couldn't nor wouldn't do this without all of you. This is a team effort.  Oh yeah, we are building another ship, due to be in service in 2018....... great opportunities await!

                                                      Serving with Joy!

     

Week two in East Texas

     WOW. We actually had snow here at Mercy Ships IOC today. As I write this it is still visible on the ground. Tomorrow it should get up into the 50's and melt the remainder away.  It was pretty, but I'm not really prepared for the cold since I packed for my adventure to Africa.

     We have completed our second week of training and it was incredible. We discussed Kingdom Principles, communicating with God and prayer. I love being with such a diverse group of people who are willing to share their hearts as we all strive to grow deeper in our relationships with God.

     This evening we went over to a staff member's home for dessert and fellowship. We had delicious brownies and ice cream in front of a warm and inviting fire, along with part of their testimony of God's faithfulness in their lives during their time with Mercy Ships. Thank you Bergstroms! We also got to watch the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games at our friends the Grizzards here at the IOC campus. True to form I fell asleep on the couch near the end of the program which is why I am wide awake right now and doing laundry. Thankfully tomorrow is Saturday so I can sleep in.

    Through the generosity of a fellow classmate who has given us her car for the weekend Alice, Jamie and I will venture into Tyler, Texas tomorrow. Looking forward to a little change of scenery and maybe make a few last minute purchases.

     Thank you for all of your prayers and know that I am praying for you as well.

                                                                   Serving With Joy!