Back to School

Justin and I are nearing the end of a four week course with 30 others at the Mercy Ships' base in Garden Valley Texas.  This school (called Gateway) is for people wishing to serve long term (two years or more) with Mercy Ships.  Even though Justin and I have had experience in the organization as well as other training schools, taking time for personal growth and learning always proves to be effective.  

 

Gateway looks like this: 

Week 1: Kingdom Dynamics and Spiritual Warfare

Week 2: "Navigating The Seas of Life"  (Being all you can be, God's potential for each one of us)

Week 3:  World View and Working With the Poor 

Week 4:  Basic Safety Training (Sea Safety, Fire Safety, CPR and First Aid)

Class is all day, sometimes Saturdays, and sometimes there are meetings in the evenings.  Besides all of that, Justin and I were asked to coordinate some social events for the class...this resulted in a bon fire one evening (smores and all :), a trip out to a local coffee shop, some early morning breakfasts out (one at a favorite local small town joint).  We've also played some walleyball (volleyball in a racket ball court... my volley ball coach instincts has to be left at the door!), Settlers of Catan, line dancing, and my favorite.... an "Ugly Sweater/Big Hair" theme party with some Mercy Shippers.  

It's hard to believe that we will be on our way to Benin, West Africa in one week.  On Tuesday, Feb. 17th we will arrive to the ship and start our new jobs.  Pray for us as we prepare and travel.  The next update will most likely be posted when we get there!!