Week one at CBC

  So week one is complete. This has been an awesome week. We started the week with all of the missionary associates and candidates together for the first two days. The days started with worship together in the CBC Chapel, then general classes. We did group dynamics with other missionaries from our region of the world and budget and reporting classes. Those days were not my favorite because it was mostly administrative stuff but it was really good information. The group dynamics part was probably really good for most groups, but my group kept getting in trouble. It’s probably because it was me, the Penleys and the Smiths. If you didn’t already know, we have all served in ministry together and done multiple missions trips together. We wanted to get in groups with other people but they told us to open up to each other even more. To quote one of our members jokingly, “If we open up any more we might loose appointments or credentials”.

The last three days were spent with our regional directors. So far those were my favorite  classes. I first met them at a dinner on monday with just the Missionary Associates. We talked specifically about issues affecting our region as a whole and our specific areas. It was also a time where we found out about the needs of other areas of the world and what our role would be in assisting them. During these sessions we got to share our hearts and also see the hearts of the area directors. They are all amazing people and we have already been blessed incredibly by the time we spent with them. It is a great feeling to know that they are the people we will be relying on with any issues in country. The new missionaries of the LAC region have already bonded in a way that will produce life-long friendships.

I have also had the opportunity to meet many missionaries who have been and will be working with missionaries that I know from all over the world. It is such a small world here in Springfield.

In MO

 
 

So I arrived on Friday into Branson MO. I must stay that the Airport was quite interesting. You exit the plane onto the runway and walk into the airport through a makeshift tunnel. Once inside it looks like the type of places you would see at the beach. A tavern and gift shop and fake hotel. There was nothing about the inside that said "airport". There was a couple who were from Branson who told me a little about the town. When we got inside, she realized that I was clueless as to where to go and pointed me in the direction of baggage claim.  To get to the baggage claim you had to go to the hotel. That was the secured exit. The Smiths arrived while I was at baggage claim and the fun started. Doing anything with the Smith's is an adventure. We had lunch and drove into Springfield, and went to get our accounts set up. Then I got checked in to my hotel for the night. We took a trip a huge Bass Pro Shop. If that is your type of place, or even if it is not, I would suggest checking it out. There are plenty of fish and sea life to check out and even a couple ducks. Had dinner with a friend from Raleigh and her fiance. Then went back to the Hotel for the night. Our missionary friends to Ecuador showed up a little later. We haven't even started yet and it's already a blast!

PFO

Pre Field Orientation

The time has arrived. I’m writing this at 8 am from the terminal in Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The whole process of getting ready has been a familiar one. I found myself going through the same steps as when I am preparing for a missions trip; and in a lot of ways, this is. For anyone who is unfamiliar, PFO is Pre Field Orientation. It is a requirement for all AG missionaries and Missionary Associates. I have no idea what it will be like, but I anticipate that it will be fun. This year I will be there at the same time as newly appointed MA’s Scott and Charity smith, newly appointed Missionaries to Ecuador, Ashley and Meredith Penley, the missionaries I will be serving with, Chris and Angela Nelson, my adopted parents J. V. and hopefully T. V. (names protected because of sensitive location) as well as the possibility of seeing some other missionary friends from around the world. The bonus is my little sister Chelsea and her fiance Mark live and work there. Earlier I said that I anticipated that it would be fun. With this crew, I know it will be fun.

I hope to give you all a glimpse of what PFO looks like. Next stop is Branson MO to meet up with the Smiths and then on to Springfield. Hopefully I don’t make you too jealous.... On the other hand, if these posts compel you to answer the call...