Now we have a short break before dinner so I’ll say what we’ve done since this morning.  We did a little experiment with learning how to interact between different cultures.  Some hand gestures that are okay in America might not be all right in other countries and they want us to be aware of that.  How people show affection, how men and women are treated and associate with each other, how children are treated, etc. is all different everywhere.  The teams split up into one group that were “foreigners” and the other was the mission people stepping...

Hey friends, So the past four days has been a big whirlwind of expectations shattered and new hopes and increased faith.  From the time we left the airport and hopped onto the Marta to head to downtown Atlanta and got off at our stop to step out onto some serious rain to kick off the beginning of God showing and reminding his servants that this trip is not about us.  As we walk eight or so blocks with way more luggage than any of of need i think we all had the refreshing reminder that was absolutely necessary.  There has been so many things i want to express to all of you...

Call me a little piggy all you want, but food is always on my mind– and it’s definitely not a high point at training camp. The portions are small, about a third of what I normally eat, and the food is foreign. We’ve had curry chicken (not a fan), meatballs and rice (a deliciously strange combo), ugalu (an african dish made of corn that tastes like grits and rice) and one blissful meal of hotdogs, chips, and popsicles. The worst, by far, was the crunchy,  salty, little fried minnow I ate today. I had to break off its head cuz I couldn’t...

Today is the second day of training camp.  Last night we went out on the streets of downtown Atlanta and ministered to three homeless people–Erick, Charlie, and Otee.  They were precious.  Erick was from Connecticut, told us he had several siblings and nieces and nephews.  It was hard to get more than a few word answers from him.  His heart seemed so hopeless, broken, and sad.  He said he went to church and knew that God loved him.  His eyes still were so disconnected.  Charlie’s story was heartbreaking.  He told us his mom died two...

Where do I even begin?  I feel like I’ve learned so much all ready and we’re only still at training camp.  First I’ve learned that I should have brought my headlamp, ThermaRest, and more gum.  Just kidding.  But really.  Ha.     On the real, I have enjoyed getting to know my teammates immensely, of what has come about from these first few days.  Everyone has a story to share, a gift to contribute, and a voice to be heard.  I’ve never felt so comfortable with my faith in this group setting and I barely know these...

Hey ya’ll!!  whoaaa so i’m gonna throw it out there that i am SO FREAKING EXCITED to get to Nicaragua but this has been such a stretching experience already!! Our first team bonding activity was a ride on the MARTA (which is, of course, always a good time) to our home for the night. Our journey continued with an epic hike with all our worldly possessions for the next two months through an ABSOLUTE DOWNPOUR on the streets of Atlanta. As much as it sucked being soaked, I don’t think i would’ve wanted to start this trip any other way. For a few reasons. #1 It was...