Skip to main content

PFO - Wednesday June 30

Today was a day focused on our transitions in and out of the mission field and on examining our communication styles. It was very interesting to look at the model of the various phases of emotional and social reactions that we should expect to experience as we transition into the the mission field. Much like yesterday, it was extremely eye-opening to see that many of the things we have been experiencing over the last few months are completely normal and expected...it is very important for us to realize how important saying goodbye is, but also, how important it is to maintain a healthy realization that we will naturally pull away from some of our close relationships in the States. It was very enlightening to be able to identify how some of our natural defense mechanisms have already entered into play and to think of the potential hurt that this reaction may have had on some of our relationships. We pray that this process will be one where we can maximize the relationships that we have, and one in which we can truly seek God's will as we transition.

Like I shared yesterday, it seems like much of the content covered in this PFO is more about us as individuals than it is about how we will minister. But even as I write this, I realize that our ministry will not be maximized until we truly know who we are. It is amazing how much growth we are experiencing...it's exhausting, but we know that it is necessary. God is molding us in a way that is very intentional...

We have had so many opportunities to grow in relationship with our fellow participants that it is crazy to think that we have only known these people for less than a week. The Basnett and Overby families, along with Amanda and Katie, are now like our extended family. I am so blessed to be a part of this experience. In addition to these very close relationships, we have met a ton of folks with whom lasting friendships are being built!

Some prayer requests as we continue through the week...
 - We are getting tired. So much is happening and we are being so stretched emotionally and spiritually  that we are just plain tired. Please pray that we will have energy and focus, and continue to have patience with all aspects of this experience in order that we can continue to grow.
 - Mambo (our dog) got out this morning. He was found by a family in my parents community. So all is well.
- Continue to pray that God will provide all the necessary support for our mission to Vienna.
- In a related way, pray for us that we have the energy and drive to call people to engage them in thinking about joining our support team.

Until tomorrow,

God's blessings...

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

and baby makes four...

that's right...our little family will soon become a foursome. We have found out that Rebecca is 6 weeks pregnant! There is definitely "something in the water" as all the families that live within our block have recently had a baby or are currently pregnant. Our baby will be the 6th baby born to ICSV staff in a span of less than a year (first one was born in early November and we will be welcoming our new addition in September). So, kind of unexpected, but a pleasant surprise nonetheless!
13 comments
Read more

an update on the transition and the simplicity of obedience.

As many of you might know, it has been over a year and a half since we moved back to southern california. It been a wonderfully difficult time. The reminder in James 1:2 to "Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds" has never been more real to me than this year. These past months have been a experiment in examining the "various kinds"...and in God proving the promise that these trials will produce steadfastness. It's been too long since I have updated this page. In some ways, I think it is losing its "effectiveness". With our mailchimp updates and our facebook group page, it almost seems like we're falling in to the trap of over-communicating...and in this trap, updates are lost. But...I think over-communicating is "better" than isolation. Plus...God has done some amazing things during this time and through the challenges, has placed our entire family in positions of growth while stretching and strengthening our faith. For...
Post a Comment
Read more

Who are these kids at ICSV...

Hi everyone... The first week and a half of school has been absolutely amazing! We have had some great opportunities to begin building lasting relationships with the students that God has brought to Vienna to be educated at the International Christian School of Vienna. Rebecca has been adjusting well to her role as secondary secretary. She is learning quickly the many demands of her new role and is doing quite well in supporting us teachers and the rest of the staff. Rebecca hard at work I have been really enjoying my classes. I have a total of 43 students spread out over 4 periods. The students I have represent 14 different home nations, with many of the students who are "Austrian" are first generation, so they are of other nationalities as well.  I have also had the opportunity to begin working with the soccer team...again, many nationalities are represented on the field, truly an international squad. Here are some pictures of the team training at the local club...
5 comments
Read more