Transitions

Well, we made it to MTI somewhat miraculously given our circumstances -- Saturday we packed late into the night. Sunday we were sent off with so much love by our church.  We received commissioning at all four services, ate lunch and then, just as we were about to depart, we realized several bags were overweight! Frantic purging ensued (thank you McCoys, Mixons, and my family!).  We finished the final sale of Tim's truck, handing over keys and title, and passed Hannah's Honda on to its new home away from home.  Eventually, the 12 big bags, 6 backpacks, 3 guitars, 2 violins and 3 carry - on bags were loaded and we got to the airport relieved, but exhausted.

Two of Ruthie's dear friends, Harley and Caden, showed up at the airport for one last good-bye.  So sweet of them!  And so sweet of Caden's father, who used up his Sunday to drive them, and then stay at the airport for 3 hours while waiting for our plane to leave.  That's a dedicated Dad!  

Our view of the nearest Colorado Fire to MTI.  Don't worry - the fire fighters say we are SAFE! 

Some of our bags.......there were many more.  It was crazy!

It's the end of our first full day of training, and already the consensus in our family is that this is going to be AWESOME!  The kids have their own kid track, with very energetic, knowledgable kid trainers.  They have the largest teen group they've had in years - so our teens are really enjoying that.  Sam has 4 super fun guys in his tween group, along with two girls who evidently can hold their own in that class, even with four energetic, rambunctious boys in there.  They are having tons of fun, but also learning a lot about missions and what they are about to encounter.  Hannah is in the young adults group, and has two awesome trainers.  We can see that God definitely went before us and has provided for exactly what we need to learn while here.  

Tim and I are thrilled with all we are learning about transitions, adapting to a new culture, expectations and the need to be flexible, depending on God (the only way to survive!), nurturing our marriage and family, keeping our relationship to Jesus our first priority in the midst of all the stresses of overseas life, being open-minded about cultural differences, and so much more.  We are so glad we came.  

Thanks to everyone who has supported us, prayed for us, encouraged us, and helped us along the way.  This past year of preparation has been such a journey - and yet now we feel we are just beginning on our real adventure!