training camp!

i'm in orlando, florida right now. we got here saturday and have had about 3 days of learning a lot. about what you ask? we're learning about finances and how exactly those are supposed to work when you are raising financial support for your ministry and the organization. we're learning how to prepare and cope spiritually before we go and while we're on the field. we're learning how to speak to churches and maintain good contact with friends, family and partners while away. and most importantly ive been able to talk to and be around so many different kinds of people who are in the exact same place i am right now. some are young and single, others newly married, some have kids and some are retired. but its so encouraging to hear all their stories and to be right there learning along with them.

we're staying in nice apartments, right next to the Wycliffe USA main offices. there are 5 of us single 20-somethings in our apt for these two weeks. my roommates are nice and fun. there are also quite a lot of people who will be, or already have been and are returning, students at GIAL this July. i'm glad i will already know people when i get there and i'm getting more and more excited about what i will be learning since ive been around others who share my interests.

i'd appreciate prayer for me these 2 weeks. im learning a lot of important information and i want to get the most of this experience i can to be prepared for what i'll be doing for the next chapter of my life.