Orientation

Hey all,

We just came back from Toronto yesterday after a couple of days of orientation at the AIM head office. It was so good to meet the people who work at the office that we've been in contact with over these last few months, to be able to actually put faces to the names!! We were really encouraged by everyone, and learned a lot in a few days. Some of our sessions were on cultural aspects of minstry in Africa, which truthfully were probably the ones where we were challenged the most. We had other sessions on finances, travel, health/HIV/AIDS, expectations, Biblical foundation of missions....a lot of info for us to think about!! It was also just really cool to talk to so many people who have such a passion for Africa, and who know so much about it, have been to so many African countries, and who I could just listen to for hours and soak everything in! I love hearing about Africa, and am so incredibly excited to start putting everything into practice! There were two other girls at orientation as well, who were going to Uganda, so it was really neat to be able to get to know them a little, and just get excited for them as they start their journey. Trevor and I were saying that the more we learn, the more we get excited to go, but also the more we realized how much we don't know and it scares us!! But I think that's also a good thing, as it makes us rely on God and let Him do all the work through us. Oh, but the butterflies have arrived in my stomach, and I lay awake so many nights, and by the time i fall asleep my suitcase is packed in my mind!! AAHHH!! We also got to stay with Chris and Myrna, our AIM provincial mobilizers in Edmonton, which was a really good time of discussion and fellowship for us, helping us to process the things we learned in orientation.
So, the time draws near (that sounded really proper!!), and we have so much left to do! But oh well...we'll get it done! These next few weeks will be full of packing, but also as much family time as we can squeeze in!
Thanks for praying!!
~A