More Gateway Fun.

Sorry that I haven’t been very good about updating… this is my last week of training in Texas. It has gone by so far, but I really have enjoyed every moment of it. Training continues to be amazing and I continue to learn and be challenged. Last week we spent time talking about Worldview, tensions with working with the poor, and cross-cultural communication. There is so much information I can share, but I’m still processing, so one-day hope to write more.
This week we are completing our Basic Safety Training course. It entails CPR/ First Aid, fire and water safety, which includes hands-on practical. We even get to put on a fire fighter suit, which should be fun in this Texas heat.

One of my favorite things about training has been getting to be in constant community. Here are some highlights from the last month....

One of our first Saturdays we had a Silent Retreat at Tyler State Park. I have never done a silent retreat before and for those of you who know me well, know that silence is not my best trait and I was a little nervous about how I would do being quiet for 4 ½ hours, but it was a good, HOT day and I really enjoyed just sitting, walking, reading, and listening to God.

O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8:9

This is what was on my pillow, in my bed one night... a big hairy Wolf Spider. You all would be happy to know, I didn't even scream when I saw it, I quietly picked my pillow up and had to "show and tell" it to the girls that were sitting in the living room and my good friend Becca gladly killed it for me.

Bowling at "Gateway" Bowling Alley in small town Mineola, Texas

Small Group Fun!!

Hanging out at Vangie's aka Evangelical's house....

she provided some delicious treats....

Estelle (from South Africa) enjoying her 1st s'more!
I have loved getting to know these girls... we have a lot of fun together and can have some really good discussions/ conversations as well.
Ice Cream from Diary Queen.
Classroom Time!

One of the many interactive times during class... skit about an Old Testament Rule
The FUN table... 2 Americans, 1 Dutch, and a Brit

Becca and I "fighting" over shampoo... whenever we had to role play 'conflict' during class... Becca would borrow my "good" shampoo and never wanted to buy her own... luckily we were able to work it out :)
Racquetball... nightly entertainment and exercise... makes me think of my college days
Andy's Frozen Custard... Saturday Night hang-out... for Pine Cove counselors (large Christian camp in Tyler) and most of Tyler residents