Training Weekend One

We are psyched! We're venturing into the unknown. The land of Lima, Arequippa, Peru South America! Long way baby from Fluvanna County that's for sure.

After an absolutely mind blowing confirmation from God with regards to financing the trip for us, through the amazing obedience of some anonymous saints, we're going to PERU!!!

I stepped out in faith to pursue the trip after taking Sydney and other middle school girls from church to a REACH YOUR WORLD weekend. Little did I know God was preparing my heart to be part of reaching His world in Arequippa and Lima. I was thinking, okay, reach my little world of the culdesac in the lake. I had no idea what the future held as I thought, hmm, maybe Adam would like to go with me there.

After Brad's blessing, much prayer and the providential blessing of finances not being an issue, at all!, even our passport fees were paid, we were through the first hurdle.

Next step: preparation weekend one. Full of anticipation Adam and I headed out to Lynchburg to meet our crew of 18 other folks who were stepping out of America and into the land of Peru in July. The trip had a few goals. Meet the team and build unity between us. Mission trips are hard from what I hear :) and unity is important. We were so blessed. Friday night was just incredible as each person going shared the testimony of God's work in their lives and how He had brought them to this point in time to go on a trip to South America. I was completely blown away by Adam's openness to what God is doing in His life and if the trip ended that night, with my hearing his heart, it would have been worth it.

I had no idea what to expect, going away from the girls for a night and a day. Good training for leaving them for 9 days in July. Really, it was for Brad's benefit. Pray for him as he's going to be hoofin it as a single dad for the time. Sydney and Casey I'm sure will be more than adequate to fill my shoes as chefs and babysitters for Natalie.

Adam was psyched to get out of the house and meet other kids that were going with us.
I was a bit unsure of the whole street witnessing aspect seeing as I'd much rather bake a cake than go up to a stranger, but it's all good.

One team leader, four adult leaders and 14 teenagers all going to Peru July 14. We were blown away by the excitement of all the kids going. Everyone was very happy to be part of such a great opportunity. The youth were absolutely amazing. Each one special in their own way. What a fantastic team! God blessed us with.

The main goal for this first training weekend was getting to know each other, cover the trip with prayer from the onset and find out some details about where we were going and what we'd be doing.

Check, check, and check. Steps accomplished.