October Already?

It's hard to believe it's October already. This means that before the end of the month we will be in Malawi! To be honest this brings up mixed feelings. We are so excited to finally get to this country we've been talking about and dreaming about since last winter, but the realities of this move are becoming evident.

We are well into the second portion of our training here in Colorado. These last weeks are focusing on cross-cultural preparation. It has been a very challenging time as we again are faced with the realities of a move into another country and culture. One of the most humbling parts has been examining ourselves, and better understanding ourselves and our reactions to stress, conflict, and unknowns. We have been encouraged to do this because when we are put into such a new environment, our weaknesses of character are going to surface.

On a more personal note, one of my weaknesses is that I hate to make mistakes and try to avoid situations where that might be possible. So when our language teachers and cultural advisors say, "You are going to make a million mistakes, so you might as well start now," I'm not too excited. Unfortunately, sometimes that is how we will learn best. This is not going to happen easily on my part. But as I reflect on this fact, I am reminded that even the Apostle Paul had weaknesses. And just as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12, I would love for my weaknesses or "thorns" to be taken from me. But God promises, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." This promise brings such encouragement to me.

We've been blessed to have time to process some of this information. For Mike and I, the best way to do this is to get outdoors. These pictures are all from around Palmer Lake, where we are staying. There is a nice hike that the kids were able to do (at least most of it) up to the reservoir above the town. Processing this information in the majesty and beauty of God's creation always helps put things into perspective. What awesome evidence of how much God loves us!