I really have to remember that taking so long between posts does NOT help me keep things brief OR help me remember what all God has done! :)
The week of July 10, our children learned different biblical examples of discipleship, like Jesus and His disciples, Elijah and Elisha, Paul and Timothy. They had great recall about these people form some of the videos they'd watched earlier and responded with speci
fic examples when we would refer to these stories.
The end of the week brought a trip to the Oregon Zoo! We didn't realize what good outreach preperation it would be when we planned it! :) After nearly an hour ride to Portland in the van, there were no places to park! So, back to city center to park the van, take a lunch break...then practice mass transit!
The children were stellar at the zoo (above, with our "magic rope" to keep
them all together), and the train station. They learned how to not walk on each others' flip-flops as much, walk for a looooong time, drink enough liquids, and have a long warm(ish) van ride.
So much fun! :)
Our week on Servanthood was next, with the kids learning how to "put on the mind of Christ" and think of others first. Though we just scratched the surface with our lessons and our speakers' excellent examples, we could see the kids start to "get" it by the end of the week. They were really starting to gel as a group! We practiced servanthood with kind words on the sidewalk outside our classroom, and a visit to the Union Gospel Mission to learn how it works. They even took a prayer walk during the week downtown to tell people Jesus loves them and pray for our city.
fic examples when we would refer to these stories.
The end of the week brought a trip to the Oregon Zoo! We didn't realize what good outreach preperation it would be when we planned it! :) After nearly an hour ride to Portland in the van, there were no places to park! So, back to city center to park the van, take a lunch break...then practice mass transit!
The children were stellar at the zoo (above, with our "magic rope" to keep
them all together), and the train station. They learned how to not walk on each others' flip-flops as much, walk for a looooong time, drink enough liquids, and have a long warm(ish) van ride.
So much fun! :)
Our week on Servanthood was next, with the kids learning how to "put on the mind of Christ" and think of others first. Though we just scratched the surface with our lessons and our speakers' excellent examples, we could see the kids start to "get" it by the end of the week. They were really starting to gel as a group! We practiced servanthood with kind words on the sidewalk outside our classroom, and a visit to the Union Gospel Mission to learn how it works. They even took a prayer walk during the week downtown to tell people Jesus loves them and pray for our city. A little time for me :)
The beginning of August, I was beginning to wear down a little, especially physcially and emotionally. I was sad to miss the Morse family reunion, but took a weekend away and visited a friend's hometown in Washington state. She got to visit family, we got to visit a mutual friend, and I got to....sleep in peace and recuperate from a brief, painful sinus bout. Later that week, I spent time with dear Kansas friends visiting other friends in Portland. What a treat! Not long after, a trip with our base to Pacific City for a day at the beach. Yay!
Back to training
The rest of August sped by, exploring the attributes of God, what He really says about us vs. lies we believe, worship, and God's Father Heart.
The children were challenged in a Trust Walk, where they were blindfolded and had to trust others to communicate with them and the teachers to lead them safely! What a step of faith! We were so proud of them!
After the students tried unfamiliar foods in early August, they asked for more "outreach food prep"...they wanted us to make it "worse" the
second time, walking alo
ngside them as they tried to be grateful for ALL food they're given, without making faces. That's even a challenge for this big girl! :) So....mini onions, anchovy paste, and other goodies it was!
second time, walking alo
ngside them as they tried to be grateful for ALL food they're given, without making faces. That's even a challenge for this big girl! :) So....mini onions, anchovy paste, and other goodies it was! It was a little harder this time, but I'm so proud of them -- they've come such a long way, preparing for the unfamiliar!
Family preparation
We can't forget our now weekly Tuesday and Saturday "outreach prep" times 
wit
h our families. We're learning children's songs, practicing skits, learning about tribal languages, practicing teamwork on the ropes course, and more! Among it all, we're learning to be prepared, but flexible!
wit
h our families. We're learning children's songs, practicing skits, learning about tribal languages, practicing teamwork on the ropes course, and more! Among it all, we're learning to be prepared, but flexible!A new role
For the past three months, I have co-lead our children with Arielle and Dani, but for the next two months, I must don a new hat: team leader. Arielle and I will be co-leading this outreach with a couple who has been staff leaders for the children's parents. I'm excited to step into this role, but it's sometimes tough to shut off the teacher in me! Please pray for a smooth transition, that I can walk alongside families and support them on their outreach experience. I know God has equipped me, and I will need His help and your prayers!!
A glimpse at outreach ministry
There is a lot we have yet to find out about how God will have us minister on outreach, but we know we will be partnering with http://ywammountainprovince.wordpress.com. Please see their on-going ministries links for some of the ways we might help. I can't wait to share more with you as we begin to serve. But the groundwork must be prepared now -- please join us in prayer for the lives that will be touched while we are there.
A few prayers
* Prayers for a safe trip beginning Wednesday, September 7. We'll have three flights and two 5-8 bus rides before we reach our home for the next two months. Wellness and stamina for all adults and children!
* Prayers for a safe trip beginning Wednesday, September 7. We'll have three flights and two 5-8 bus rides before we reach our home for the next two months. Wellness and stamina for all adults and children!
* Hearts of team members and Filipinos to be prepared. We're excited for the work God has prepared in our hearts and theirs.
* A smooth transition for Arielle and me -- we've been the children's "teachers", but are now joining the team's leadership.
...and praises
* Lecture phase is nearly complete -- students have grown closer to God and each other -- exciting to see the transformations!
* Wellness for me -- I'm thankful for some local honey :) and God's protection as I've gotten used to a new set of allergens. My reactions have not been as bad as last summer.
* Learning experiences for me, especially in leading together with others
I can't wait to share more as outreach begins!
~Amy
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