In one of our previous 2-Minute Updates we mentioned that part of our preparation for moving to Kenya included  two-weeks of cross cultural training. A few weeks ago we headed to Eminence, MO to be a part of this experience, hosted by Train International & Discovery Ministries.
The two weeks were split between a six-day extreme wilderness challenge followed by seven days of classroom instruction, team building exercises, group discussions and personal and spiritual reflection.

WEEK ONE
These six days included many activities designed to get us out of our comfort zone. They succeeded! Some of the highlights involved: hiking with full packs (40-50 pounds each) up and down the rustic trails in the Ozark's, canoeing roughly 25 miles, rappelling off of a 65 foot cliff, a wild cave exploration, all while navigating using only a topographical map and compass (many times in the dark of night).

We endured  many difficulties along the way. Killing a copperhead and tarantula that invaded our camp the first night, building fires in the rain, poison Ivy, an endless supply of chiggers, night hikes, locating and purifying water several times a day, no out houses or TP, no tents or  showers, wet gear from three nights of rain, exhaustion, dehydration and cooking with mystery dehydrated food. And on the last night we each found ourself dropped off at different points in the wilderness for a 24-hour solo camp - yep camping ALONE in the dense forest of the Ozark's! During this time, we fasted, prayed, and journaled on all that God revealed to us during our six days in the wilderness, all in light of the reality of Psalm 16, "Keep me safe, of God, for in you I take refuge..."

WEEK TWO

Upon being "rescued" from the wilderness we returned to our lodge to unpack and clean all of our gear, enjoy an awesome meal prepared by the camp staff and once again enjoy a shower and dry bed for the night. Each of the following days we dove deep into topics that would help us prepare for the transition into cross-cultural living. As we discussed each topic we related it to experiences we had during the previous week. We each learned how we dealt with meeting new people and being thrust into a new team environment. We talked about how our personal values and expectations wouldn't always mesh with those from another culture and what challenges might result. Each of our group leaders and speakers all had extensive cross-cultural mission experience. We learned so many things about personal balance and spiritual growth, culture shock, stress and rest, and how to say farewell to our friends and family. May we do it well.

Thank you to Lakeland Community Church for sending us! Thank you to all of our friends and family who prayed for us while we were gone. God showed up in some amazing ways as He spoke powerful truths into each of our lives. Thank you to Train International, Discovery Ministries, our new cross-culture friends who are heading overseas soon, Peter from Ozark Christian College, and Sherri founder of Advance Global Coaching; we are forever changed!