Introductions

We have arrived at the headquarters of SEND International and we keep looking at each other and asking if we are ready for what is ahead.  It is definitely kind of surreal feeling here.  We have prayed and planned and looked forward to this journey moving ahead for more than a year and now it is hard to believe we are taking some big steps in the journey.

There are 10 candidates here.  They (or should it be we) are heading all over the world - Kosovo, Ukraine, Alaska, Japan, and Spain.  We are almost (note the almost) the oldest candidates here.  One other family unit has kids and we are a lot alike.  They are leaving one here in the continental states (they are headed to Alaska) and taking a 16 year old with them.  They are two single ladies going - one will be with us in Spain.  There is a newlywed couple and a couple that will be married shortly.  We just began to hear each other's stories tonight.  Some had short spiritual journeys to this point in their lives; others have been on this journey for a long time.  Some traveled a long ways (newlyweds are from California now, but she is originally from Japan) while others are just a few hours away.  We will have made some dear friends by the time we leave. 

Tomorrow the real work begins.  Each morning we begin with devotions and worship.  Tomorrow we will have to complete the MMPI - a psychological evaluation tool - and our Language Aptitude Test (evaluates how easily we will learn a foreign language) and I think our Bible Knowledge Test is tomorrow too.  There will be teaching throughout the day too.  The days are full, but the evenings or for homework, reflection, and getting to know the others.

We had a great visit in Adrian and I'll try to include pictures in tomorrow's post.  I am always amazed and overwhelmed as I have opportunities to reunite with friends from years ago.  I go to high school reunions with people that I haven't seen in 10 years and we can't find anything to discuss.  I meet with friends who share a common faith in Jesus Christ and even after 10 years of no contact we can talk through the night.  God truly is about relationship!  He not only wants us to have a genuine relationship with Him, He wants us to have relationships with fellow believers.  How boring life would be without these relationships.

It is strange to be here without the kids - but they are in good hands with my parents and seem to be having a great time.  Keep them in your prayers as they process the fact that we are in Michigan and will return home one step closer to leaving for Spain.

Sleep good and we'll "chat" again tomorrow.