Learning from Missionaries

I have been at the SIM USA headquarters in North Carolina for four days . I have been exposed to several fabulous missionary speakers and heard many stories from those who are going and those who have been there. There are 39 of us here for this pre-field training. I am one of the older ones. There are TWELVE single women headed for Africa within the next year. It has been such a blessing to be around like minded people. I do not stick out as the girl who wants to go live in Africa here but fit right in with others with a passion and calling like mine.

Most of the lectures so far have been very practical! One of today's speakers used a lot of quotables--which you probably know I love!

Hudson Taylor: "The secret to faith that is ready for emergencies is the quiet practical dependence upon God day by day, for that's what makes Him real to the believer's heart."

Bob Hay: "The secret to stayability lies in your confidence in the process God used to lead you to wherever He placed you."

"Nothing is innocuous."

"Seek first to understand, then to be understood."

"It's not wrong, it's different."--when referring to ways another culture surprises you or even appals you.

"If I roll with the interruptions (during my busy work days) I may then find myself in the place where God is working."

Here is a list of some of the scheduled lectures so you can get an idea of what I'm learning.

Modesty and Propriety, Spiritual Warfare, Traveling Cross-culturally, Sexual purity, Stress, Working with Muslims, Travel tips, Finances, Giving and Hospitality Overseas, Health on the Field, Language Learning, Bible Teaching, Contextualizing Theology, and Community and Personality

We also have the opportunity to take elective classes such as Cooking from Scratch, Car Maintenance and Learning to drive a stick shift!

I'm loving this place and these people and my God who has placed me here at such a time as this.