7.07.2008

A Refreshing Week

We are having a great time at camp! The IMB host a conference, camp to the kiddos, for all the missionaries, while they are on stateside assignment or furlough. It is a great time of reflecting on the experiences we have had, reconnecting with other missionaries all over the World and renewing our minds and our hearts.

I am always nervous when I have to leave the kids, especially in a new situation. I was especially nervous about leaving Gideon, when I discovered they had placed him in a group of kids ages 6 and 7. He is 6, but is the youngest in his class and he has never been in a formal school setting. I expressed my concerns to the teacher, Mrs. Becky, but both the teacher and Keith agreed that they should let stay in this class. We spent the afternoon preparing Gideon and ME about how much fun they would have, all the new friends they would make and that they would get to have pizza!!! I also told them that I would get them a special treat if they went to school every day without tears or complaints. I was shocked when we dropped Gideon off with no drama!!! He walked in to his class, greeted his teacher and gave me a hug and waved bye!!! When we went to pick him up, he was having a great time and the teacher said that he did great!!! Way to go Gideon!!! Please pray that Gideon would have a great week, fall in love with school and make lots of friends!!!

ME, however, was a totally different story. ME is usually very outgoing, loves kids and preschool. So, I never dreamed that we would carry her across the campus screaming, “I don’t want to go! Don’t leave me!” I carried her into the class, only to have to go chase her as she ran out of the classroom!!! I finally deferred to Keith, who calmly swept her up, handed her off to the teacher and waved good-bye! Thankfully, she was having a great time when we returned and her teacher, Cinderella, said that she only cried for a few minutes and then did great. Please pray that ME would adjust quickly to her new routine and would learn to be a good friend.

This is our third trip this camp and I always look forward to this time. It is fun to think about the many memories we have made coming here and the great fellowship and family times we experience. One thing I love about being here is the sense of peace I have here and the like mindedness we experience with other missionaries. No matter where you live around the World, the struggles, temptations and triumphs are very similar. It has been so encouraging to be able to share our current struggles with families whose response is… “We know what you are going through” and share their struggles all with great wisdom, insight and understanding. Please pray that the Lord would speak to us during this time and guide us daily in the steps we should take and the decisions that need to be made.

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