Less Than 24 Hours To Go Until Take Off!

That´s right, less than 24 hours to go before my plane takes off tomorrow! So much has happened over this past week since I last wrote.

There were a total of 32 people in the first week of training, then 20 of us stayed on for the second week of international training. The group of us really bonded quite well... as you can see from the picture of us skipping along on our way from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial during our trip to Washington D.C. on Saturday, January 31.

I made a statement on the Sunday after we went to D.C. on my facebook that said "I went to D.C. yesterday... I had tea with the President and discussed the problems of the world." I said this assuming that those who would read it would know my sarcasm. But, it apparently stirred up some issues amongst people that believed I had actually done that and did not sense my of humor. I thought it was great! :) I mean, I know people, but I don`t have that kind of connections!


So.... some things that I did this week:

Went sledding with the other MCCers.
(Jessica & Me)

Went to the museum of Natural History and almost got eaten.

And... I gave Michigan one last great big hug!

This week we talked about A LOT of interesting things. From "Sex, Lies and the Global Economy" to making sure you have fun while on assignment, then sexual harassment to overall policies of MCC. We also talked about self-care on assignment; that we need to be sure to make sure we are healthy otherwise, we won`t be worth a whole lot to those with whom we are trying to work.

Oh, I forgot, we also did the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and I was reaffirmed that I am an ENFJ (Dena, I know you will love this). For those of you who are not familiar with this test, it basically means that I am relationship focused, interested in what can be imagined, focused on things that are important & valued and I am an organizing and planning person... does that sound like me or what???


And now....off to Nicaragua.

I am remembering a quote that my brother Todd had at the bottom of his e-mails for the longest time. This quote encourages me and reminds me of why I have sold or gave away everything and am taking up my cross and following Jesus as he leads me down this uncertain path.

"The place where God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world`s deep hunger meets." - Fredrick Buechner


"And now compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem (Nicaragua), not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. HOWEVER, I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God`s grace." - Acts 20:22-24

Besos y absasos. (Kisses and hugs)

Beth Ann