Getting Settled

Well, we’re a week into our training and so far there are at least a dozen words I can use to describe it: exciting, challenging, confirming, overwhelming, filling, draining, welcome, stretching, humbling, eye-opening, equipping, and fun (sometimes). I could go on, but I think you get the point. It truly is a roller coaster ride of emotions and underlying all of it is just a humility and a gratitude that God has brought us to this place and time.

The kids are off to a great start. Their classes seem to be really well developed. Most of their teachers have experience raising children overseas and some of them were also raised as children overseas, so they bring a wealth of knowledge with them. They are teaching the children vital skills necessary to transition from what they’ve known to being “TCKs.”

If you’re like me and you aren’t sure what a TCK is, let me explain. A TCK is a third culture kid. This simply means that our children will most likely identify themselves with 3 cultures-our home country, our host country, and the transitional culture of other families who are our colleagues. They’re learning lots of skills needed for the opportunities and challenges that will come with each of those cultures. So far, their biggest challenge has been trying foods they’d rather not eat. Let me just say, I can totally relate!

Here's Abe with one of our quad mates who he affectionately calls, "Ewijah."

Here are the 4 oldest getting ready to enter class on their first day of school.

Our grown-up class time has covered a variety of topics. We’ve talked about everything from computer security to prayer to traveler’s diarrhea. A steady flow of assignments fills our evening hours and all of the reading, memorization, and other expectations keep us busy.

All in all, we’re getting a rhythm. We love having our own “house” again. We have a unit which includes 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchenette, and a washer and dryer. We share a common living room with three other families. We’re enjoying getting to know the other families in our “quad.”

The kids have enjoyed the experience of eating in a cafeteria all the time. Though we sometimes miss the home cooked meals and we definitely miss dessert, none of us miss the dirty dishes that come with it! I can’t imagine how we could get it all done if we had to cook as well.

For all of my Southern Baptist friends who are reading this, let me just say that your Cooperative Program dollars are being used in some amazing ways here at the learning center. We are so thankful for this time to be equipped and it’s obvious that much thought is being put into the use of our time and your resources. We are routinely challenged to be good stewards of your gifts. I can say that I am more confident than ever that Lottie Moon is a great way to invest the resources that God has given us.

We covet your prayers as we journey through these next 7 weeks. We know that the task ahead of us will only be possible through God’s power. One thing that we’ve heard over and over is how vital it is that we enlist the prayers of many. So, if you remember us, please pray for balance, longevity, and energy for the tasks ahead.