As I've been reading about missions and preparing for the work, a consistent theme is "relationships." Missions is relational -- both the work on the field and the preparation of a support team. I really want to get to know more people at my church, since they will be my main body of support. Our church is just over two years old, and while I've been involved as a Sunday School teacher for most of that time and am in a community group, that isn't much time in our culture to really get to know people. I have just started to go around to all of the community groups to meet folks and let them know ways in which they can partner with me, which I've really enjoyed.
Also, in the spirit of building relationships, I've planned some trips!
- Minnesota from June 16 - 24
- San Diego, CA -- some weekend in June or early July
- Berkeley, CA -- July 13 - 18
The official reason for the California trip is to go to LifeWind's headquarters in Modesto, where they will take DNA samples in case I am kidnapped (okay, also to meet the staff).
I am also thinking of a road trip prior to moving to Argentina. This plan will only work well if my father agrees to either buy or sell my car (ahem!). The agenda would be:
- TEXAS: brother Matthew, sister-in-law Michelle, and nephews Will and Alexander. I haven't gotten to meet Alexander yet -- he's in the photo above, adorable at only a few days of age.
- MINNESOTA: friends and family
- CHICAGO: Mark and Julie
- MICHIGAN: Jenny, Ken, and their children Grace and Kate, Jenny's mom Kathy
- CLEVELAND: Mom (including the help I've promised for years on her house), Dad and Beverly
The only trick is that I can't figure out how to make the above work while leaving no later than early January but spending Christmas in Minnesota. I have geographical issues. Help, anyone?
