October 20, 2008, part 2 :D

I think I remember mentioning that we'd need some pr as we start filling out all the required forms for taking some classes through River Training Center in Wichita Kansas. Many of our friends go to the ch there and are part of the training center, which trains people to be tentmakers (that is using their job, education, or career skills to live overseas, giving them a chance to form relationships and share JC with people in closed countries.) Anyway we'd thought we were going to move straight there and then Gd brought us here instead. However, we're still aiming for Wichita (whenever that's in Gd's plan) and we'll be heading down there to take a class for 1 week in January that they are offering for credit. We need 20-30 credits of Chrstn studies before we can be placed permanently overseas, so we're trying to get that process started now. Hopefully we'll be able to take some online courses after the New Year as well, and get the credits out of the way. Anyway this application is quite rigorous and VERY long, and I've just finished mine today!!! The questions are very good and deep, asking about our lives, our character, our beliefs...but those sort take a long time to answer. Once we get that app sent in we'll officially be part of the training center, which we've been informally a part of for like 5 years now.

Next on my list is the form for Midwestern, the place we'll be taking the courses through. It'll be so good to see our friends in January, since many of them are taking the class as well. The class is about forming a philosophy of ministry- a sort of "what are we about and how are we going about it" document. I'm looking forward to it. Thankfully events here won't start back up until January 14th, so we'll have a week with our families at Christmas, then a week in Wichita, and then heading on back here with possibly another visit in MI after the class. We already have a cattery booked for Nelly too, so we can avoid the stress of last year's Christmas time rush. :) We miss our family and friends in Michigan and are looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Well it's 5:30 and the sun has already set...having this application done is a huge load off my mind. :) Keep pring for G as he's still filling his out and he has less free time than I do generally.