This week has reminded me how introverted I really am- not that I am shy or don’t talk, but that being with people wears me out! Someone said yesterday, “If I have to sit around doing nothing Saturday night, I’ll go crazy.” I was thinking that if I couldn’t sit around doing “nothing” Saturday night, I would follow a similar fate.
I am especially grateful this week for the way Tim is getting drawn up into the vision and passion of South America Mission. For years this has been my thing. During this week he has really connected with the staff and fellow candidates and seems engaged in what we are doing. I think also he has appreciated the opportunity to lead worship in the mornings. It has given him an outlet for leadership and service within this community.
I have been particularly impressed with the women I have encountered here, both those on staff, wives of staff members, and candidates. These are women I really respect. They are full of faith, optimistic but realistic, have undergone suffering and are living on, down-to-earth. Mostly they seem remarkably real.
We have heard so many stories of suffering this week. I think one of the biggest challenges we have heard about is adjusting to a new culture. We will be attending cross-cultural training in September and October, and I am praying that it will teach us tools to deal with culture shock and culture learning.
If you have a moment, pray for us. I feel convinced that the single most important need we have right now is for discernment regarding the specific work that Tim will be doing in
One more week. Our “appointment interview” is Monday. At that point we will probably have a more confirmed schedule and can consider ourselves hired.
