Here we are in Union Mills, NC (pop. 2500). This is my first attempt at video, so bear with me!

So far CIT has been much better than we expected (I guess we were a little skeptical in our expectations). The people, both staff and students, seem warm, interesting, and pretty darn normal! The daily schedule is generous on free time, 8:30-12 in the morning and then 1:30-3 in the afternoon. The content of the teaching has been interesting, and the teaching methods have really made it come alive. I am impressed with the standard of excellence we see here.

In case you're wondering what we're learning, the module we're on right now is called Equipping for Cross-Cultural Life and Ministry (first four weeks). They gave us 17 written objectives, but I'll try to summarize them for you:

1. Examine culture shock and ways to cope.
2. Identify potential problems affecting men, women, singles, marriages and families on the mission field, and talk about how to turn that around so that this is a positive, growing experience for all.
3. Learn practical information and tools regarding health overseas.
4. Discuss cross-cultural stuff: perspectives, research tools, data of social organization, areas of personal ethnocentrism, worldview issues....
5. Grow in personal faith and talk about how to continue that on the field.
6. Write a 15 page research paper on the target culture.

4 comments

1. Mary on September 8, 2007 at 8:18 PM

   What a great video! I love being able to picture where you guys are. And I'm jealous of your 9 windows. Love, Mary in KY ;)

    
2. Marty on September 8, 2007 at 9:01 PM

   I like the video! I don't think my house has nine windows, but I wish it did. I'm glad that you all are doing well, and the curriculum you're working through sounds pretty interesting. We'll talk to you soon (after 9 p.m. or on the weekend, of course).

    
3. Kyle on September 8, 2007 at 10:54 PM

   Glad to hear you like CIT so far. Say hi to all the staff there for me! I really appreciated my time there. And if you haven't already selected which cross-cultural church to visit, me and Jon (the other single guy) had a great time at Piney Ridge.

    
4. Ashlee Johnson on September 9, 2007 at 9:38 AM

   Hannah, I think that was a GREAT first attempt at a video! :) I too love being able to see what your "world" is like these days. Sounds like the schedule isn't too rigorous and the content looks awesome! I'm so proud of your faithfulness to follow God's call...
   Love y'all...Ashlee J.