These last four weeks of training camp in Gainesville, GA have been so impactful. I’ve been challenged, grown, and learned so much about living in community, tangible ways to share the gospel, biblical theology, how God speaks, other cultures and lifestyles, and so much more knowledge that I’ll not only be able to bring to the field but carry with me the rest of my life.

Along with camping, taking bucket showers, and listening to daily teachings & sessions we’ve also had some incredible opportunities to go out and see what it looks like to talk with people about the gospel. Sometimes it looked like going up to people in Walmart and just talking, other times helping an Arabic speaking women carry her groceries twenty minutes to her apartment. (Go read my friend Analise’s blog to hear about our experiences evangelizing in Clarkston! Analise Thibodeaux - “The kindness of strangers”).

On Thursday my team & I had the opportunity to go stain some decks at a home. When we got there we learned that it was a Women’s home that rehabilitated victims of sexual abuse and trafficking and introduced the hope of Jesus in their lives. The women living there we so open to sharing their testimonies with us. The three of them have been there anywhere between two and six months. We were all awestruck by how evident their joy was - overflowing with truth and grace and faith. We decided to come back and visit them on Saturday and bring them flowers & pumpkin bread - but when we came they were even more welcoming than we were, setting out a whole table of food and coffee and mugs, ready to pray over us and wash our feet. We came for them but they delighted in serving us. These women were some of the most Christlike people I’ve ever met and I am so grateful the Lord let our paths cross!

Where we’re headed now:

Today was our first day serving in Black Mt. North Carolina, where we’ll be the next two weeks! Prayers for obedience, opportunity, and optimistic attitudes!