Our time here at MTI (Mission Training International) has flown by and we are grateful for all of the things that have been taught to us. The first 2 weeks centered on language acquisition. It would be too long to explain this in any great detail so, I will give you the cliff note version. In the English language there are 44 sounds that we make for any word that we say. In other languages there are many other sounds that are not used in English.  In our training we learned how to form new sounds that make up words in other languages. We spent hours looking into a mirror and watching the placement of our tongue in order to form the new sounds.

Liz with our Vietnamese Language Helper.

Some of the other teaching has focused on how we can thrive in a new culture. We have played culture games, role played scenarios, and spent time in small groups discussing differences and emotions that we will encounter once we arrive in our country to minister.

One of the highlights of MTI are the relationships that are developed between each other. Our 2 weeks together has had the feel of a summer camp experience. In a short amount of time we have bonded with others quickly as we live in community with one another. Throughout our time so far we have laughed, prayed and shared how God has provided abundantly for the ministry He has called us each to. We know that God brought each of us (37 adults and 31 kids) together to encourage and support one another before we venture out into unknown soil, trusting that He will guide us through each peak and valley.

Jaden and Josiah have also been learning the kid version of everything we have gone through. They have made new friends and have enjoyed their teachers.

We have been enjoying the crazy weather here in Colorado. We have had gorgeous sunny 60 degree days and also snow storms like today. Our boys have had fun in all the different climates. Here is a picture of a Jaden’s sledding accident from a few days ago!

A Point for Reflection from our training:

Often times we look back at a tough event or situation that God walked us through and we say that “God taught” us this or we say that we have “learned this truth or lesson”. But the reality is that we never reach the past tense. Our journey with God is always active and God is always laying new things and challenges in front of us that will stretch our faith in some of the same areas that he already stretched us.  God is always teaching and we are always learning.

Thank you for your prayers as we continue learning new ways to adapt to a foreign culture.