From Training:

HELLO!
I have so much to say.. and I am so eager to share. I am sure this will always be the case these next weeks. (note: the internet is very limited and is off and on because we're in the mountains here at training- so hopefully this actually goes through today-Wednesday)

The trip here was a LONG but very successful one. I never imagined I would be so emotional while leaving Nashville (hoping I would have gotten out all the tears the night before), but God has seriously answered my prayer for comfort. Detail after detail he revealed himself to me as I met an amazing youth pastor on my way to Dallas, changed planes and headed to El, Paso and found new team members on that new plane :) What an adventure, already! Tuesday (I can't believe that was only yesterday) was full of blessings, the unknown, and waiting. It definitely tested our patience but we serve SUCH an AMAZING God. I was at peace all day. Mom, your card seriously did wonders. Thank you for that. Yesterday seemed frustrating at times, and redundant at others (like I said, we did a LOT of waiting), but was more than I could ask for, such a blessing. We arrived last night to this training camp (which is a Nazarene camp ground) and it's located in New Mexico of all places!! Not Texas like we all thought.. but it's a very nice facility with the greatest staff. They are mostly elderly volunteers that have spent a lot of time in the mission field. They are all so eager to hear who we are and where we are going as we pass through the lunch lines. They are sweet and make us feel like family.

Today has been packed FULL of training and preparation. Thursday through Saturday evening will be the same. It is more than I could have imagined as we learn new things about the places we will be, and also about each other. Note: I COULD NOT HAVE A BETTER TEAM. They are absolutely amazing... we all have great chemistry and have already provided a world of support for one another. I think it's hard to share your personal relationship with Christ with those that have such different passions, personalities, and dreams sometimes. That doesn't mean its really right, but its not easy. It's really an awesome thing to be with three others that have been called to the exact same place at the exact same time as you. Our personalities all match up so well. I am tremendously thankful.
[Please pray for them as well]
They are:
Jerry Romasco
Kristin Gould
Kaylee Brooks

Back to today.. We have "family groups" by continent. We were forced to trust one another as we lifted each other over rope obstacles and fell off tables into the arms of our teammates. Our Africa team is full of teams going to all different locations in Africa. It is really cool to be in the presence of those that share your passion for a country that we know nearly nothing about. Our Mozambique team eats every meal together andwe're beginning to really know how to work with one another and are starting to really form a bond. It's amazing how fast that has happened.

Today our speaker talked about entering into what God is telling you and learning to tell the story. Our stories, no matter what they may be are so vital. Stories make up our history and have really created everything we have and everything we are. Gerard Loughlin said in one of his books, "The story you tell can have a lasting impact on a person's world."

Saturday night we will recieve our itineraries, but as of right now I know on Sunday we will fly as a team to another location in the states, then to London, to Johannasburg, and finally Maputo! It will be a long day or two of travek but I am asking God to continuously abide in me. He always does. I'll write again when I can.

Be prayerful for peace of mind as we are full of uncertainty as to the details of our trip. Thank you guys. I love you all.

Love always, Allyson