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This last week was spent in Indiana training with Experience Mission. First off Fort Wayne Indiana is beautiful and I could totally see myself returning at some point. The training was not only essential before leaving but has already given me the opportunity to be challenged in new ways. Whether it was learning about cross cultural differences or acknowledging topics such as hope and dignity it was needed. This was also the first time I met my team, and already it is clear God is at work. We're all coming from very different places, but with a common compassion of wanting to be there to help others and individually grow. It is so easy in a materialistic world were resources can be abundant and we are taught to pick up our phones to complain before even trying to independently problem solve. God far too often takes the back burner. Being able to leave with little communication and limited resources will give us the room to grow in areas in our lives we may have previously been unable to. I chose Immersion due to their philosophy behind missions. It isn't always in "what" we do but in how we choose to do it and go about it. To enter into a community with an agenda and a goal of a,b,c or to enter with an open heart and mind ready to embrace difference and choose to thrive in it. It certainly will not always be easy to challenge deeply engrained beliefs and values that for the past 21 years I have lived by, but I can not wait to learn to step back and understand the value of relationships in a new way. Learning to be and not just do. I've had a heart for missions for a long time, but when God placed this opportunity right in my hands at a time I wasn't quite ready I was hesitant to say yes. But here I am a year later and ready to embark on a 6 month long journey. "Here I am Lord; send me." Holding Isaiah 6:8 close. Meet the team! 9 lovely ladies from Cali to New Jersey. 1 God. 3 countries. 6 months. 9 ladies.

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