Another week almost done!
All of us trainees are defiitely settling in, getting a better feel for what we'll be given every day (lots of information, eye openers, and promises) and what's expected of us (learning, communication, and godly living.) Formal sessions include taxes, language, and cross-cultural witness; informal learning covers everything from practicing testimonies to sharing personal stories...

It's been good, but not that challenging so far. There's some pressure in the deadlines and following this schedule, but it's not generally till the after-class hours that life really begins. That's when friendships solidify, when the session hightlights are seriously talked through, when the books are read. (I know I'm partial to books, but a lot of the session hours could have been condensed into reading material!)

Anyway. Overall, it's been really good. Overachieving to the point that a lot of my homework is already done (or half-done) and spending some quality time with other learners. That's pretty much what my life's going to be for the next six weeks.... :)

The Night Before the Party Begins.

Tomorrow I'll be back in the Bronze Valley again. Quietly, crazily, excited. "One of these days, maybe," I thought. Left the Valley last winter, thinking it'd be months or a few years before I saw the place again. "We want to see you back," said Professor El, when I said I was moving to a different state, different job, different life. "Of course you'll see me back," I smiled, "even if it's just for a visit one of these years." "No, as in, back for the eight weeks." In other words, for training. I just shrugged.

And tomorrow I start that training. In a deliciously unstressed state of mind, because I've 'gone through' four trainings, as it were, already, just by working there and hanging out with the trainees. Yes, it's going to be challenging. Yes, there'll be tons of surprises. But I'm a high need-to-know person when it comes to work and study, and knowing ahead of time what I'm getting into is a huge blessing. The more I know, the better I can prepare, right? I sound like such a stick-in-the-mud... should probably add that, "the more I know, the more fun I can have". And I'm not gonna add any more along that line, because, see, some people just aren't a fan of mischief. Alas for them.

And I don't intend to distress anyone or harm property, but let me say this - me and my 'mates are going to rock out training. Ace the papers. Throw ourselves into the learning. Rock out the volleyball courts and other sport times. Give God that "white hot worship" that He deserves. That was a John Piper reference, by the way - I'm almost done with my first book report (overachieverrrrr) which means I get to hand it in early, do the second one, and then not stress about those writings when there's homework to be done, cookies to bake, or adventures to have....

2008/06/04

Many people got the opportunity to see Jesus Revolution in action when concert team Central came to Wisla in Poland, with it's 11 000 inhabitants and hotels with space for 26 000 tourists. The team started the day by visiting the high school in the city.... They performed dances and invited the students to the concert that same night. As many as 145 youth found their way to the city’s cinema, where the concert was located. "I came because I saw the school visit", says Pawel, a 14 years old student. "I pray to God every night, because I know that He is there, but today I understood that Jesus loves me," he added when the concert was finished.

-http://www.jesusrevolution.com/jesusrevolution/?pid=News&id=176