Onboarding Program - Having Some Fun

This week classes focused on personal and interpersonal development. We talked about different personality types and how they affect communication, interaction, and conflict. I have learned a lot about myself and how my personality affects the way that I interact with others, and how I approach leadership and conflict. We are also studying more on prayer and hearing God's voice, and I am loving the time that we take everyday to pray as a group.
One of the families working at the IOC had our entire group over for the evening for dessert and fun. The food was delicious and there was much laughter to be had.  

With Jeremiah and Shea at the Bergstrom's

Gracie and I

 

Robin and I at the Bergstrom's

Fun with Chris

 

Fun with Esther

Gracie's older brother, Caden, turned 8 years old this week and we threw him a birthday party.

Celebrating Caden's Birthday

We have started planning our field service construction project. We will be building a playground near a local hospital and school for the neighborhood children. We will also be doing VBS for two days at a local school.
We have had a full and active weekend this week. On Saturday our group decided to go to the local zoo. The zoo was beautiful, and I loved seeing all of the animals. The pair of white tigers were my particular favorites.

Me and My Lovely Roommates on Our Way to the Zoo

Fun at the Zoo



Enjoying the Tigers at the Zoo

I met my great aunt at the zoo gate just before closing time. I had not seen her in ten years, but when I had learned from my grandfather that she lived just twenty minutes away from the IOC, I called and arranged to meet her. We went out for dinner at a local restaurant and had a lovely evening together catching up on the last ten years.


Me and Aunt Vikki

On Sunday we went to Cowboy Church again and then watched the children's rodeo that was held afterward. It was so fun to watch the children practicing their roping and riding.


Children Praying Before the Rodeo

Then, on Sunday evening 60 minutes aired a segment on the Mercy Ships and our entire group gathered together to watch. If you have not seen it you can go to my link and watch it. They truly did a wonderful job, and our entire group cheered at the end of the segment. Many tears were shed. I am looking forward even more to joining the crew of the Africa Mercy. We are truly blessed to be joining such an amazing organization.