Monday, June 16, 2008

Orientation and Delayed Adventures

We spent this past week at the Salvation Army's Star Lake Camp preparing for our 6 week mission trip to South America. The week consisted of intense planning, prayer, discipleship training, devotions and getting to know each other. Although shy at first, we began to have fun and quickly grew close. Our leaders, Lindsay and Estith, made us tell our most embarassing stories (we won't scar you with them), which brought us closer together. We spent the spent the week with the Estonia team (we love them), and can't wait to hear their stories and see their faces at the Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings. We spent many hours preparing our Vacation Bible Schools, choreodramas, dances and songs. Our team has such a spirit of Joy which makes it easy to work together even if we have uncontrollable laughter. :)













We attended Commissioning Weekend and were part of the Discipleship Conference where we had our first encounter with the Spanish language. The track we attended was "Discipulado en grupos pequeños" (Discipleship in Small Groups). While some of us understood what was going on, others struggled to understand. We had a great time at the Gospel Arts Celebration and were presented, blessed, and sent off for the summer.



We had a late night yesterday packing up our things (some struggled to let go of unnecessary items), and we woke up early this morning to have breakfast, devotions with Major Munn (he rocks!), and head to the airport. When we arrived at the airport, we discovered that due to unforseen weather changes in Georgia, our flights were cancelled. So, we spent our last lunch together with the Estonia team and saw them off through the security checkpoint. Some got emotional as we saw off our sisters in Christ. So after we wiped away our tears we repacked our vans and headed to the Hampton Inn. After checking in we rushed to our rooms to take a much needed nap.





We would really like to express our thanks to Major Groff and Becki Phillips for their selflessness, encouragement, and for being there at any hour to help us.

Please pray that we will be able to have a safe trip tomorrow.


8 comments:

momof3blessings said...

We're praying for you all!

Joyce Hartshorn said...

Great hearing from the Argentina team. God bless you as you arrive and get acclimated today. Joyce Hartshorn mom of Valerie!

momof3blessings said...

We miss you

momof3blessings said...

We received word from Becky Phillips regarding your safe arrival. Praise the Lord! Ashley, you will be on the radio today (WVCH). Dad is giving a sermon, Eli is reading scripture and we are playing a taped CD of your music. We love you,
Always and Forever, mom

momof3blessings said...

The West Chester corps prayed for you this morning.
We love you,
The Morgan Family

momof3blessings said...

Dear Ashley and team members,
Your letters bring tears to my eyes. We have staff meeting at 11:00 a.m. and you will be covered in prayer today.
Love, mom

momof3blessings said...

Dear Ashley and Argentina Team,

We shared your email in staff meeting this week and everyone is praying for each of you. Staff members would like to send some winter clothing to the children's home and we are wondering how to go about sending a care package. Can you share this with the officers there and contact us by email with the best way for us to do this. We love you.

Anonymous said...

Do u guys see that can of pringles next to me in the one pic!!! ohhh man only mee... F.A.T kids RULE!!! LOL

Love your *Lily*