We just returned home from 4 weeks of training at Mission Training International (near Colorado Springs, CO). A few words that come to mind to describe our experience are: equipped, humbling, community, rest, and God's beauty. Below are some highlights from our time in Colorado.
Language Learning. God created us to learn languages. He does not create human beings with a pre-birth language. A children's vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation comes after birth and is formulated around the culture that they are born into. One of MTI's language learning premises is for adults to think about language learning in a child-like manner, where we focus on comprehension before the ability to speak. While we did not learn any Thai while at MTI, we feel equipped and motivated to put the techniques and methods we learned to use once we move to Thailand.
Kait and her "language group" spent time learning Vietnamese to practice our newfound skills and techniques.
Biblical Incarnation. Jesus exampled incarnational ministry by becoming man, coming into our world, and ultimately losing his life so that all who believe in Him may gain eternal life. This can also be seen in the life of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
Fact - someone has to flex into the other person's world
Commitment - I (Paul) will be the one to move into the other person's world
Clarification - adjust accordingly to principle and not according to man made non-negotiables
Goal - in order to win some. All we do, we do for the Gospel and not just for the sake of fitting in.
Conflict Provides Opportunity. When we are on the field on assignment, conflict is not a matter of if, but rather when. It is important to remember that, as an adopted child of God and with Him living in us, we have the ability to manage ourselves in conflict that glorifies Him, benefits others, and grows our character.
Matt's natural conflict style is a lion. In the midst of conflict, these people tend to dig right in and handle it very directly. Lions live by their convictions and make things happen or get moving. While they don't desire to hurt others or damage relationships, their direct and controlling behavior can leave the unintended impact of hurt.
Kait's natural conflict style is a turtle. In the midst of conflict, turtles tend to withdraw in order to reduce tension. Turtles believe the dangers of engaging in conflict may outweight the benefits. Avoiders diplomatically sidestep sensistive issues, or simply withdraw from threatening situations until conditions are better.
Now that we know our natural conflict style, may our great God grant us grace to continue growing into a mature lion and a mature turtle.
Stress, TCK's, Grief/Loss, and Goodbyes. The last week of MTI was spent on difficult, deep, yet immensely important issues that will have so much impact on our individual and family health moving forward.
Fallen people trying to relate to a fallen world (especially in a different culture) results in stress. Life is full of stressors, yet God's children have the Holy Spirit living inside of them to manage stress in ways that glorify God and loves their fellow man.
The lesson on TCK's (third-culture kids) taught us so much about raising children in a culture that isn't our (the parents) home culture. As a parent, one of the greatest fears we have for Judson is how he will turn out in a world different than the one we were raised in.
Saying goodbye well and grieving well before we leave is important so that we can be open to new relationships once we reach Thailand.
Judson had so much fun celebrating his 3rd birthday with his new MTI friends!
Miss Emily and the rest of the CHIPS (Children's Program) staff did a remarkable job of teaching Judson and the other children the same curriculum as the adults, contextualized to their specific age groups.
Thanks again to each of you who are partnering with us financially and through prayer. You made it possible for us to attend this training and we are grateful! May we, by God's grace, steward all we have learned in a way that glorifies Him and brings the beauty of the Gospel to Thailand!
Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22
