Training: Learning, Yearning, and Connecting

Ciao!

I'm honestly not even sure what to say about training! Nathan and I were able to attend the Avanti Italia pre-departure training in Searcy, Arkansas a few weeks ago. Neither of us really knew what we were getting ourselves into. To give you a hint, we had seen the schedule of the previous years training, which included classes from 7:30am to 9pm! To say the least, we knew we'd be busy for the entire week.

We hadn't been in contact with really any of our team members. Sure, we had their emails but that was about it! I knew of two of the girls. Claire, who was an Interior Design major for about a semester. Then there was Harlee, who I knew was Claire's bff (best friends for life). PS, they love to take pencil jumping pictures? I don't know why, but that was my knowledge of our team going with us to ITALY! We didn't know what to expect!

We were blessed to have soooo many fantastic teachers come through. We can't thank them enough!! We had Jim Woodroof, Howard Norton, Mark Woodward, Ryan and Paula Butterfield, Milo Hadwin, Fred Jewell, Greg Mock, the Allen and Laurie Diles, Gordon Hogan, Jake Walls, and David and Debbie Woodroof. Isn't that an amazing list?! You know I'm right if you know any of them personally.

We were able to spend time learning about:

evangelism through communication,

common mistakes in the mission field,

what it means to teach Jesus,

being second fiddle to God,

the "Let's Start Talking" material,

how to talk with non-believers,

discipleship,

ministering cross-culturally,

being an ambassador for Christ.

You get the picture. We didn't just talk about or study English to help these people we will be working with in Italy. We really prepared ourselves for the change that is about to happen. We will be in a new place. With new people. Using a different language. Sharing Jesus. We feel prepared and took back home with us many books, some packets, and handouts to read and gain more knowledge before we leave. We are yearning for the day we get to be with each other again and serve our Lord across the pond! We haven't even touched on the AWESOME team we worked with all week and will work with in Italy. We loveeeeeeeeee them! We were able to get to know each other, learn our strengths and weaknesses, and study how we will work together. We discovered where we all come from, what baggage we have, and our goals and excitement for our time in Italy. We were able to get to know each other better while eating lunch and dinner at different couples' houses! This time together was probably my favorite part! I think our team will be amazing sharing Jesus together :) Here they all are!!!

From left to right starting with the bottom row: Rebecca Gibbs; Zak, Aleece, and Adelena Kelley (our AWESOME new Directors); Meredith and James Thompson, Aaron Hambelton (pasted in), Richard and Caleigh Allen, Claire Heffley, Harlee Stutsman, and us!

Don't we make such a FANTASTIC group! Please be praying for us! We love you all!

Ciao!

Nathan & Ashley

#Training #Team #Learning #Studying