What to say about Quest? It was... emotionally exhausting... intensive... draining. It was, in the words of Danny Reese, "a 2-day cross examination of every aspect of your life." Each couple and single on the team was interviewed in a round-robin style by 2 people from MRN as well as four experienced missionary couples. Over the course of 2 days, we sat through ten 1-hour interviews (no wonder we were tired)! We reviewed some of the assessments we had taken in the weeks before. We answered questions related to our physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, financial, and marital health, our ministry experience, our response to stress and trials, our theology of missions, and a variety of other topics. I talked until my mouth was dry and my throat was hoarse!
In addition, we (meaning the Angola Team) prepared lunches and dinners for the entire group (shout-out to Teague for coordinating this), and had a group project to complete by the end of the second day. Each couple and single also had to prepare a 20-minute self-introduction (Rusty and I did a Power Point of pictures to tell our story) and a 20-minute devotional.
Although we were tired at the end of the 2 days, I have to say that it was a good and helpful experience for us as individuals and couples, and for our team. During our "exit interviews," each couple/single was given a list of strengths as well as growth areas and recommendations. They had some really wonderful and encouraging things to say about Rusty and me that just brought tears to my eyes! Then, we met all together and they gave us a list of team recommendations.
We look forward to continuing our relationship with MRN in the coming months and working through the team formation and preparation process with them. For right now, however, our thoughts are focused mostly on the upcoming survey trip to Angola this summer. I am really starting to worry about how we will raise the necessary funds in the next few months as well as the more practical aspects of traveling in Africa with a 2-year old. Please pray that God will calm my anxious heart!
And while I am asking for prayers, please also lift up our trip to Texas this weekend. We will be traveling to Denton, TX to meet with a church that is interested in our plans for Angola and possibly supporting us. This will be our first presentation to and interview with a missions committee, so we are understandably a bit nervous. We are thankful that teammates Danny and Nathan will be accompanying us to help with the presentation and to lend their emotional support.
Group photo from our Quest weekend below:
In addition, we (meaning the Angola Team) prepared lunches and dinners for the entire group (shout-out to Teague for coordinating this), and had a group project to complete by the end of the second day. Each couple and single also had to prepare a 20-minute self-introduction (Rusty and I did a Power Point of pictures to tell our story) and a 20-minute devotional.
Although we were tired at the end of the 2 days, I have to say that it was a good and helpful experience for us as individuals and couples, and for our team. During our "exit interviews," each couple/single was given a list of strengths as well as growth areas and recommendations. They had some really wonderful and encouraging things to say about Rusty and me that just brought tears to my eyes! Then, we met all together and they gave us a list of team recommendations.
We look forward to continuing our relationship with MRN in the coming months and working through the team formation and preparation process with them. For right now, however, our thoughts are focused mostly on the upcoming survey trip to Angola this summer. I am really starting to worry about how we will raise the necessary funds in the next few months as well as the more practical aspects of traveling in Africa with a 2-year old. Please pray that God will calm my anxious heart!
And while I am asking for prayers, please also lift up our trip to Texas this weekend. We will be traveling to Denton, TX to meet with a church that is interested in our plans for Angola and possibly supporting us. This will be our first presentation to and interview with a missions committee, so we are understandably a bit nervous. We are thankful that teammates Danny and Nathan will be accompanying us to help with the presentation and to lend their emotional support.
Group photo from our Quest weekend below:
Back row from left: Greg Brooks, Henry Huffard, Robert Meyer, Rusty Campbell, Danny Reese, Evertt Huffard, Paul Schwartz
Middle row, from left: Dottie Schulz, Jane Huffard, Roger Pritchett, Nathan Holland, Ileene Huffard, Mary Lane Schwartz
Front row, from left: Laura Campbell, Karen Pritchett, Katie Reese (and baby!), Teague Meyer, Jordan Yarborough
Not pictured: Alex Campbell
Dear Laura, Rusty and Alex,
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate your honesty and openness to what God is doing in your lives. That's the kind of people God can use for His purposes.
We love you so much, Mom
It is so neat to see that team picture! God is working in many lives! I am excited to follow how he blesses the country of Angola through those that follow His call there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the Quest experience! God bless you on this journey -- Nicole
Rusty, Laura and Alex too,
ReplyDeleteWe are so excited for you guys!! Things are coming together. We hope your trip to Texas is uplifting and financially uplifting as well!! :) I know this must be an exciting, scary, wonderful, emotional time for you but this will be another amazing journey for you. We look forward to hearing more. Love you guys!