In the Smokey Mtns.

We're back!
On May 19, Sarah, Chelsie and I met up with Will, Ben, Jerri Lynn and Blake (who are all involved with Southeast Christian Church Missions) and the Mi2 Kenya team. Together we went on a four-day adventure into the Smokey Mountains. At the cabin, Ben, Will, Jerri Lynn and Blake helped us prepare for the months ahead. We reviewed each one of our top five strengths and discussed how we will use them in our internship. This was  extremely insightful.
Esther's top 5 strengths: Learner, Responsibility, Analytical, Connectedness, and Maximizer
Chelsie's top 5: Restorative, Empathy, Ideation, Connectedness, and Woo (winning others over)
Sarah's top 5: Maximizer, Woo, Positivity, Adaptability, and Empathy
We talked through the definitions of our strengths, how they are manifested in our lives, and how we will used them these next few months. Now that we are aware of one another's strengths, we will be better able to work as a team, and to encourage and motivate each other. How awesome is that?
We also discussed expectations - ours, Southeast Christian Church's, and Josiah Venture's; we talked through prayer (speaking and listening), journaling, and time in God's word; we discussed how to debrief our experiences throughout the summer and many other things. You may ask why we had to go to the Smokey Mountains to do all this discussing, and so I will tell you. That is where there are some amazing rapid-infested rivers! Sunday we went white-water rafting and Monday we went funyaking (I'm not sure if that is right, but that's what I was told). It's sort of like kayaking but the 'funyaks' are inflateable. It was amazing.
I have so enjoyed this time. Tonight is our last night in the United States, and tomorrow we will fly out to Krakow, Poland, our final destination after a series of lay-overs.
Thank you Will, Ben, Jerri Lynn, Blake and so many others from Southeast Christian Church Missions who have made this experience so full and eye-opening - I am so fortunate to be here.
A huge thank you! to all of you following this blog. Thank you for your prayer and support. God bless you with a greater knowledge of our good and awesome God.

Rejoice in the Lord,
Esther.