DAY 7
Today was a great last day on campus and this will be our last update as a team. We started our day with our last language class. We learned more about counting money and time. We enjoyed spending our morning together in class. We started the week apprehensive about learning the language but we truly loved our classes and appreciating the language and culture. After class we went to English classes to share and speak English with students. We had a fun time sharing about American culture and loving on people. One class was even able to sing Amazing Grace in class. The team was able to teach the first few lines and what they mean to us as believers. It was a great moment.
The rest of the day was spent with students doing various things. Again, we had several wonderful conversations throughout the day! We did have a couple of fun cultural experiences today as well! We had Kung Fu class this afternoon and we sent off floating paper lanterns tonight. It was so much fun to again be immersed in the culture and participate in things unique to the people here. We are so so sad to say goodbye to the students as we live in the morning for K-town. We have built such wonderful relationships and are excited to hear about the Father continuing to work in their hearts after we leave. We are so honored that we were able to come here and join Father in the work that He has been clearly doing for a long time.
Tomorrow we will head out to K-town. The bus ride will take a few hours and then we will have an opportunity to see some of K-town. On Thursday, we will be visiting a village so please pr for that time. Then on Friday we will begin our long voyage home. All of your pr’s for our traveling is MUCH appreciated. Once again, thank you for all of your pr’s this week. It has truly been incredible. We are all changed forever because of this week. We can’t wait to see you and share what Father has done.
Personal Shout Outs
Dustin - Please continue to PR for my health. The last two days have been kind of rough. My spirit has still been high! Dad is doing some amazing things! Love and miss you Christina, wish you were here!! Peace out!
Hannah - Hi y’all! So this is the last update before I see you! We head out tomorrow so please PR for safe travels! I miss y’all a lot and can’t wait to see you! The father did some amazing things today. I can't wait to share! I love you!
Lizzie - Hey guys! Today is the last update before I am home! I have bought so many gifts and I can’t wait to hand them out to you all! The father has taught me so much this trip, it’s been the best 10 days of my life! Love y’all and see y’all soon!
Vickie - Today was a great day. We got to experience the Father do some incredible things and answer a lot of PR. I have a million things to share and can’t wait to tell you. I miss you terribly!
Will - This has been a tremendously unbelievable experience and I’m actually finding myself saddened by the fact that I have to leave this place and the new friends that I have made. On the flip side we are a couple of days away from seeing our friends back home. I’m looking forward to telling you all the stories from our experiences here. Babe, I miss you tons. I can’t wait to see you and tell you many things that only you can make sense of. I hope you’re having a great time. Shmily!
Hitts - It has been an awesome week. We have all learned so much and are excited to share when we get home. Father has been so faithful in helping Brandon lead the team. We are so proud of the team this week. We have been unified, excited and ready to be used. We miss all of you but we know our separation has a purpose and are excited to hear what Father has been doing in your life this week as well. It’s pretty incredible that Father created us and He also created every one of the people we were able to meet this week. Thanks for supporting us and helping send us here. We love you so much. Mom and dad- I think of you everyday and can't wait to show you what we have been up to! Miss you mucho. Love you forever! Caris - It’s the longest we have ever gone without talking!! Ahhhhh miss you so much!!
DAY 6
Wow, wow, wow!! Today was a wonderful day!! Father showed us all day today that He has been working in this country long before we got here. We are so humbled that we were able to experience today. We went to our language class and learned more of our new language. Today we learned lots of vegetables and were able to practice playing a game. The afternoon was filled with appointments. Brandon was able to share the good news with a boy named J and give him some material and a Good book, which was AWESOME. And, Will and Dustin got to dive deeper into some talks with another boy named J. There are some details to that story that you will have to ask for when we get back. Then the guys met with a school official and had another incredible conversation. Please pr for his heart. Later the guys played volleyball with students and had some fun fellowship time with them.
The girls had lunches with separate students. Each conversation was full of Father and was wonderful. After lunch, the girls all went to get their nails done in town with some local students. They had so much fun just being girls with other girls. There were great conversations throughout the afternoon together with the girls. They had dinner together after getting their nails done so it was basically a girl’s day! Lindsay was able to meet with M both at lunch and in her dorm room. They had conversations about who Father is and M was able to express more concerns about a decision to follow Father. This conversation continued through the afternoon with a few other members of the team. Today was so, so exciting and fun to see Father working. Thank you for lifting us up and loving us like you do.
Please lift us up tomorrow as we start our last day in town. We will have class again in the morning and meetings with students throughout the day and evening.
Personal Shout Outs
Vickie - Had a wonderful day today full of conversation. I was able to share my testimony with a girl, M. Please pr for her. I haven’t had more headaches so thank you for those pr’s.
Lizzie - I had so many answers to pr today. We were able to have so many conversations today and it was awesome to see Father orchestrate those conversations.
Hannah - Thank you for all the pr’s! Everything is going well! We all had some really amazing opportunities today. I miss y’all like crazy! Love you!
Will - I had a wonderful day today. Miss you so much and hope you are having fun on your trip! Love you!
Dustin - I have had a few issues with health but other than that I have been doing well! Today was a great day. Love you and can’t wait to see you!
Hitts - THANK YOU for pr-ing. We had such a wonderful day today. Father moved in both of our hearts, as we loved on people today. Thank you for continuing to lift us up as we finish out our time here. We are already sad to leave these people we have connected with but are thankful the Father will be with them as we go. We love you all SO much and miss you!! Give Bane a kiss for me! Mom - I have used my selfie button every day!! Thanks for getting it for me, its been perfect for here! Love you!
DAY 5
We had a great day again today! We started our day with both teams and Chris and Becky at their apartment for community. It was very encouraging. We sang, we shared, we read the good book, and pr’ed for each other. This time was special and refreshing and definitely prepared us for the rest of the day!
We spent the afternoon touring a neighboring village. We got to see some amazing sites and see how different villages are set up. Some of us were able to PR walk the village and we could not help but get cracked up and laugh at all the times we were stopped for them to take pictures with us.
After that we went to an orphanage. What a wonderful time we had. It was very heartbreaking at the same time because it is mainly disabled kids and adults that no one wanted. The smiles we were able to bring to their face made our day! We listened to a sweet man play an accordion, giggled with the children and shared Dad’s joy. Please PR for those sweet children and adults. We know the Father loves them and we want them to know that.
For the evening we were able to go to the village of one of Becky’s friends she has made who is a believer. It was her hometown village and we were given a tour of it and had a great time playing with the children in the village. We were also shown a place where they worship 2 trees in honor of their ancestors and even make sacrifices there. A real eye opener to all of us!
We had dinner with their whole family and was able to spend a lot of time with a student we will call T. He went from saying in the morning his goal in life was to make money and be able to support himself to later pulling Chris aside that night and saying after seeing us all day, he changed his mind and wants to be someone who supports and loves others. WOW!! Just loving on people shows how much the Father is Love and we all got to see that today!!
Thank you all for your PR and please keep us in them as tomorrow will be a very long day with students and we have many awesome things set up to get to talk to students about the father!!
Shout Outs!
Hitts – Today was another great day. We were thankful to be able to do what we did today. Father continues to show us how much He loves His people. We both are doing well and soaking in every opportunity the Father gives us. Please PR for us as we meet with students tomorrow. Lindsay is having lunch with M tomorrow and Brandon is having lunch with J, please PR for that. We love you guys so much and miss you a ton.
Hannah – Hi y’all! I’ve been missing you all extra today, but I get to see you soon! Today was really awesome and encouraging! I can’t wait to share everything with you! I’ve made it through another day without getting sick so thanks for the pr’s and keep them coming! I love you!! P.S. my arm is a lot better : )!
Lizzie – Had a wonderful day today learning about a new culture. Please PR that I would get to meet with my friend again and share some truth with her. Say hello to everyone for me! P.S. I got to see lots of dogs today and even got to pet a pig! YAY!
Will – Experiencing all of these different cultures has been such an experience! I wish you were here to experience it with me babe. In the few days that I’ve been here I’ve learned a ton of the language, it would’ve been great if we had Rosetta Stone! j/k. I miss you very much and I can’t wait to see you! Shmily
Vickie – Great day with the local people. They were the kindest people who served us an incredible traditional dinner. Blessed to be a part of it.
Dustin – Today was such a fun day. It was so amazing to just see children smiling and laughing and just getting immersed in the culture in the villages we visited! I am missing Christina and Choncho a lot tonight! Please PR that I stay focused on being here instead of letting my thoughts drift to being back home!! Thank you all for you pr’s! The best is yet to come!
DAY 4
Today was a wonderful day!!! Thanks for pry-ing for us. We saw answer to pr ALL day. We were filled with Father stories all day today. The guys went this morning to visit a man named Mr. W. He is 92 years old. He became a family member when he was 84. He lives at a nursing home and enjoys visitors to encourage him. The guys really enjoyed loving on Mr. W and prying with him. The guys read from the good book. The girls went to visit him in the afternoon as well. We ate fruit, listened to his testimony, and sang songs. He shared that Father has taught him one big lesson, “Father will have you wait for His time. And Father will be with you where you go.” We were all encouraged to hear him speak Father’s truth.
Then we went to lunch with some of Chris' friends who are officials from Becky’s school. They treated us and were very sweet. One of the officials is the head honcho and it was an honor to us to have lunch with him. Please pr for these officials that Father will transform their hearts; both physically and sp-tlly. This evening we had dinner appointments and one conversation was very fruitful in talking about the Father. Please pr for M as she is wrestling with who Father is and what sacrifices it would take to follow Him. The girls were blessed to be able to help Becky host a baby shower for a fellow family member; R. R was extremely humbled and thankful. She shared her worries for her future baby and for her husband who is a non-believer. The guys went to a concert hosted by the University. The guys were able to play songs to the college students in a concert setting. They played, “All the Poor and Powerless” and “How He Loves Us”. They were very encouraged and moved by hearing the natives sing “How He Loves Us” in their language at one point. Overall, we were very encouraged throughout the day with seeing Father’s faithfulness in other family members stories. We have been given much favor and continue to have rest and good health. Please keep prying for that. Also, pr for relationships to continue to develop and time to be fruitful. We can’t thank you enough for your pr-ers. It’s so evident that Father is listening.
Heads Up:
Tomorrow we will be visiting a couple villages. We will be exposed to many false idols. Please pr for protection against the enemy and any attachments to the idols.
Shout Outs:
Hannah - Hey y’all!! I miss you so very much! Today was another great day filled with meeting new friends and students! I’m having a wonderful time and I can’t wait to show you all the pics! I love you all!
Lizzie - Happy birthday Chris G.! We had an awesome day here. I was reminded all day long of how the Father made us beautifully and wonderfully. Love all of you!
Vickie - Miss you Pat! Father is doing amazing things here. I have gotten to experience some amazing life stories shared today.
Will - Hey babe! Amazing things are happening here. I hope you’re having a great time. I miss you tons and I can’t wait to see you mama! I love you.
Dustin - Getting to sing “How He Loves Us” in front of a bunch of Asian students and getting to sing it in this language has been the highlight of my whole life!!!!! Miss you Christina and wish you were here!!
Hitt’s - We love you guys!! Can’t wait to share all of our stories with you guys. We had a great day filled with many memorable events. Father is evident and present here. We hope that encourages you as much as it does us. Please keep prying for us!! Mom and Dad: I saw twins!!!!! They were so, so cute. I wanted to take them both home. I miss you both so much and love you. We are prying for you. Can’t wait to see you. Caris: This is so weird not talking to you!! Know that I am always thinking of you and love you!! Can’t wait to send you bit-strips!! Gina: I am so proud of your boy. Just know that.
DAY 3
Today we spent time in another town as part of our culture class as students. We first went to a cave and the landscape was incredible. It was set up in the mountains and is the largest cave in the country. We saw many Buddhist shrines and were reminded of the lost culture we were immersed in. Then we traveled through the caves and walked almost 2 miles. When we left it was raining which reminded us of Father’s cleansing power and His supreme dominion over all people and cultures. It was encouraging to have this time in Father’s creation and the ability to give Him praise for what He has done. After the cave, we had lunch at a local restaurant and then headed to a pottery class. We were each shown how the locals create pottery pieces and then were given the chance to create a piece of pottery. We received quite a few laughs from the pottery makers. After pottery making, we ate a dinner with many dishes unique to the town we were in. Some dishes were very interesting. We had duck feet, cactus root, pomegranate flowers and tree fungus. We enjoyed trying new food and being immersed in our new culture. Becky’s coworker who teaches English hosted our afternoon. She was a very gracious host and we enjoyed fellowship with her. Most of the team is going to karaoke tonight on campus to celebrate a college student’s birthday. We are excited to connect with some of the college students there and spend time with them. Today we were reminded of Father’s great provision and power through making pottery. We struggled to create the pottery but we had no previous experience or wisdom. However, the men who were teaching us easily molded and shaped the clay. This reminded us of the scripture where Father is the potter and we are the clay. He has provision and purpose for us as he molds us. We are thankful to be at the hands of a potter who easily molds us and shapes us with wisdom.
PR
- We have been given favor with Father with good health and rest. Please continue to pr for us to be healthy.
- We have a few opportunities tomorrow to encourage local people. Please pr for that to go well.
Lizzie - I was missing home a little today and I really needed a hug but the Father reminded me that He is taking care of me and all of you at home!! So, hugs from me to you! Love y’all and cant wait to tell y’all all about surprising Jennica for her birthday.
Vickie - I was able to grab one grain of rice with my chopsticks today! You would be so proud. I am getting better everyday. Miss you and love you!
Dustin - Christina, I tried to make you a cup in pottery class but it blew up and ruined my shoes so thank you for buying me some new ones when I get back!! Love you and miss you! HUG HUG kiss kiss big HUG little Kiss!!
Hannah - Hey ya’ll! I miss you all sooo much!! Today I climbed in the caves (without hurting myself) so I was pretty proud of myself…I have a PR request though, I’ve been sick on and off since we got here but I felt much better today, please PR that I continue to feel better! I love and miss you!!
Will - Hey babe it’s been really crazy and tons of fun out here. I miss you vey much! I hope your travel went well. Can’t wait to see you! Shmily
Hitts - Thank you for pr-ing for us. We are so encouraged here and are enjoying our time very much. Please continue to pr for us to lead the team well and to have open doors for communicating about the Father. We enjoyed seeing Father’s creation today and were happy to learn more about the culture here. We love all of you and are pr-ing you are well. We miss you and are excited to see you when we get back. Love you all!
DAY 2
Today was a great day! We started off this morning in town visiting an acupuncturist as part of our cultural exchange class. Dustin and Brooke participated in it, which was interesting to see. They both said it was interesting but a fun experience. We then spent some time in town and then went back to campus. Several of us had lunch appointments or other appointments to meet with students. Father was faithful in providing great conversations. Later, the guys were able to fellowship with Chris and spend time encouraging him. Then they played volleyball with students. Several of the students were students that teams in the past have connected with so that was really rewarding. The girls all met with students in the market. One conversation was about the Son and how He is the Savior. The hangout in the market led to a large girls night dinner. The girls all pr-ed together before dinner which was encouraging. Our day was full of fun, laughter, friendships and glory to the Father. We love how sweet and welcoming the students are. We are so thankful to the Father for providing relationships and giving us a great day. Please pr for continued health, good conversations and rest.
Team Shout Outs:
Will - Babe! Hey I miss you tons and love you very much! Hope your trip goes well! Please be careful and have fun.
Dustin - Thank you for all your pr’s and Dad is definitely at work. Miss you Christina!
Lizzie - It’s been amazing here! I love all the students and the way they love us too. Everything is so cheap here so don’t worry about money! Love you mom, dad, Ash, Chris, Chris and Josh! And Louis and Romeo! Kisses all around!
Vickie - Miss you and love you Pat. Everything has been so great here and I have made lots of new friends. Please pr for my headaches to go away.
Hannah - I am having a lot of fun and catching up with old friends. I gave a gift to a student from last year. She really loved it and I was able to have dinner with her tonight. Please pr for that relationship to grow. Love and miss all of you!
Hitt’s - We were able to see Father move today and are so excited. Lindsay was able to hang out with several girls, talk about the Son and later eat dinner with them and pr as a group. Brandon was able to play volleyball with a group of guys, eat dinner with them and pr with them at dinner. We have both been in good health and sleeping well. Keep pr-ing for that. We also ask for you to pr for conversations and relationships to continue. We specifically ask you to pr for a boy, J and two girls, M and S. Katrina, M is thrilled that you told me to tell her hello from you. She wants you to Viber her. Happy birthday Elijah and Lisette!! Mom and dad - I saw TWO bunnies today!! Love you both. Caris- I keep trying to quote songs and movie quotes when students say something that reminds me of it. It does not go over well when they aren't strong in English. Hahah. (Example: I don't know Margo!)
DAY 1
Today was our first full-day on campus. We had a great first day. We went to B’s English class and met with students. The team did a great job connecting with students and making new friendships. The students were so welcoming and sweet. The team was able to make lunch and hangout appointments with some of the students. Please pr that those relationships will continue to develop and the students will want to hang out with our team. After that we went to our first language class. We learned names of fruits and how to tell time. We had so much fun. The teacher seemed to really enjoy us attempting to learn the language. Dustin was even able to order his favorite new drink in our new language. Tonight we were invited to a dinner with B's boss. It was very fancy and nice. We felt very welcomed by their hospitality. We pr-ed together as a team including co-workers who do not yet know Father. Please continue to pr for those relationships to continue as well. We had a great first day and see Father already working so far. Everyone is feeling pretty well and has a great attitude. We ask you to lift that up so it will continue throughout our trip. Love you guys!
Team Shout Outs:
Vickie - Pat, missing you bunches. Sorry about the lack of communication. Love you!
Hannah - I miss you mom, dad, Seve, Sarah, and Levi. Sorry I can’t text but I’m safe and having a great time. I love you all very much and will see you soon. Since we can’t text we get to post here so keep checking for more writing. Miss you all a ton!
Will - Hey cutie! I miss you very much. Communication is rough so we are writing to you here. I love you!
Dustin - Hey Christina, I love you and miss you very much. We are safe and having our amazing time! Wish you and Choncho were here!! Hug hug KISS kiss, little hug big kiss.
Lizzie - Hey mom! Hey dad! I love and miss you guys so much! We can’t text you guys but you can read my update here! It’s very beautiful here. I think y’all would love it! Say hi to my Louie for me.
Lindsay and Brandon - Hey family and friends! We are doing very well and are already seeing Father do some awesome things. We miss you but are excited to be doing kingdom work. Keep pr-ing for us to show Father’s love to those who don’t know Him. Love you! Ps- mom, they have those purple plants here that you pull out of people’s yards! Haha, miss you and love you forever! Dad- miss you! I saw a golden puppy here! You would have loved it. Caris-miss you! Don't forget to keep adding to the list!