Ping Pong + Karaoke = Brilliance

Nothing says goodbye like a game of ping pong karaoke. Yes, you heard that right. It's a game that requires skill at the table and a song in your heart. My suite mate came up with the genius idea and we're sure it's going to take off in Asia. Be on the look out for it to sweep the globe.

We learned how to be learners of language today. Since classes don't begin until October, we have the privilege of spending nearly a month as dedicated students of the Khmer language. Our instructor suggested 3 hours of tutoring every day for 4-5 weeks as a start. We'll be far from fluent, but we may be able to buy our own fruit and vegetables and maybe ask where the restroom is.

The entire group took a field trip to the organization's main office. We now can picture where all the support staff will be when we call on them for help, which will happen frequently. Again, they are amazing servants and it's an honor to work with them.

The luggage is packed into the SUVs and we're geared up to leave CSU at the crack of dawn. Ask the Father to keep us alert as we maneuver through the airports and change flights.

Ann of Green Gables

Our trip to Calvary Chapel Fort Collins this morning could have been a scene from Ann of Green Gables. The three of us looked like Ann and Diana walking, at times barefoot, in our Sunday attire between beds of flowers and through streams of sprinkler run-off. After hearing a sound word about having a humble heart, the Calvary family invited us to join them for coffee and treats.

Today was a big day. Many travelers know the angst of keeping their luggage under an airlines weight requirement. However, not all know the gravity of needing to be under the limit when you've already reduced your material life down to two suitcases. The unspoken question in everyone's mind is, "What would I get rid of next?" You may be relieved to hear that my heaviest bag weighed in at a measly 47lbs, which is three pounds shy of the 50lb limit. I'm such a lightweight :)

During the evening I drove out to Boulder with Jennifer to take care of some last minute things. We toasted our glasses during our last great American meal - hamburgers and french fries. I should not neglect to tell you we also had a foot high tower of onion rings. Regrettably, neither one of us had a camera.

Old Town

What a blessed day talking about the Son and the example he set for us in relationships! We also practiced telling stories, like of the boy who left his family then returned to the open and loving arms of his father and of the woman who learned there was a way to satisfy her thirst forever. Our task was to consider how these stories exemplify honor and shame. Shamefully, we didn't remember the details of the stories the way we thought we should :)

There was a lot of talk today about learning the Khmer language. We are humble and excited about the task ahead of us. Jennifer told Bekah how to pronounce "Phnom Penh," the city we'll live in, like they do in Cambodia and we laughed at our insufficiency to do even that well. Oh, how we're thankful for His grace. It's encouraging to know there may be time to begin language tutoring before teaching begins.

A few of us took the mile or so hike down to Old Town, the bustling area of Fort Collins with its many shops, restaurants, and street performers. A man impressed us as he juggled large knives around his back and between his legs. Joe, a fellow teacher, picked up a favorite book and read us a story as we walked back to the dorms. It painted a beautifully humorous picture of the challenges faced in an English language class.

And did I mention we indulged in some Cold Stone ice cream? It served as the true reason we broke routine tonight and got out a little. We figured we won't get much in Asia.

Below you'll see that sessions are becoming a little more casual.

Before I head out to the dance party...

As I basked in the glory of a great time of corporate singing, up to the front of the stage steps a staff member to talk about transitioning. And how does she begin? By saying, "This is the crying session." I thought, "Oh boy..." Sure enough, the tears fell as she told her stories of saying goodbye, indirectly inviting us to remember our own goodbyes only days ago. For the love of doughnuts...

It was a helpful session.

The organization commissioned us tonight, sending us away encouraged by the Father's strength and their support. It was a very sweet time. The refreshment spread was stinkin awesome. Way to go, CSU!

Now we're having a dorm dance party. Gordon's leading the way!

MJ or Kobe?

Definitely MJ. At least that was the consensus among us teachers that have a love for the game of basketball. A handful of us went out to the courts and played a pick up game with some CSU students. Our chests throbbed and we blamed it on the elevation (we blame everything on the elevation). We're thankful for a chance to do more than our daily routine of eat, sit, eat, sit, eat, then sleep, even if the sitting includes some solid learning.

The excitement over teaching is stirring within me more than the busyness of the past year's schedule had allowed. Ideas for class activities are swimming through my mind like they used to when I looked forward to camp. As someone said today, this is it. This is what we were created for. We have an overwhelming opportunity to be a light in dark places within the classroom, the community, and the local Body. We are so pumped!

The last picture is of some things often found close by me this week :)

Doors

As we gathered this morning we sang "Mighty to Save." It was wonderful to proclaim together that our King is mighty to save as we anticipate Him doing that very thing in the coming year.

We heard a word from a local this morning about opened and closed doors. He reminded us that it is the Father that opens doors for His work and no one can shut them but Him. My friends, ask that he opens many doors in Cambodia this year and thank Him that the one He has opened for me to go will only be closed by Him. I'm ready to walk through.

Bekah and I strolled through the CSU library today since she's a former librarian and I a lover of all libraries. I did mention that the libraries at UF and Auburn are spectacular and I don't believe CSU's can quite compare :) We found a huge world globe and, naturally, found Cambodia and our home states. It was so big that I had to stretch out my arms completely to touch FL and Cambodia at the same time (I was hugging half the globe). It's gonna be a long flight...

The group shot is of all the teachers traveling to southeast Asia, including Cambodia (woot!), Laos, and, if I remember correctly, Thailand.

First Day of Training

The beauty of the mountains is equally matched by the hearts of the staff. They are phenomenal servants and set such a great example of how we ought to serve our students and co-workers when we arrive in country.

We were challenged by the president today to examine our hearts, just as the Son asked Peter to examine his when he asked, "Do you love me?" At others times when Peter told the Son he loved him, Peter offered something to prove it, like a sword or a claim to never fall away or a reminder that he had left everything behind. This time, his hands were empty. The president reminded us, "The Father wants to know what's in your heart, not your hands."

I picked up a frisbee today and gave a couple teachers some tips on how to throw it. They said they were no good, but I don't believe them :) I can't wait to throw it around with my students. I'd love to open a door for community through sports when I get there. Please lift that up to the Father for me.

The pictures below are of the room we meet in every day and my seat neighbors. The two women are my teammates, Jennifer (L) and Bekah (R). The couple are some new friends that will teach in China.

Made it to Colorado

I arrived in Colorado early this morning. I've moved into a dorm room at Colorado State University and I'll be here until I leave for Vietnam on August 3. This week will consist of administrative business, discussions on developing positive cultural relations, and focusing spiritually.

All the new teachers arrived with me today, including my two new teammates, Bekah and Jennifer. Ask the Father to unite all of the new teachers in love and one purpose.

After a pretty rad send-off party yesterday and some late night getting-last-things-in-my-bags, I'm feeling exhaustion setting in. Sleep will come easy tonight :)