Day Two

My time with Pastor Barnes was well spent. He asked good questions and we had probing conversations. One of his greatest concerns seemed to be how the rest of the family felt about missions, and how well we would adjust to a new culture and language. Family harmony and adjustment to the culture and language are to keys to a missionary family having a successful first term on the field. They are also two areas that can shipwreck a missionary career. We talked at length about the direction of the work in the check and the plans for the future, and we learned more about each other.

Now we are going to both take a little time to pray and little it stew in a us a little. I'll also need to check in with the Missions Mobilization staff to determine if there is anything precluding us from moving forward.

So, it is all progressing slowly and methodically. I keep wishing that I would have an Epiphany or extreme burden for Czech Republic. I have a burden for those who are without Jesus Christ. The ABWE work in the Czech Republic fits my ideals and values for where to minister and the style of team.

Right now I don't have any emotional thing happening. It could be because I finally got home at about midnight last night and was up at 6am this morning without any transition time. I feel awake, but also slightly devoid of emotion.

I imagine that's why it's best to sit on it for a few days. Talk it over with Marge and the kids, and above all, pray.

Adam

Newark "Fact Finding" Trip Day I - AM

I can't believe I'm not napping. It's nearly 9am and I've been up since 3am.

I'm on this new diet (no gluten, dairy, or vinegar), it makes for boring food, but I feel great. Alert and I can focus better. So, while I was up at 3 am, I'm still awake and alert. It's a blessing.

I got myself packed and organized yesterday. I'm very methodical about how I travel. I've streamlined as much as I can. I have a rather small suitcase. It is actually small enough for the overhead bin of most planes. The down side is that if I throw in exercise clothes and clothing in which to sleep, then I've taken up most of the suitcase already. This won't be as much of a problem during warm weather, but during cold I always pack a couple of layers. This still works well for an overnight trip as I only bring one pair of pants, one sweater (wearing them - I guess that's a good thing) and two other turtle necks (and other things obviously).

My laptop case is crammed, I always bring a number of magazines or documents that I haven't gotten to and figure hours sitting on a plane or in an airport is a perfect time to read and then toss them. I also always bring at least one fiction book, and one non-fiction. Then I have to have my Bible, notebook and journal. Until the library has a full supply of downloadable books that I can read on my handheld, then I can't slim down much there.

For my birthday, Marge bought me a new King James translation Bible. I picked a super-slimline so that it more easily fits in my laptop bag. I also bought a three ring binder that is about the same width. Now I can take notes as I read and think, and then can organize the notes for later use. So often if I journal my thoughts on Bible passages they just get buried in a stack of journals. This way I can take the notebook with me and also have a notebook with organized notes. I'm looking forward to being able to revisit the notes, not have to start over, and benefit of previous thoughts and idea.

When the alarm went up at 3am, I was up in an instant and we were on the road by 3:45am.

We drove up Interstate 131 toward Grand Rapids in mostly clear conditions. It's amazing how often Michigan doesn't plow their roads. Once we crossed into Allegan county visibility dropped down to about 50 feet and the roads became fairly treacherous. We had the road to ourselves for most of the way, so I just drove straight up the center. As we got toward Grand Rapids, the sky cleared up completely.

It's always pleasant to travel with Marge. Once at the airport we sat at Starbucks for a coffee, and I got in the security check-in line. I'm flying Delta this weekend as it was the best price. It's been good so far. I've tried to stick with Northwestern because I like their Detroit hub, but with booking travel only a week prior, the prices were fairly steep all around. Delta was the only carrier that got me in the price range for which I was hoping.

I flew out of Gerald R. Ford in Grand Rapids at 6:30am and now on three hour layover in Cincinnati. I'll read and work and walk around. When I was growing up, my dad was a United Airlines pilot. We took a major trip at least once a year, and I got used to long layovers, so this is no big deal.

Had a blessed time of prayer and study 0n the plane although I never made it past verse one of chapter one in I Corinthians. I know that I should be missing getting to go to church, but I'm digging the adventure of this trip and the time to sit quietly, think, study, meditate. I'm not sure how I'll be traveling with other people, I'm so used to traveling alone, and not talking for long hours. I do miss Marge and the children. I don't enjoy being away from them. I know I'll adjust to travelling together.

I appreciate the generosity and support that have already been shown to my family. The kindness and generosity of God's people has already paid for this trip from what I understand. It is humbling to be so supported and cared for.

Thank you all, and thanks be to God for privileging my family and me in this way. What an honor it is to serve the Lord.

Adam