IJM Training Week

After what felt like forever (mostly because I had been sitting in an airport for about 10 hours), I arrived in DC for IJM's training week. My original flight had me landing in DC Sunday evening, flying from LA to Dallas to DC. As I was about to board the flight from LA to Dallas, I got a call from American Airlines telling me that my flight from Dallas to DC had been cancelled and the next available flight wasn't until Monday night. Not good. Long story short, I arrived in DC at 630 am Monday morning after being shuttled from one airport to another, waiting for 10 hours, and a redeye flight (that I couldn't sleep on). I changed at the airport and took a cab straight to training, luggage and all. While I was a little sleeping that day, I was so thankful to be there! God totally provided.

The IJM training itself was absolutely incredible. The entire first day was committed to discussing the Biblical foundation for the work that we do. Understanding the motivation for why we seek justice on behalf of the poor and oppressed is critical. I was continually blow away by IJM staff's humility and total dependence on God for everything they do. As far as my own emotions go, I felt like I was swing back and forth this emotional pendulum throughout the week. On one side was excitement and inspiration and on the other side was anxiety and anticipation! But the more that I learned, the more excited I became to go to Cebu, meet the team, and engage in the fight for justice. I was also so encouraged and inspired by everyone in my training class. It was so neat to hear everyone's stories about how God called them to the work of justice and brought them to IJM. I can't wait to hear about how God uses them in DC and throughout the world.

As for me, I am currently writing the from an airport in DC while I wait for my flight home. I was supposed to leave at 7am, but when I went to check in, I was informed that when they re-routed me earlier in the week, they cancelled my return flight. It would have been nice to know that... I don't know... Maybe before I showed up to the airport to come home. And of course, the intended connecting flight from Dallas to LA was now full. As I was about to burst into tears from frustration, God provided again. They were able to book me on a later flight so I only arrive a few hours later when scheduled. When tonight is the last night you get to spend with your family for a year, every hour is precious.

Please be praying for me over the next few days as I leave for Cebu Sunday morning and begin work immediately. Pray that my health remains strong, that there are no transportation complications, and that I am mentally alert as I receive training.

This will probably be my last post from the US. Next up... Cebu!!!