Monday, November 15, 2010

Fun in College Station

Last week I traveled down to College Station, TX, to visit with my Crusade director Doug, his son Michael and 5 Slovak staff members. Every November one of the churches in the area puts together a week-long missions conference. This year's focus was missions in Europe, so Doug brought some of the Slovak staff. I had the privilege of spending 2 days with them. 

I drove down on Tuesday and had a nice dinner with Doug and Michael. We went to Freebirds (of course). It was only my second time to have Freebirds, but I gotta say I'm more of a Chipotle kind of gal. I just can't get over the hot sauce at Chipotle. Yummm....

At the missions night for the college students, there were over 40 missions organizations presenting opportunities for the summer as well as short-term trips. Doug and the Slovaks had a table looking for volunteers for English camp next summer. The trip is 4 weeks long and consists of 2 camps. Next year it will be in eastern Slovakia. I'm excited that I get to help with an English camp again! During the night there were times for the students to attend 2 breakout sessions about the culture of and ministry in all the continents. Doug led the session about Eastern Europe. He spoke about the area being post-Christian and how to minister to the people. It was good for me to hear, too. I am still learning about everything myself. Every time I hear about Slovakia, I get so excited and anxious to get back over there. I just know that God has a place for me there. We also attended their regular meeting time. The worship was good and the speaker was great. Afshin Ziafat was the special guest for the night. He spoke on the story of Jonah and running from God's calling on your life.

The moment I met the staff we clicked. It was so nice to hang out with some Slovaks again and even just to sit and listen to them speaking in Slovak. Wednesday I tagged along with the girls. We went to a couple Bible studies and spent the day with people in the church. We enjoyed some local fare (Coco Loco for lunch and Blue Baker for dinner) and relaxed at the home where the boys were staying.

Overall, it was such a wonderful trip. It was so encouraging to hear everyone's excitement over my coming to Slovakia. The trip was supposed to be a time of refreshing and encouragement, and it was even beyond that! The staff and even some of the church members commented on how much Doug needs an assistant. They were so happy to know that I would be coming to help organize the ministry. I was thrilled to know that I was still needed! After taking so long to raise support, you begin to wonder if this is what you're supposed to be doing. After visiting with Doug and the staff, I have no doubt that God still wants me Slovakia in January.