TeachBeyond Orientation

We gathered on the campus of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois (just outside Chicago).  There were about 80 missionary candidates preparing to serve with TeachBeyond all across the globe - Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. 

I specifically want my partners who have made a one-time gift or monthly pledge to know that TeachBeyond is an upstanding agency.  They have 475 members serving in 47 countries. They know what they are doing and provided us new members with so much! This video is less than 2 minutes and shares more about their ministry.  I am so thankful to be a part of TeachBeyond! 

It was wonderful to meet and talk with other people that are on a similar journey. They grouped us with others who will be serving in the same part of the world, so my group was Eastern Europe.  There were people from all over the US and Canada, from all walks of life. Many people have teaching experience but some have been working in other fields. Some are just barely out of college!  All ages and stages were represented: singles, young married couples, families with kids of all ages, and empty nester couples. 

My roommate, Zoe, will be serving at ICSB in the fall as well and I was so happy to connect with her. I could definitely write an entire blog post just about Zoe!  We went from strangers to friends very quickly and had the best time together. Living the dorm/dining hall life, we definitely felt like we were back in college and had a blast goofing off together. We even had the brilliant idea to create a lip sync video (A Whole New World from Aladdin - what else?!)  :) 

We also had the chance to meet two new friends who will be at ICSB, Alina and Anna.  The four of us spent a lot of time and many meals together.  I am so grateful for the chance to get to know them before we all arrive in Budapest!

We started each day with worship and a devotional from a TeachBeyond staff member.  Most of them have served as missionaries themselves so it was wonderful to hear their stories and perspectives.  The TeachBeyond staff led most of our sessions as well.  Just like any challenge or transition you go through in life - the people you gain the most wisdom from are those who "get it" beacuse they have been there and gone through it.  Every day we had sessions on multiple topics.  If it looks overwhelming...it was! :) 

The Organization Structure of TeachBeyond               

Reflections on Calling

Personality’s Impact on Service                              

Cultural Adaptation

Personal Safety                                                         

Country-specific breakout sessions

Faith Integration                                                       

Ministry Partnership

Finance/Insurance/Retirement                              

Third culture kids/Missionary kids

The Transformational Christian Educator             

Cultural Implications in the Classroom

Outreach and Discipleship through Mentoring     

Spiritual Preparedness

Language Learners in the Mainstream Classroom 

Transition Training

On Wednesday we had some free time in the afternoon, so Zoe and I ventured out to the Wheaton’s Main Street area.  We browsed in some shops and enjoyed ice cream at Kilwin’s.  I ordered Traverse City Cherry in honor of my great-aunt Helen (no joke, y'all – she has a cherry farm in Traverse City, Michigan!) :) It was delicious! 

My favorite moment of the entire week came at our dedication service on the last day.  Each name and country of service was called individually, and we all stood.  At the end we took communion and were prayed for specifically by our mission coaches.  

We sang the song “In Christ Alone” which often makes me cry anyway but definitely had me emotional at the end of the week. If you don't know it, my favorite version on YouTube is by Christina Grimmie (who I absolutely loved on The Voice. I am so sad about her unexpected death just a few days ago).  The song is very powerful and each time I hear it, I can’t help but think of singing it at several memorial services I have attended in the past few years.  The presence of the Holy Spirit was incredibly strong with so many voices raised to heaven singing the final verse:

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Til He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

It seemed that every missionary in the room was singing these words with all of their hearts.  I have seen in my life that the power of Christ is stronger than anything this world can offer and that nothing separates us from His love.  Choosing to serve God in this new way is full of uncertainty but this song describes the truths we stand on.  

I flew home to Houston last Saturday with a heart full of gratitude for such an uplifting week!  It was overwhelming at times but I have the next 7 weeks to soak it all in and prepare for my departure on August 12th!  

Thank you for reading my blog and caring about my life!  I am so honored by your love, support and prayers!