will we see animals? and other important questions

I had lunch today with Dennis Shierman, who is CBM's Western Canada Rep. He was in town and spoke at a missions night at our church Sunday night. That was informative in itself - hearing how global discipleship and integral mission are so important to them, and seeing other ways that CBM lives that out.

Things I learned (in no particular order):

*what to wear - as representatives of CBM and Carey, to be modest and conservative, and have skirts, especially for any formal stuff, or Sunday mornings, or if we're doing a presentation or anything like that. I guess I need to check my closet and see if there are any skirts in there!

*animals - because of the strictness against combining missions work and tourism (from the auditors point of view) we won't be "going on safari," but we will have opportunities while we're there to see giraffes, elephants, zebras and the rest. One place we'll be staying at has a balcony where you can sit for an early morning coffee and watch them going by. I am really looking forward to that.

*responsibilities - I had asked about our roles on CBM's behalf once we are back, and what they might expect of us, and the answer was nothing really. They are content to educate us, and let God do the work of changing us, our perceptions, and how we live and minister in light of what we've learned and experienced.

*observation / participation - we'll be doing some of both.

Our syllabus and itinerary are still to come, so I still have things to learn before I go, but talking to Dennis was a good chance to make a more direct connection with CBM. We talked about a lot more that - I'll let you know if I think of anything else to pass on.

ouch...

I went to the Travel Health Centre for the first time today, and came out with three puncture holes and various diseases running through my blood teaching me how not to get them later. That's how it works, right? I go back in a month for more shots and to get some malaria pills to take when I'm there, and I've got a few capsules in the fridge to take in the meantime for something else. The fun part is that it's all optional. Do I want the rabies vaccine, too?

Nine weeks from today. It's coming closer! Here's a bit more of what I know itinerary wise... We'll be in based in Nairobi (staying at a retreat centre) for our first week. The second week in Kenya Aaron and Erica Kenny will be taking us to Eastleigh and Northeastern Province for us to experience Somali culture and Muslim outreach ministry. "In Garissa, we have a wonderful connection with a school for vulnerable children being run by a group of Muslim women. We hope it will be a stimulating experience for you to be a part of intergal mission in a Muslim context. At present, we are preparing an opportunity for you to enter this community that should stretch you in the practical ways that we share the way for Jesus." That's from an email from the Kenny's, who we will be working with while we're there. I should say, they'll be working with us. I'm under no delusion that we are going to help or make a difference in any way - I hope we do, but I know we are going to be stretched and learn so much more. I hope that all the cultural differences make it easier to be completely open to see Jesus and learn, not tougher to filter it all.

I have read one of the texts - Missions in the Third Millennium. I am aware of changes in approaches to missions in only a limited way - I studied it in college, but have not had too much first hand knowledge or read many books on it since. I'm more aware of changes in how church is being done and approached, and some of those changes are similar to changes in how mission is being done. It was a couple of weeks ago now that I read this, but the primary impression that is still with me is that we are not doing enough. We think sending money to 'let the nationals do it' is enough, but there is a lot more too it than that. It's messy and complex - just like all of life... I'm finishing up another course, then I can get started on the next book for this.

One goal I have for myself is to learn my African geography... I love maps, but there are a lot of countries in Africa. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Maybe.

ha ha - joke's on me!

In some of the back and forth emails the question of our books came up, and we were told we would get our texts by the end of March. Yeah, our texts. The same ones I ordered in January and have already been reading. Who's the keener?? (here's me shaking my head...) Oh well, I've got two other classes on the go right now, so I'm having to be pretty strict with my homework, and what gets done and read when - I'm glad I got them early. After I get back, I'm going to try to remember to do only one course at a time!!