..San Jose..

Family adventures are the best. Last week I got to visit family, some that I haven't seen in at least 4 years or so. Here's a glimpse of the craziness of basically 2 days...

My new favorite little girl...my cousins daughter with her mom Naialie

Ava and great grandma

Grandma and IGrandpa and 2 of his 6 kids - my dad and aunt

Beautiful sister Rachel and aunt Gail

3 of the 6 Estopare kids

The crazy gang

Gorgeous cousin Morgan- congrats!!

..Seattle..

I had the privilege of spending the last 9 days in Seattle at the Foursquare Missions Training with the awesome FMI staff. It was a great time of teaching, connecting with other missionaries that are getting prepared to head out all over the world, make new friends and hearing from the Lord. Many, many hours of sitting in benches but so encouraging to hear the heart of the directors and leaders.

I can't tell you how much excitement I have from gathering a little bit more of the heart of God that I've grasped. His heart for people and His goodness is so incredible. The little bit that I'm starting to grab a hold of is so powerful. Without writing a whole book, I'll try to share a little bit from this week.

John 1:14 "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Jesus became flesh and humbled himself and went to the people to be able to reach them. The Son of Man came to see and save. He sought out the people who needed Him. Jesus is the example of giving up our lives; humbling ourselves and going to find the people who need Him. Our job in to become incarnate to the land that God has called us to, wherever that is to share the love and freedom of Christ.

Here are a few thoughts from the training:

• The diversity of the nations gives us the ability to hunger for something beyond ourselves. (J. Amstutz)
• We are desiring disciples of all nations, not converts in all countries. (J. Amstutz). We want to see true followers of the Christ increase not just the decision numbers rise.
  
• How do you know you have a peach tree? It makes peaches. How do you know you have a leader? It makes leaders. (J. Amstutz)
• What would you dream big to do for the Lord if you knew you couldn't fail? (S. Donegan) Vision big and go after it.
• I can't give away what I do not have. What is in my hand [life, heart] that I can give away? (S. Donegan)
• Missionaries go to where the people are, they don't want for people to come to them. (G. Cline)
• If you are called to be a missionary, don't stoop to be a king. (J. Loop) Whatever God has called you to is better than what may be seen as better in the flesh.
  

Now, my wonderful friend Jenna and I drove to Seattle together and you'd think that between the both of the and step by step mapquest directions, we could make it easily to our hotel. Of course not. We had to take the worse way possible ending up downtown Seattle during rush hour and right at Safeco field right as a Mariners game was about to start. Brilliant, right?

All48 of us trainees-can you spot me? :)

My amazing new friends Kathy, Krisnee and Jenna!

Me and Jenna