Houghton houses....

Since we had sunshine today after a few days of rain, I went out at lunch and got some pictures of the College Flats apartment building we are staying in and the cute houses.

Today we learned all about building a RAFT in order to leave and enter well.
R - reconciliation: we need to make sure we have settled accounts with anyone who may need to be forgiven or to forgive us
A - affirmation: we need tell people the positive ways they have impacted us while we have known them
F - farewells: we need to make sure we say solid good byes to people, places, activities and possessions
T - think destination: we need to have a clear list of expectations of where we are headed based on reality and not our hopeful perceptions

We also played an interesting group game. Out of the 25 tables, Tim's table was the last one to complete the project. Actually they never did complete it because one individual had done something wrong in the logic puzzle but was unaware of the mistake. No verbal communication or gestures were allowed. Others in the group knew of the mistake but couldn't right it. Tim was left to try to solve the logic puzzle on his own when others gave up and could have easily if he had the right information. The pressure was also on as all the rest of us, about 100 people, moved in around the table to watch. It was an interesting exercise in watching what is going on around us and contributing to the group without using words.

Over the last few days, we have been so thankful that we are headed to Dalat. Several of the families here have to raise their support and so far, most are only at 70-80%. So they don't know when they are going overseas, they have to keep making presentations asking for funds and they are not sure when they can come home. I wouldn't want to be in that position and am thankful that, even though its only a living allowance, Dalat pays its staff and flies them home every two years. For anyone considering overseas ministry, this is definitely something to consider before signing on with any organization.

We are exhausted today. I even thought of drinking coffee at one point just to stay awake during the afternoon session - UGH!!! I ate chocolate instead! :) I think the early mornings and the high humidity are wearing us out so we are all headed to bed at a decent time tonight. And by the way, it's raining out again....

We met a girl from Leader, Sask, here today. She's been at Houghton for the past four years getting her B.Ed. and is now heading to China to teach. It was good to connect with someone from our part of the world and someone who is also cheering for the Riders!

The laundry is almost done so I'll finish for today. Check back tomorrow to see what we learn in our dorm parenting class and in watching "Dead Poet's Society".