It is over . . . .

"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." 1 Corinthians 1:10

It has been an adventuresome week! Sunday, our region participated in a basketball tournament. We won but not without suffering some team injuries! You can see Travis nursing his battle wounds in the picture.

Did someone say Monopoly?! Our group LOVED Monopoly and Travis and Tim especially made it their goal to play minimum twice a weekened. Last Monday night was Monopoly night at the "party quad." Talk about sweet times of fellowship!

Tuesday night, some serious action occurred in a Wii tournament. Ryan and Gracie Lyn battled it out in a boxing match. But in the end, it was our little friend Gracie Lyn who was the champion!

Wednesday was the end. Our training time here at the ILC is now complete. Thursday was our commissioning service. Friends and family came to support us and now we are headed off to visit our loved ones before leaving for the field. I must say, I never expected it; but, Thursday was very bittersweet.

I was certain when we arrived at FPO that by the time our eight weeks were complete, we would be more than ready to leave. However, I found myself wishing that our time could continue in some ways. I will miss the shelter of this place and knowing that we are in the constant fellowship of believers. I will miss the daily dynamic teaching of God’s Word. I will miss watching Brother Elbert as he humbly lifts his hands in praise to the Lord. I will miss the camaraderie of the group as we prayed, laughed, cried, and praised our Lord all together with the unity of the body of Christ. However, I think most of all, I will miss the close relationships I have formed here with other brothers and sisters in Christ.

Here is a picture of our MAC ladies after commissioning looking very lovely in their dress clothes . . . and the gentlemen in their "James Bond" suits!

It was hard to say goodbye. Yet, the future is bright ahead. We know God has a plan for us to serve Him in Mexico City and these past eight weeks were just a step in the journey we are making. We thank all of you who give to the cooperative program to support this place where we receive such wonderful training and were able to build such wonderful relationships.

Please pray this week for all the newly commissioned "sent out ones." Ask that God would put a hedge of protection around us as we leave to serve Him around the Globe.