The Selfs in Guatemala:

We are back from our pre-field training! Our time at the Center for Intercultural Training (or CIT) was even more valuable than we could have ever imagined. We learned about learning a culture, how to deal with culture shock, how to learn a language more quickly, how to be a part of an effective team, interpersonal skills, and so much more. We even had a class on missionary kids and the unique trials that they go through. Going to Guatemala without this training would have been like jumping into water without knowing how to swim! We are so thankful that CAM knew what they were doing when they required us to do the training.

We are also so thankful for all of the people praying for us and supporting us financially so that we could get to this point! We have reached about 80% of our monthly support needed to depart for Guatemala. Our goal is to have 100% of our support in by this summer so that we can spend a few months getting our final preparations ready, and then go to Guatemala by October. At that time Grace will be about four months old and we should be well adjusted to our family’s newest edition by then.

Speaking of Grace, Hannah is due June 5th. We can not wait to meet our little girl! We aren’t sure how we will adapt to doing girly things after being used to all the boy things that Solomon brings. Solomon likes to talk to Grace, but we don’t think he knows that he will actually have a baby sister living in his home in about a month!

Thank you so much for sticking with us throughout this long process of support raising. We are beginning the home stretch before departure and could not have done it without your prayers and support. At times it has seemed to take so long, but looking back we can see that everything has happened at the right time. Our desire is to minister in Guatemala for many years to come, so this time doesn’t seem so long when we look at it that way. Please continue to pray that we will take every opportunity that God gives us to glorify Him while we prepare for our departure.