THE AMAZING TREK

Well yesterday, to say the least, was a day of unique team bonding. Based off of the TV show amazing race, TREK created a one day race that teams compete against one another in various challenges. We were told that we would start between 4-6am with no wake up call, so we had to be ready to go. The teams were told to have a towel, a Bible, flashlights and water bottles...and of course dress for the weather.

So after a good 3 hour sleep, I was ready to go in the great room at 3:30am, my early attitude landed me a nice comfortable couch to rest on for the next 2.5hrs. Then we were off at 6:00, we did gps tracking under the power lines in Downes Bowl, then back to the Mark Centre for breakfast. This breakfast filled my stomach with 3.5 balut eggs(a fertilized duck egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell), spam, corned beef, seaweed and chili pepper just to name a few...a good hearty breakfast. Then we ran around as a team all over Abbotsford having to complete memorizing challenges, running challenges, "team knowledge" tests, Biblical knowledge quizes, build a fire with striker and flint. It was a day that tested each teams unity and stress levels.

Our team won the actual race but that did not matter much to us, the biggest thing is that we finished it TOGETHER. We represent a variety of strengths that worked surprisingly great together and we all contributed at an equal level in the areas that we succeeded in personally. It tested my stress level and my ability to be a good and strong teammate that kept the spirits of our team up with encouragement and determination. It showed me just how God saw all of our gifts and put us together to work with one another in harmony. Out on assignment there are going to be many challenges and this race is to show us a little glimpse of somethings to expect when we are in the Ukraine.

PRAYER: team unity, for the people in Ukraine and missionaries John and Ev Wiens, finances for me going out on assignment, for me to have an ear listening to God
Blessings,
Mitch

Team Verse: Isaiah 58:8-9a
⁸ Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
   and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
   the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
⁹ Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
   you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’