MTI TrainingThe first four weeks of November were spent at Missionary Training Institute in Monument, Colorado (pictured above).  We spent two weeks learning how to learn new languages.  We did phonetics drills, learned practical techniques, and had group language sessions with a language helper to practice our newly learned skills.  These two weeks were life-changing for me.  It was the first time in my life I truly felt successful at learning a spoken language other than English.  At the end of these two weeks, I went with a group of 10 people to hike the Incline in Colorado Springs (see above).  It’s over 2700 steep steps up a mountain and a 4.5 mile hike back down.  The whole time, the Lord was speaking to me about the similarities between learning a language and climbing a mountain.  Send me an email if you want to know what He taught me, because it’s too long to include here!  I’m actually excited to begin learning Thai/Khmer when I get back to Thailand, 10 hours/week.  

Our last two weeks at MTI focused on culture acquisition, conflict resolution, and self care on the field.  We did many simulations, some shown above.  Some of these lessons I learned the hard way when I moved to Thailand the first time, and some were new.  One of nights in Week 3 I got to help lead a youth worship night, making me miss my Youth Group in Bangkok, but also made me incredibly grateful to be with these wonderful kids during their transition time.  The map at the top shows all of the countries represented by the people in my class.  We are going to serve the Lord on every inhabited continent!  Overall, I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to come to training and meet these amazing people with the same heart to go to all the nations and share the Gospel.  It was truly a life changing experience.
Airfare Purchased!

Phnom Phen: January 21, 2020

Bangkok on January 26, 2020!
A new part of my weekly routine is taking time out to pray specifically for you.  As a part of my prayer and financial team, you are partnering with me to bring the Gospel to Thailand and Cambodia, and to help change the lives of hundreds of children.  I thank God for each of you by name, and pray for you each week.  I would love to know more about you and to know what your prayer requests are.  If you would like to tell me more about yourself and ways I can pray for you, please click the link below and fill out the Google Form.  
Survey
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
 Philippians 1:3-5
ThailandThe main event this November in Thailand was the annual Kicks for Hope fundraiser.  Hosted at ICS, kids come to compete in a 3-on-3 soccer tournament to raise money for Construction of Hope.  This year we raised over 80,000 baht ($2500+ USD).  Even though it was rescheduled, we had an amazing number of kids come out to participate in friendly competition.  I’m already excited to be there next year!
CambodiaIn Cambodia, the new school year is in full swing.  Our kids have been back in school for over a month and are learning a lot.  We are grateful for all of the local people who help them learn more about Jesus, and who tutor them in other areas.  This past week in Takeo, they took some time out to celebrate the birthday of one of their tutors with a surprise party!

Praise Report- Praise God for Kicks for Hope and the finances raised through the fun event.
– Praise God for learning and fun in Takeo.
– Praise God for new friends and the miraculous perspective shift He did in me through the 4 weeks of training at MTI. – Praise God for plane tickets and a departure date!


Prayer Requests- Pray for the annual Christmas shoeboxes that will be delivered in Bangkok this December, that God would continue to use them to reach new children and their parents for Christ.
– Pray for the Christmas with Lifesong fundraising event happening this December 6th (if you’re in the Milwaukee area you’re welcome to come!).  
– Pray for me to use my last few months in the U.S. well, focusing on spending time with family and friends as I prepare to head back to Thailand.