Each April our entire US staff unites in Washington state for a time of fellowship and learning. The trip consisted of three different events (with some time for visiting friends here and there). The first few days were spent with my department, the Venture Department. A couple of us hopped around Seattle and hit the hot spots on day one. Next we had a "Venture Fun Day" and went rock climbing. On a real rock! On a real mountain! How amazing. Yes, I may have been the tiniest bit scared, but not too much. Then we had a training retreat for all of the awesome people who have volunteered their summers to be in one of our countries hosting teams or interns. We stayed at a neat cabin in the woods where I may or may not have jumped in a really nasty duck pond for $15. (You would have done the same thing). Besides our most important training times, we went mini golfing and caught a Mariners Vs. Tigers game. Mariners won. I-CHI-RO!
After the Venture weekend came to a close, we headed to Seabeck for an all staff spiritual retreat. It's a blessing to be given time to be together and just enjoy each other- No talk of work, just plain community. I really had a chance to get to know people better.
We finished the week with our all staff conference. Chris Clark, the International President, shared the vision of COTN with us again, and offered encouragement with updates from all of the countries. Praise Jesus, we now have a Country Director in the Dominican Republic. All in all, a successful week. Stay tuned for more posts with encouraging children's stories.
