Classes have begun! Well, to paint a more accurate picture, modules have begun. The Missionary Training Center (MTC) has different length modules that happen during the semester instead of classes that run all semester long. This way topics can be covered thoroughly but without "scratching us raw where we don't itch". Right now all the first semester students (CP1s- see I was serious about how many acronyms there are) any way, our modules this week are Foundational Bible Teaching (about teaching the chronologically Bible from Creation to Christ), Big Picture (how NTM works/functions with the local church, at home overseas and in church planting), Worldview Analysis (studying how people came to think the way they think about the world around them), and History of NTM (which is exactly what sounds like). In the afternoon there is an extra class for the 10-12 of us who didn't come from a New Tribes Bible Institute - Biblical Hermeneutics- just to make sure we're all on the same doctrinal page- avoids lots of conflict while you're trying to teach the Gospel together later.

It is funny how its the little things, both good and bad that make a lot of difference. The things that bug are little: showers not being in the house, sitting for 6+ hours a day. And the things that encourage tend to be little too: finding an awesome place in the woods to talk to to God, having a campfire with some friends and getting creamed in Settlers of Catan (or Dutch Blitz or whatever else we're playing :), its the song that pops into my head, or having rainboots to wear through the unbelievable ammount of mud that happens here when it rains.

And it is so, SO encouraging to know you all are praying! I appreciate it so much! you guys are amazing and I am so thankful for you!