As we wrap up the weekend and gear up for the last week ahead of our SPLICE program we wish to recap the past week. We learned about the different styles of conflict resolution and how each one us can be classified into one of the following groups: Sharks, Turtles, Foxes, Teddy Bears, and Owls. Greg is first a Turtle and his secondary is a Shark. Marcella is a first an Owl followed by a Fox as her secondary.

We also learned about Stress Management and discovered how we each deal with stress. We went through a simulation involving: hostage taking, sirens, bombs, and mock executions.

We also learned the importance of keeping the Sabbath rest, especially while on the mission field. Even Jesus set aside moments to be alone and rest, and so should we.

We also learned about the different stages of transition to the mission field. We first begin feeling SETTLED at home as we raised support. Then, we leave home and feel UNSETTLED. We will then likely face some CHAOS on the field, but know that God will get us through it and will transition to a sense of UNSETTLED once again before finally getting SETTLED in our new home and lifestyle in Albania.

Lastly, we learned more about stress and pinpointed what our stressors are in life, how to gauge these stresses, and what helps us  relieve stress. Stressors and relief is different for everyone. For relief Greg likes a good book while Marcella likes a good bit of chocolate!

Our family got away from MTI this weekend and spent our Saturday visiting the Royal Gorge Bridge. What a magnificent sight. The bridge showed the wonders of man's design, but it was overshadowed by God's creation all around us. On Sunday, we took a short hike up into the low hills of the area and enjoyed a family devotional, reading of Scripture, prayer time, and reflection. This was followed by lunch and a Sunday nap. We feel refreshed and rejuvenated and look forward to the week ahead.

Today we had quite a surprise as we learned about how we each handle ourselves while under stress. Early this morning we were divided into two groups and taken to a secluded room and placed into a mock 7' x 4' prison cell with no light and and no view to the outside world. There were roughly 14 of us stuffed into this tiny cell, with simulated sounds of gunshots, bombs, sirens, and planes flying overhead all around us. There was smoke, flashes of light, and loud bangs just outside our cell. As a group, we had to figure out how best to handle the situation. Do we comply? Do we resist? Do we make every effort to escape? Or, do we stay in the cell and hope to survive? An anonymous source informed us that a rescue plane had landed and we were to choose five individuals to be released. Collectively, we all agreed to release four mothers first, along with Greg to protect and escort the ladies out to the plane. Suddenly and unexpectedly a gunman showed up at our cell door, tied up Marcella, and executed several other individuals; after which the simulation was finished and we were all released to our family and loved ones. Thankfully, the two of us survived.

The purpose of the simulation was not to figure things out or what to do, but how we each saw ourselves react to a hostile and dangerous situation. Ironically, both Greg and Marcella took an evasive action, prodding our group to resist and attempt to escape. However, most people were reluctant to do this and remained compliant and fearful to move out. How would you react in a situation in which you were taken from your home, placed in a prison cell with other hostages? These, and so many more questions were asked of ourselves.

Ultimately, the most important factor is to rely on God, for He is sovereign and in control over all circumstances.

For the past two days we have been learning about conflict resolution in the context of cross-cultural ministry. Conflict resolution styles can typically be categorized into four different animals. The assertive, factual, and direct style are called Sharks. Those that tend to avoid conflict and dislike dischord are Turtles. Those that work towards a mutual compromise, valuing both resolution and relationship are called Foxes. Lastly, those that try to please everyone in order to salvage the relationship are called Teddy Bears. Which one are you? Through self-assessment tests we each discovered our style of conflict resolution outside of the family unit. Greg is a Turtle and Marcella is a Fox. Greg always thought Marcella was foxy! Tomorrow we learn about spiritual vitality amongst adversity, for which we are certain we will face at some point while on the mission field.

One week at SPLICE has come to an end. It contained a mixed series of spiritual renewal, self awareness, cultural insight, community environment, and exhaustion. Although we are tired, we are very joyful about the information that was provided. Just when you think you know enough about cross-cultural ministry, WHAM! God whacks you upside the head and shows us we know very little. We are grateful for this. We spent the week getting to know other members of our community, each from various missions agencies, denominations, and backgrounds. We spent time learning about crossing over to a cross cultural environment and how to deal with the different nuances, behaviors, and mannerisms of other cultures. Better yet, how will we react to them? How will we deal with the unfamiliar? A lot of honest questions were asked and explored. One of many things that we learned about is paradox (Pair of Ducks). Our whole family has learned that “Yay ducks” and “Yuck ducks” can live together in our hearts.  It’s expected for us to have both excitement and sadness when we think of our move to Albania.  My “Yay ducks” are the excitement we feel when we think about all God has done to prepare us for this, the friends that await us in Albania, the opportunities for our family….  The “Yuck ducks” are the saying good-byes to families, leaving our church, home and schools, the wondering how long it will take to adapt to the new culture…  It has been such a blessing to be among 40 other people who are here, feeling the same paradox.
When we come down to it, ultimately, it all comes down to one thing: "God help us!" We can't do this alone.

Today, we look forward to spending some time alone as a family, but also some time with the folks of our community. It's unavoidable, these fine men and women for whom God has called are all around us in this wonderful community. We plan to go on a hike to Garden of the Gods today, or we prefer to call it, God's Garden since there is only one God. For which we close this entry out with a loud proclamation of His glory. Thank you God for loving us, for your sovereignty in all matters of life, but most of all, for your Son, Jesus!

Today was our first "official" day of missions training here in Palmer Lake. Although, our orientation did not actually begin until 4pm. Therefore, we had a lot of free time to spend together as a family today. We went into town and visited the Focus on the Family ministry headquarters. A bit opulent for our taste, nevertheless, it was a fun place for our family to hang out and spend some time together. They had a neat play area for the kids and an amazing bookstore. Coleman bought a new Christian book series fashioned after the same genre of the Rick Riordan book series. So, he is looking forward to reading them. Morgan found herself some Chronicles of Narnia books and Drayton found some picture-story books for himself. After running a few errands we made our way back to MTI, had our orientation, and then ate dinner. All and all it was a fantastic day and we look forward to what the week will have in store for us.

We made it to Colorado Springs today around 3:30pm and were greeted by several people staying here at MTI through the weekend. Technically, we are staying at Palmer Lake, just a few miles north of Colorado Springs. Our car ride here was uneventful. Not much between Amarillo and the Colorado border. Pretty much flat terrain in the Texas panhandle. When you get to northern New Mexico you begin to see larger hills and mesas. Finally, upon reaching Colorado driving north on I-25 you see the plains on the right and the Rockies on the left. What an awesome spectacle of God's creation driving through this part of the U.S.

We stopped for lunch in a small town in northern New Mexico. I was corrected by a good friend of mine that it's not Rotan, but Raton, NM (thank John). We spent the rest of the evening unloading and unpacking five suitcases. The kids were amazed by the snow on the ground and spent some time outside before sundown playing outside and throwing snowballs at each other. We then had dinner at Rosie's Diner in town. We spent some time together as a family in prayer, thanking God for His provision in getting us here safely and raising up the funds for us to be here. We ended by asking Him for a fruitful and productive 5-weeks at this training center  to become better equipped as missionaries to Albania.

We're beat. A bit tired. And ready for a good night's rest. Thanks for your continued prayer and support.

Today we embarked upon our 2-day journey to Colorado Springs, CO. Colorado Springs is where Missions Training International (MTI) is located and where we will be spending the next 5-weeks of our lives learning about ways to transition into a foreign culture and equip us to learn a second language.

We left Grammy's house in Ft. Worth at 11am and arrived in Amarillo around 5pm. On our way, we stopped at the Cadillac Ranch just west of Amarillo. Cadillac Ranch is a landmark in which a handful of old Cadillacs are nestled together in an upright position and which people can freely spray paint their own work of art upon them. We then proceeded on to our motel just off I-40. Once we checked in, we decided we must have dinner at the world famous "Big Texan Steak Ranch" on the east side of Amarillo. We were picked up (at no charge) by a Texas-style limo complete with Texas longhorns adorning the hood. The food was delicious, the environment was fun, and the entertainment was outstanding. And, none of us dared to eat a 72-ounce steak.

It's now after 10pm. Marcella just returned from taking the two younger kids to the indoor swimming pool while Coleman and Greg stayed in the room catching up on emails and Facebook. Now, all the kids are tucked into bed and Greg and Marcella are winding down for the night. We leave tomorrow morning for the last leg of our journey towards Colorado Springs. We drive up the Texas panhandle, touch the northeastern corner of New Mexico, and then on to I-25 in Colorado.

Please pray for safe travels. Many thanks to everyone who continues to ride along with us on this journey.