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!