Springfield

fireflies cut small holes in the fabric of night

while children dance in pure delight

During our Pre-Field Orientation in Springfield, MO, the kids got to experience many fascinating new things—fireflies being a small part.  One of the most exciting aspects of the mindset of Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM) has been their insistence on the inclusion of the entire family in missions work.  Early on it was said, "These are not missionary's kids.  These are missionary kids."  Ethan and Ella were whisked off each day to new activities and lessons which were not only tons of fun but purposed to prepare them for their part in the Great Commission.  

Food ministry was an activity during one of their days.  Ethan tried crawdads, frog legs (which he remarked, "tastes like chicken"), and Pepsi mixed with milk.  Ella experienced hummus and guacamole among other foods of unique consistency.  The emphasis on this day was to eat, with gratitude, whatever was presented.  

Most of their teachers were young men and women who are currently serving or have served with their families in a foreign country.  I did not meet an individual who was not passionate about what they were doing and passionate about our kids.  It was our experience that for each kid there were three to four young men/ women pouring into them at any given moment.  

The PFO is a two week deal.  Merissa and I had our reservations at first about how our kids would handle being in a strange new place with new people for such an extended period of time.  Of course our fears and worries were unwarranted as they did much better than Mer and me!  Kids rock when it comes to being flexible and adapting!  By the way, Merissa and I did fine(ish), too.  We may have griped a bit about sleeping in a dormitory and eating at the campus cafeteria with no hope of escaping to eat a meal with fewer than 1,000,000 grams of sodium per 1/2cup serving.  Yes, trivial. I know.  I'm a work in progress. 

Each day the kids would learn more about where others in their age group would be serving.  At the end of the two weeks, both Ethan and Ella had a collection of prayer cards for missionaries serving in all areas of the globe.  They love to sift through these cards nightly and pray for their new friends.  

Just as fireflies illuminate their little spot in the darkness, so now our kids are equipped to shine their light in the nations.