Previous GoTeam members were kind enough to make their beach house available to us, so we left the church parking lot at 7:15am and drove to Lincoln City, yakking all the way. 2007 Zambia traveler Kevin Cummings was our driver, and he got us there and back safely.
The team took time to discuss such issues as raising support (both prayer support and financial support), what to pack, how to share personal testimonies, and how not to be obnoxious travelers and guests. Team responsibilities were divvied up, so we now have a team treasurer, we have people focusing on picture & video taking, blogging, purchasing gifts for our hosts, organizing the sponsor visits, and so on. There is even a first aid keeper.
One team member could not be with us, Christopher Sheffield, due to a family commitment out-of-state. We called him on the phone to help him feel part of the group. He missed the gifts that were handed out: World Vision caps from Alan Shiffer, and a "devotional can" of saltwater taffy from our Send Team. They have provided an encouraging gift at each of our meetings, all custom designed and hand-packaged for our group. (Thanks, Melinda & Sheri!)
All of this took from about 9:30 until 5:30. Most of the time, the weather was lousy and wet, so we didn't mind pressing on. By the time we finished, though, the weather had cleared and the sun was gradually dropping toward the Pacific. We closed with an extended time of prayer and then hopped in the van and headed for Depoe Bay and a delicious seafood dinner at Tidal Raves.
As we returned, we knew that the time had been well spent.
The team is coming together. We will be ready to hit the ground
running when we land in Zambia.
