92 days until our first outreach for 2011

2011 is off to a very busy start.  It is hard to believe that February is more than 1/2 way over.  I was looking today and realized that we are only 92 days away from our first team arriving for outreaches in Mozambique.  It looks like the mission is going to have a full schedule from May 21st until August 12th.  So with only 92 days until outreaches we have to remain focused each day so that we can accomplish all that needs to happen to be ready to head in for the mission's outreach season.   I thought I would give you a quick look into what we have going on over the next few months. 

• Mark is in between his Seminary sessions right now and is trying to READ, write 3 papers, prepare 2 sermons, study Greek,  and prepare for a few exams. 

• Brit and Luke are both working very hard on their school and they are looking forward to a week long break in March.  I must admit I am too.

• We are also finishing up the last minute details on our "short-termer" program.  The mission has people come to serve each year for an extended time period of one month to one year.  We are busy finishing the application process, reference forms, and updating the information on the website.  We are excited about having several short-termers here to serve with us during this upcoming outreach season. 

• We are also on the hunt for a 4x4 vehicle, which is very time consuming for Mark.  We need to make sure that what we purchase will meet the needs of our family here in Polokwane, have plenty of space to purchase the supplies for the mission and it must be able to handle the ROUGH roads in Mozambique as well as crossing the river.  We thank the Lord for providing the money to purchase a vehicle and we are trusting Him to show us which vehicle is the right one for us. 

• The guys will go into Mozambique in March for the leadership training and to deliver the orphan food.

• Mark's sister is coming out for a quick visit in March.  We are excited to spend time with her and show her what our life is like here in South Africa. 

• The mission will also have its Annual Golf Day on March 19th.  We are looking forward to a fun day of golf, work (cooking) and fellowship.  The Lord has used this day for the past several years to provide funds for the general running of the mission.

• April is an exciting month for Brit ... she is turning 16! 

• The guys will also head back into Mozambique in the beginning of May for the last leadership training until after the outreaches are over.  We enjoy the time spent in Mozambique during outreach season as we get to serve with the local pastors in their communities. 

• May 6th finish the kids finish this school year and then on May 13th we pick up Mark's dad and uncle.  They are coming to help the mission with last minute preparations for the first team.  They are also going into Mozambique with us for the first outreach.  We are looking forward to them being here and serving with us. 

• We are going to start working on renewing our Visas - can't believe it has almost been 2 years.  

• We are also working on our schedule for when we are in the States visiting family, friends and speaking at churches about what the Lord is doing in and through Samaria Mission.  We have a few churches that have invited us to speak and we are looking forward to sharing.  If your church would like us to come share what the Lord is doing in and through Samaria Mission please let us know.  

Here are a few pictures of last months leadership training.