Day One: debrief with mom :)

A friend commented to me this sentiment last evening, and it has stuck in my head all day.  Absolutely amazing what a difference a year makes.  For both of us.  God has grown our faith and is allowing us both to TRUST Him to do what only He can.  I just got off the phone with Em.  We had only about 20 minutes to talk, the conversation was very staticy and interrupted by all of the loud bug sounds.  But, I could tell just by the sound of her voice that she is good.  She sounds excited and ready.  My goal is to capture her hearts view of the days as much as I can.

After landing in Dallas, she and Kyra waited just a short time till it was time for the shuttle to leave.  It is a 2 hour journey from Dallas to Garden Valley.  Once they arrived, they met their team leaders and other team members.  They then unpacked, spent some time swimming, and served dinner to the other missionaries.  She then joined all of the outgoing mission teams for worship.  She said that the only song that she knew was "Our God" by Chris Tomlin and she is anxious to learn more new songs.  God allowed her to reconnect with two of her teammates from last year, J.R. (who is staying in the same bunk house as she is) and Amy.  She also got to hear her representative Caleb, share his story over the last few weeks.  She has been praying for him.  He unexpectedly lost his father this spring and he does not yet have all of his money needed to go to Alaska.  He shared openly about both of those circumstances this evening and Emma commented on how brave he was to share like that.  I am praying that God allows her to be an encouragement to him.

She is anxious for bed.  For those who know Em well, you know that she is not your typical teen.  She needs her sleep and will do whatever it takes to get it, so that is a priority for her tonight.  Good for her, maybe her mama should learn the same lesson.

Good night everyone, and thanks again for praying.  Please continue to do so.  Especially that she would have opportunity to share the good news of our Savior and that she would be a part of real life beginning.

~Mom Brink for the Bunch