Day 1 - arrived late afternoon today (4/18) but had time to do some pr walking and attempted to connect with some key personnel for this region. Unfortunately, our attempts failed for this meeting but will attempt another day. Now after a long trip, we hope to get some rest for the next steps in our journey.
Day 2 - a necessary part of our schedule must be sightseeing excursions so our morning included a very important museum, a prison with a long and memorable history, and a significant university.
The afternoon was spent in preparation for our evening coffee house meeting with university students. It seems as if the enemy continues to present obstacles as we have just found out that this weekend is an important holiday and students are out of school and offices are closed as well.
Day 3- last evening was one of those moments when you wonder if you listened and followed the will of God. The day was filled with one student after another notifying us that they would be unable to attend the coffee house talk.
Several continued saying they would attend but we spent the evening with one of our M's and two shop workers.
Not always sure how the Father is working but we know, of course, He is always at work. We have to trust in His sovereignty and make ourselves available for our small part. Perhaps our mission was to encourage the M and these two student workers.
Day 4 - many of the students who cancelled on Friday evening indicated they would be attending the Saturday coffee talk. It was still the holiday weekend so we were not sure how many would show up.
During the day, we had one-on-one meetings with two key members of our "group," here in this city. They both are new members and we have been training them for the past three years and two years, respectively. We were very pleased to see and hear how one, in particular, is growing in her walk. Both are highly-skilled professionals and can have a significant impact in their hometowns and provinces.
There were only seven students who came this evening but the advantage was that we could spend quality time with each one. Plans will be developed to connect with most of these during the coming week for individual time in hopes of having more meaningful discussions.
Day 5 - last member of our team arrived late last evening safe but tired. She was, however, up early to start the day's activities.
Plans have been made to meet three of the students from last evening during the day today. These meetings will be interspersed with a meeting with another of our M's as well as a team of volunteers from our home area! What a pleasant surprise to find they are staying in the same hotel.
