One of the most fun parts of missionary training is our field work. We are given assignments (sometimes last minute, as this one was), which we have to complete outside of the classroom in order to learn something about ourselves, each other, and/or another culture. Most of them take us outside of our comfort zones, which is exactly where we’re going to be for the next two years of our lives!
We showed up to training on that particular afternoon and Natalie met us in the parking lot, quickly tossed us an envelope with cash and directions, and drove off in her Prius. First day of field work. As the team gathered, we opened and read our instructions, which were as follows:
- Email Natalie from a computer at the public library
- Find a pineapple and get a team picture with said pineapple
- Pick a place in the neighborhood that represents a stronghold and prayer walk around it.
- No personal vehicles allowed.
Jared and Blaise…
Arriving at the library…
After our short venture into the library to email Natalie that we had, in fact, made it, we decided to catch a Metro bus to get us to a grocery store in which we could purchase a pineapple. I had NEVER taken a city bus before, so this was a first for me! Fortunately, Keisha has and was able to help us figure out how much we would pay, when the bus would come, and where it would go. This is the team trying to figure out how to pay for the bus without losing $20 (they don’t give change).
We decided to go to the Supermercado de Walmart for our pineapple. It was a strange adventure, as we had to ask someone to take a picture of us with fruit. Fortunately, Keisha speaks Spanish and was able to successfully ask the man stocking the produce section (who definitely looked at us like we were crazy), and we got our picture (though it’s a bit blurry).
Left to right: Laura, Christina, Blaise, Cass, Keisha, and Jared…
I love that Christina loves to take the same types of pictures as I do…
We prayer walked around a little convenience store that sold liquor, cigarettes, and lottery tickets, and then we went to an oyster bar for some sausage con queso, limonada, y horchata. We watched a wee bit of fútbol on tv, passed the glass of horchata around for everyone to try (not my favorite), and got a little more team bonding time.
Our first field work assignment was a success!
Please don’t be shy…I’d love to hear your comments!