What is OnBoarding?

Sorry everyone, I have been trying for a while to post, but I have been putting it off until I could get some pictures from other people here.  Unfortunately that may make this a long post so bear with me.

Why are we in Texas?
What exactly is this on boarding thing?
Why are we here for 5 weeks?

On Boarding - An interactive training program involving class instruction and field practicum which conveys our ethos and culture and provides a foundation on which crew and staff can be successful in Mercy Ships.  The goal is that staff and crew of Mercy Ships will be more on the same page in our understanding of-

     The God we serve
         The community we work in
              The way we live and follow the model of Jesus

So, we finished our second week of classes and it can be described many ways: busy, challenging, fulfilling, difficult, and exciting.  We have learned many new things and made lots of new friendships.  Jess and I have the same classes except for the first and 5th weeks.  During our first week, I had BST(Basic Safety Training), and Jess had FMS(Foundations of Mercy Ships).  Normally, BST is week 5, but I will be doing some training specific to my department during week 5.

Week 1
Basic Safety Training
Its exactly what it says, training, which means learning and practicing.  In the classroom, a few of the things we learned about were: fire safety and fighting it aboard a ship, first aid and CPR, personal safety and sea survival.  Although the real exciting part were the practical exercises.

Testing out our SCBA gear.

(Self Contained Breathing Apparatus)

Our group all suited up in our fire gear.

Can you find me?

Some of the following pictures may be of me or others in my group, its too hard to tell who is who with all of the gear on.

We had to enter a smoke filled shipping container and find "Buck"

  Learning how to properly control a 1.5" fire hose.

Practicing using various types of fire extinguishers

Lastly, we had to go back in the same container with a real fire and practicing controlling the flames.  My partner and I were last in line so we got to advance even farther in and actually put the fire out.  There is a temperature gauge on the out side of the container that is usually around 500 degrees.

I have a huge amount of respect for our instructors who were right by our sides teaching us through every exercise. (even inside the hot shipping container!)

Back in the classroom for first aid/CPR

We even had to practice throwing life rings.

 On the last day we went to a pool to perform sea survival exercises.

Some of us in our Immersion Suits.  Can you find me? (I'm the scared looking one)

When afloat in a group, you stay connected by forming a train.

 Entering and exiting the life raft.

 

Me learning how to flip an overturned life raft.

 

Week 2
Jess and I were back in the same classroom together for "Faith Foundations".  Not as exciting as putting out fires but definitely rewarding and fulfilling.  We studied the nature and characteristics of God, communicating with God, prayer, and kingdom principles.  It was wonderful to dig into scripture and have some great discussions.  We also had a silent retreat this Saturday at a local state park.  It was great to get out in nature and spend some alone time with God.  We learned so much it is difficult to put it into words with out having a personal discussion about it all.  Also, I don't have any pictures of our second week because who really wants to see us just sitting in a classroom anyway?

The Wildlife of Texas

After some very long hours behind the wheel, we arrived at the Mercy Ships International Operations Center (IOC) at around 2pm on Friday.  Although it took more hours than anticipated due to another storm, the scenery was beautiful.  We took the afternoon to settle in to our room, which is quite spacious and has an adjoining bathroom.  We had expected to share a bathroom with other dormers, but due to construction, we have this unanticipated blessing.
We also had a very fun introductory class on Saturday, with a lot of games.  Some games were just for fun, some were meant to build team cohesiveness.  Today was relaxing, and we begin classes tomorrow.
Yesterday evening, we had our first encounter with the Texas wildlife, and here in our own bathroom!

Yes, that is a scorpion!  Fortunately, no one, except the scorpion, was hurt.

A LONG-AWAITED UPDATE...

Sorry it has been so long since our last post.  Joe and I have been working hard to wrap up all of our affairs.  We have packed, which seemed endless.  We got many vaccines.  We had our last days at work.  We said many good-byes.  Now, we are travelling to Texas. 

We have simplified our lives, and we feel so much lighter.  We were in the car for nine hours yesterday, and we took that time to enjoy God’s beauty as we drove through southern Illinois and Missouri.  Even the rain could not dim our spirits.  We had several interesting discussions about God and His Word, lengthy discussions of things we had not made time for previously.  God is teaching us.  While there was some grumbling at first about having to attend “school” in Texas, God has renewed our minds and attitudes.  We look forward to the fellowship and the learning. 

Joe and I are amazed that God has called us to serve Him this way.  It is a daunting undertaking, simply because we know God expects much from us.  God is still working to prepare us for this two-year journey.  We have much still to do, including raising support, both spiritually and financially.  While we have some money saved, we do not have 100% of the funds needed for the next twenty-four months.  We would like you to consider supporting us over the next two years. 

We are looking for people to donate time. Time each week to pray for us. Pray that we might serve God faithfully by loving the people He has called us to serve.  Pray that we would use this incredible opportunity free from clutter and worldly influence to become more like Christ.  Prayer is a precious gift to bestow.

I know that people will read this title and think we are also asking for money.  We are.  The ship’s crew are all volunteers.  From the Captain to the plumber, each volunteer must provide their personal income for room and board, medical needs, travel, etc.  Usually this comes from personal contacts with family, friends, and church. We are asking those people who feel led to donate, give money so that we may further God’s Kingdom by helping heal His people.  Tax-deductible donations can be given at the following website: http://mercyships-us.donorpages.com/crewmates/JoeandJessicaData/

Mercy Ships is a righteous cause, improving the quality and length of life to those without the means to seek medical attention.  God cares for His people, for their spiritual and physical needs.  Mercy Ships is able to meet some of those needs. 

Thank you to those who have already given to us; an encouraging word, prays, love, and funds.  Saying good-bye has been difficult, and we have never felt more loved.  And we are so blessed to have all of you in our lives. 

Thank you.