Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Week 1 at MTI

(MTI)

Week 1 at MTI was really good. Some of the things that I have learned were basic things that I have known, but some of the stuff that I have learned have touch the core of my heart. I have gotten to know some amazing people who have felt the call to go overseas. I have gotten to laugh a lot, have deep conversations and be encouraged all with in a week.

God has shown me some areas in my life that I need to work on before I go to Costa Rica and he has also shown me his grace and beauty. I have come to fully understand the importance of being here at MTI and how important it is for people to go to a training center before going out in to the field. Training is not to just getting tools for how to handle conflict, it is more personal. It is about checking your heart, be willing to admit that you need to change some stuff and then doing it. It is about looking at the core of who God has made you and realizing that you are nothing without him. It is about change and being willing to get out of you comfort zone and being willing to surrender them to God.

With long days of talking about hard and tough issues, it is nice to have the weekends to rest and relax. The first weekend  here, a group of us went to Garden of the Gods. It is this beautiful place where there are some amazing rock formation that no body knows how it got there. A natural wonder. We were able to walk around and hike a bit around there. We were also able to see Pikes Peak. On Sunday, a group of us went to Church together and then we got to go and play outdoor laser tag.Yup you read it right! We got a really good deal and got to play for a little over 2 hours. There was about 20 of us and it was such a great team bonding experience.

 (Garden of the Gods)

 (My roommate Tiana and I)

 (Cathedral Spires) 

 (Pikes Peak)

 (Pico the Parrot and Me at Outdoor Laser Tag)

I am currently at my last week here, and am behind on my blogging. But I am excited for to tell you about week 2 and last weekend :) 

Financial Support: 
 Again, If you want to help me financially, here is the link to donate online. Any little thing helps and it is considered a tax donation. :)

Blessings!
R

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Missions Training International (MTI)

For the next 3 weeks I get to see this.....


I am currently in Colorado Springs for training with MTI (Missions Training International). I arrived yesterday afternoon tired and ready for bed but excited for what God has in store for me here.There are currently 10 singles (2 males, 8 females), 10 families, and 11 kids that vary in ages.

Today was our first full day here. So far it has been fun to meet people who are going all over the world. Hear about their heart and passion and see how God has shaped them. For the next 3 weeks I will be in there SPLICE program. SPLICE stands for Spiritual, Personal, Lifestyle, Interpersonal, Cultural, Endurance/Enjoyment.  I will have a coach that I will meet with once a week here and I have a group of women that I will meet several times to dive into deeper and more personal conversations. We have classes from 8:45am to 4pm Monday-Friday and homework some of the nights. I have been told that we are going to be talking about issues that could and will be challenging for us, but will be good to do now so we can work on them before going out to the mission field. I have already felt God starting to stir up different emotions already and have started to process those. Overall I am excited and nervous to be here. I know that there will be some good conversations, encouraging moments and fun time, but I also know that God will use this time to prepare me for my time in Cost Rica.

Prayer Request::
1. That my heart and ears will be open to what God is teaching me here in MTI.
2. That I will be a steward of my time here. 
3. Fundraising while I am here will go well. 

Financial Support: 
 Again, If you want to help me financially, here is the link to donate online. Any little thing helps and it is considered a tax donation. Also if you would like to receive newsletters, please email me (rose.e.torres@gmail.com) and I will add you to the list :)

My evening stroll :) 

Blessings! 
Rose



Tuesday, September 4, 2012

So where am I at now....

Here is where I am at today with Costa Rica :)
  • Well last fall I made the decision to become apart of the SI staff in Costa Rica. Since then I have been raising support. 
  • Last month was my last month working for The Well Community Church.
  • I am currently on my way to the bay area to see friends and relax before I head to training. 
  • I will be in Colorado Springs starting next week at MTI (Missions Training International) for 3 weeks for my pre-field training. 
  • I will be back in Fresno at the beginning of October for a couple of weeks till I move.
So here is the timeline of this next month for me. It has been a really busy season of life for me. When I booked my training to MTI 6 months ago and let my work know, it seemed so far away. Now  I have ended my time at the Well and MTI is less then a week away. It is amazing just how fast time goes by.

People have been asking if it has "hit" me yet that I am not working at The Well and that I will be moving soon. Honestly, I havent had the time to think about it. I was so busy at work the last two weeks and then packing for my 3 trips (Paso Robles, San Jose, Colorado Springs) that I havent had time to process that much. But I am looking forward to some down time with friends this week and some good time at Peet's Coffee with my King.

Here is a praise!
Had my interview with the elders last week and got approved to become Extended Family with The Well!!! Such a HUGE answered to prayers!

Financial Support: 
If you want to help me financially, here is the link to donate online. Any little thing helps and it is considered a tax donation. Also if you would like to receive newsletters, please email me (rose.e.torres@gmail.com) and I will add you to the list :)

Here are some things that you can pray for:
1. Safety and travel mercies. I am traveling a lot this month, so  please pray for protection, health, safety and rest.
2. That God will open my ears, heart and mind to what He has to teach me at MTI. I will be there from Sept 10-28.
3. Financial support. That God will continue to provide the means for me to move to Costa Rica and while I am there. 

Thanks for all your love and support! You can email me at rose.e.torres@gmail.com, just to say HI or see how training is going or if you want more information on what I will be doing in Costa Rica. I will be updating this blog while I am in Colorado. Also you can read my other blog which is more of my random thinking and personal day to day stuff :)

Blessings!
R