Top 10 Take-Aways from MTI

In no particular order....

1. God is more concerned about our core being than our language learning or culture learning.

2.  Conflict.  There are different conflict styles and in order for us to grow in conflict we must step out of our own style and enter the other's.

3.  We need to learn to schedule and protect the Sabbath.  Rest.

4.  Grief does not just come with tragedy; grief is what makes it possible for us to face the painful reality of our losses - even losses like our home, family, friends, cars, dishes, and other stuff that we're leaving behind in order to serve in France.

5.  The "settled" that we've felt before will never be the same "settled" we'll feel again - even in the U.S.

6.  There are aspects of all cultures that we should embrace.  There are other aspects of cultures that we should protest and redeem.  Still other aspects of cultures are simply different.  We need to use a Scriptural lens as we discern what to embrace and what to protest and redeem.

7.  Learn to live in a balanced rhythm where we regularly bring stress levels down - on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis.

8.  Language school is not to teach us French, but to help us learn French.  We must take ownership.

9.  The percentage of support is relative.  Some of our [new] friends still have 50% of their support to raise, but it's the same dollar amount that we have left to raise, and we need less than 20% of our support.  France is expensive!

10.  It's time for us to apply for our visas and determine a realistic departure date!