Summer Missionary Conference

I am half way through the summer missionary conference in Kenosha WI.  It is the annual gathering of missionaries of the ELCA that are about to go out, home on leave, or returning back from service.  We had a meeting of all of us serving or going to serve in the Asia/Pacific region.  Most of the others are serving in prosperous, urban, non-Christian settings such as Japan or Singapore.  That is quite a contrast to my rural, Christian setting in PNG.  I am still burned out from cities since living in the NYC area , so I am happy with my assignment.

I had lunch with Kevin, a missionary that used to serve in PNG.  He mentioned how one needs to get into a slower rhythm of life.  He would spend time everyday sitting on his porch savoring his view over the Pacific Ocean.  He also reiterated what a beautiful area I am gong to.

Friday I will be back in Milwaukee and working on all the details of getting ready.  A top priority needs to be visiting a travel clinic for my shots.

one orientation down, two to go

Today I am finishing up my last day of orientation in Toronto.  The actual sessions have been a mix of useful and boring, but generally helpful.  It has also been wonderful to get to know these other folks.  I expect many of us will continue to stay in touch and support each other as we go into new positions and new locations.

The most interesting event was a visit to an Ethiopian Orthodox Church.  I have little experience with an Orthodox  Church, much less one that believes it has the original Ark of the Covenant.  It was good to see such a different expression of Christianity, including different sights, smells, and sounds than one would see in a Catholic or Protestant church.  The synagogue we visited seemed more "normal" to me.  Of course I have  been to several synagogues before.  The trip was a good reminder that we each have preconception of what church "should" be, and how important to be open to what it is.

Tomorrow I fly down to Chicago.  I have the rest of the weekend off.  After that it will be a day of training at church headquarters (insurances etc), and then on to the Missionary Conference.

Training in Toronto

I have just finished my first day of training in Toronto.  It is officially the "Canadian Churches' Forum for Global Ministries Mission Orientation Conference".  While it is in Canada, only one Canadian is attending. There are also 35 of us Americans.  We are rounded out by one German and one South African.  Today was somewhat boring as they talked about Intercultural skills in a more theoretical way.  However, the schedule shows some interesting days ahead.  For example, on Sunday I will be attending a Chinese language church. Then on Monday I get to visit an Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

The creature comforts are nice.  We are staying in housing at St. Micheal's college at the University of Toronto.  The rooms have A/C and nice beds.  Many of the buildings are Gothic style with lovely architectural detail.  The dining room we eat at for Breakfast and Lunch make us think of Hogwarts.  However, we are missing the floating candles :-)Well, to bed.

ordination pictures - June 23, 2012 - Pullman WA

            Laying on of hands with Bishop Last (center), Western Iowa Synod  Other pastors L-R Rev. Wesley Howell, Trinity Lutheran, Pullman; Rev. Roger Petenger, retired campus minister, Rev. Dean Stewart, Moscow ID, Rev. Franklin Ishida, Gobal Mission.

    Receiving stole form niece Sarah Lieu, assisted by grandnephews Brandon Lieu and Adam Lieu. Bishop Last in center