Officially Oriented: Rooted, Ready, and Grateful

Our orientation week was truly a gift. It was incredibly practical and deeply relational. We made meaningful connections with fellow missionaries headed all over the globe, and we had the rare opportunity to spend face-to-face time with every single member of the CTEN home office staff. We left feeling known, supported, and truly anchored by this team.

We learned about safety and security, how to communicate our vision well, strategies for raising support, culture shock, conflict resolution, taxes - you name it. And while it was all incredibly helpful, what stood out most was the shift for me: I’m usually the one standing and teaching. This time, I got to be the one sitting, learning, and being stretched. It was refreshing... and humbling.

One of the sweetest parts of the week was simply being surrounded by people who get it. Every person in the room had said yes to something that feels big and uncertain. There’s something powerful about linking arms with others who are walking into different corners of the world with the same heart - to love people well and make Jesus known.

CTEN’s mission is "Helping ordinary people partner with God to accomplish the extraordinary." We’re so grateful to be part of this family as we step into that very mission.

As we prepare, and as we go, our greatest need is partners who will pray with us and provide financial support for the work that God is doing in Guatemala. If you are interested in being a co-laborer as we carry out the Great Commission, please visit our giving page.

We’ve officially completed our missionary orientation with CTEN!

It was a full, rich week and we’re so grateful. We flew into Texas and kicked things off with a few hours exploring San Antonio. We remembered the Alamo, strolled along the Riverwalk, and quickly realized that we really should’ve planned a few indoor activities. Texas in the summer is no joke, but it is great prep for Petén!

From there, we made our way to Kerrville and settled into our Airbnb. The rugged beauty of the Texas hill country is something else, wide skies, winding roads, amazing evening summer storms, and sunsets that confirm that the heavens do indeed declare the Glory of God.