Training Update

Thanks for thinking of me during my training on Saturday.  Although I was exhausted by the end of the evening, I had a great time.  The group that I was training was so much fun.  There were two different delegations, one consisting of youth and the other consisting of adults.  About 2/3rds of them had previously been to Kazakhstan, so I had the challenge of trying to make it interesting enough for those that had already been, without totally overwhelming those that had not been before.  It was also challenging trying to break things up enough that it didn't cause people to tune out due to it being four hours in length.  Periodic breaks to play in the gym or ingest caffeine helped.  Also, a stockpile of candy on each table and random snacks seemed to do the trick.

The most enjoyable parts of the training for me were the times when the delegates were divided into groups and they were able to discuss different aspects of the trips.  It was fun to hear those that have been before answering questions and giving advice to those that are preparing for their first trip.  It was fun to listen to the wisdom that was being passed on at each table.  They did such a great job preparing each other as they built relationships with people they might not have met before.

I am very encouraged by the individuals that we have going to Kazakhstan this year.  It will be fun to be in Kazakhstan and watch them touch the lives of the Kazakh people while their lives are also significantly touched by the Kazakh people.

Quick update on Grandma Coggins:  She is no longer in ICU.  They found out that she has pneumonia which was causing her difficulty breathing.  Once things are under control they will transfer her back to the nursing home under hospice care.  Thanks for all the encouraging notes.