orientation

here we are: 14 young adults, 8 girls and 6 guys. we have different stories but we all come together because we have so much to learn. we met about a week ago and we already feel like family. it's hard to think that it's only been a few days of living with each other (or next door...).
this last week was wonderful. there was a lot scheduled for our "orientation", most of it wound up being a surprise. one of our very first meetings included going to an actual forge near here in Whitehouse, TX. there we spoke with a very talented man named Charles who helped us learn about how a forge transforms raw materials into beautiful, functional tools. the right environment is the key to help purify and shape the metal. that is what we are doing for these 8 months, diving into the right environment to be transformed. there is nothing magical about where we are or what we are doing, we are just making ourselves available to be taught.
what a privilege!! i am completely in awe with what we are being handed. there are so many people investing their love in this year that we may grow to be humble representations of the God we serve. we are stewarding so many resources that i'm pretty overwhelmed at the idea of learning to use all that we are being given.
i'm barely skimming the surface here, but please know that your love and prayers are appreciated. our first day of actual classes begins tomorrow... i can't believe i get to enjoy such a journey!!