Security training, support raising, and rafting

Sorry I haven't written, it seems as if life has been a whirlwind of activity.

My mom came to visit this past weekend which was a nice change of pace. It was nice to get away and also see some different walls as we were able to hang out at the hotel, just relax, enjoy the pool and good breakfast.

The past few days were nerve-wracking as we went through scenarios of what it would be like to be in hostage or even government detainment situations. We learned what to say and not say as well as what to expect and how to handle ourselves. While difficult at times, it was empowering and great to learn what I could do and appropriate measures to take. I am very relieved right now that I didn't have to "perform" in front of the class.

We are also in the process of still waiting for the MAF apartments to be completed. It appears that final touches are being put in place. We are hoping for the end of the week. We are still graciously being hosted by the DYK family.

Well, I guess our assignment for now is East Democratic Republic of Congo. Honestly, we are struggling a bit with this assignment as we personally do not feel it fits us very well. We are trying to remain open and are praying that God would help direct us and the regional director.

Other than that, we are making good friends and enjoying being with like-minded people. I have a bit of a hacking cough that is annoying but otherwise we are doing quite well. Tomorrow, we start learning how to raise support. Be prepared:)

We have found that the thing to do here (or the only thing) is to go rafting, which we have done twice now. It was fun. This past trip was especially exciting as our host family had 2 rafts one of which had a hole in it. Due to some circumstances, Chris ended up in the newer raft with my mom and I was in the broken raft with our host mom. Because there was soooo much water in it we could hardly steer it. Apparently we were quite the sight as we bounced back and forth, went in circles, ran into trees and shrubs twice, and ran over a large log that pretty much made the small hole quite large. Thankfully we made it to the the side where we were supposed to get out in time!

Anyways, thanks to all you who are praying for us. We appreciate it.

For those of you who want our current address it is:

Chris and Joy Konop

PO Box 47

Nampa, ID 83653

With love,

Joy

Day 3 of Candidacy

We are a few days into "candidacy" for MAF. So far we have learned about the areas they serve and how they support their missionaries overseas and the challenges there are. We spent a session as a group (about 35 people) going over our expectations and fears that we each have and sharing them. It was nice to see I am not the only one not so thrilled about creepy crawly things, and being far away from family and friends.

For the last few weeks my stomach has not felt right and then this past weekend it was really not well. Lots of bloating, and ... I won't go into detail. I am very thankful the past couple days my stomach has settled down quite a lot, and I am feeling about 90% better. I am not sure, but my guess is that with all the changes my body got a little stressed? I can use all the prayer I can get.. hint.. hint.

Other than that we are doing well. Currently we are staying with a host family with hopes that the MAF apartments will be finished and ready to move into in a couple weeks. Our family is great and we are very thankful! They let us borrow some bikes and were able to go on a lovely bike ride. Last week chris snapped these shots on a walk. While HOT, it is beautiful here.

time with family

Today is our final day visiting Chris' family here in Springboro, Ohio. Yesterday, we took some "family pictures" and Chris got to practice his photographer skills.

We've had a lot of fun together, and have had some time to recoup and regain some sleep lost during all the moving. While we are supposed to be reading a book entitled, "The Expert Expat" for MAF, it has been put on the backburner while we have been playing. Guess what we are doing on the flight home?

We played ladder golf and I must say I did pretty well....

Chris, known to his family as Ricky, loves his new nephew. Samuel is a good baby, and looks quite a bit like his uncle.