working hard at MAF

This week has been busier than the rest. They have us writing a 20 minute presentation, and practicing it over and over... but you should be excited, it is pretty good. Boy I'm tired! Tired of homework and tired of coughing.

I went to the doctor yesterday after some prodding from Chris. I have had this for almost 2 weeks now. They didn't say much only that I most likely have a virus that is sitting in my airway or chest. I will have to fight it off on my own. So I still have a barking cough that sounds quite horrible.

We are still waiting on the apartments to be completed. They are waiting on a final permit, but got the ok to begin decorating and furnishing. They look very beautiful, unfortunately they will be done just in time for us to leave.

Also, we are still waiting on hearing from the Africa Director. We are trying our best to be patient!

Well, Chris is suggesting we need to go over our "mission committee" questions. We have a mock mission board asking us questions tomorrow and will tell what we do well and what we need to improve on.

Well its off to bed.... yawn...

good night!

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.

thoughts...

Thanks to Chris, packing is getting there and things are getting cleaner (as you can see on his blog). I am still working at the hospital up until we leave, which does not leave much time for me to go through stuff. It is sometimes overwhelming to come home and see all my homey things gone! I am emotionally trying to adjust to the idea of leaving and most of all: being a missionary.

Some days I feel like Jonah. I know what God is calling me to do, but I just want to run and hide. I don't want to face the reality. I feel inadequate.

Other days I am excited and feel like Paul or Moses. Those days I smile because I know the blessings ahead and the adventure and memories we will make. I have courage.

So what else is going on? Well... (as you can see from Chris' blog - he beats me to the news)

My brother Doug had a baby girl, #3 for them. Her name is Annaliese Hope and she weighed in at 9lb. 2oz. Because I was excited, and we weren't TOO far away (hour and half by plane) we flew there last weekend to see her. It was very special be a part of a family event. I cherish them even more as I know I have to leave.

We are also attempting to plan the next 6 months.... where we will be support raising, and for how long... and all the small details. So far we think after heading to Nampa and our family reunion in Colorado we may just come back to Vancouver and start here.

guess I better get back to the boxes...

Joy

Thanks Crosspointe...

I will very much miss my friends I have come to know this past year. Tonight, the ladies from church took me out to dinner to Cheesecake Factory to say "goodbye." I love our Church and it is very hard to leave such great people. They have been so supportive which has been such a huge blessing. It is nice to feel such love and be encouraged.

Sunshine!

This weekend has been absolutely beautiful! I just love it here when its sunny; it makes me so happy. I guess it is the california girl in me.

Over the weekend we were able to hike to the top of Multonomah Falls. It was such a great break from work and so beautiful. We were there when the sun was hitting the falls just right and a rainbow was across the falls. It was a great reminder of God's promises to His children. He is faithful.

Just a few miles from our our apartment is Vancouver Fort, and Pearson Airport. They have a great trail that takes you around the area and over to the River. It was nice to get some exercise and soak up more sun.

It sounds like this weekend has been all fun and games but not really. Aside from packing and saying some goodbyes, I am also trying to learn how to drive a stick-shift. We bought a new (well at least new to us) car. It is NOT automatic, which are the only kind I have ever driven. Chris decided it was high time I learned as most likely it will be a skill needed overseas. It has been quite the adventure as I sputter and clunk at stop signs. Chris is a good teacher and while I am far from perfect, I am getting better.

Here are some more pictures: