four down....

DTS has begun!! And things are going well! The first week was pretty exhausting, because we staff were doing most of the teaching. I personally taught on "worship" and cross-cultural living & relationships, and also was involved in many other planning/preparing things. It's fun and I actually really enjoy teaching, but it does take a lot of energy from me at least now. But I think probably too, just being in a new location for the DTS, in a village, without power for a couple days, with just so many new things-- also takes energy!!

But on Sunday we'll receive our first teacher.. he'll teach about "discipleship". I honestly am not sure what that will all consist of, but I'm expecting good things. :-)

We have 8 students in the DTS. But only 7 are living at the "DTS house" (which is also Dennis and Korinne's house...), because the 8th is a 65 year old Georgian grandpa. So he stays 2 nights a week at the house, but the rest he goes home to his wife in the evening. Other than that we have 1 Georgian guy, 4 Georgian girls, 1 Canadian girl and 1 American girl. It's pretty fun. Definitely cross-cultural and interesting. And I really enjoy watching how the students begin to connect and relate.

As a leader, I have so many questions about how to "do it right"... how to be the best for the students and it leaves me with a lot of questions, but I was encouraged the other day. I found this verse:

"For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory." 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

So, I know I'm not a father, but its the idea of relating to the students like a parent relates to children. With love and care. And the practical steps of encouraging, comforting, and urging them to live lives worthy of God!! So, I'm practicing and praying that I will become a leader that can do these things.