Final Preparations, Pre-Trip Gathering, Commissioning

The GoTeam gathered Saturday in Newberg at the beautiful home of SendTeam Leader, Melinda Gordon. The purpose of the gathering was to allow team members and family members a time to relax together over a meal, answer any final questions, and help put everyone at ease before the big trip. We also divided up many gifts for our Zambian partners; each GoTeam member takes one personal suitcase and one for the Zambians. Summer weather was perfect and the meal and meeting were held outside on Melinda's patio. Assisting Melinda were Joan and Marty Klinkhammer (Joan traveled to Zambia last year) and Sheri Brown, the church staff member who supports the Zambia Partnership so well. After a delicious meal of barbecued pork and salads, team members talked through nuts & bolts for the flight from PDX to Atlanta and from there 16 hours nonstop to Johannesburg, followed by the final leg to Lusaka, Zambia. The itinerary for the two weeks was covered an reminders of our tasks as ambassadors and encouragers were shared. The GoTeam devotional booklet, designed and produced by Sheri Brown and Pastor Griag, was reviewed. It has become an indispensable tool for many GoTeamers, with daily devotions, journaling space and useful information from World Vision as well as everyday phrases in Tonga, the language of Sinazongwe, and songs for worship and sharing with Zambians. As the gathering drew to a close with prayer, it seemed like team members and loved ones alike are ready for the trip. Travelers took the items already divided up for them by the SendTeam and headed home, only to meet again Sunday morning in worship, when they were commissioned at all three services. Laura Flach described the focus of the trip for the congregation, and then Pastor Graig asked team members and congregation to renew their commitment to the Partnership in Zambia. LuAnn Yocky draped handmade crosses, crafted from the wood of one of the old sanctuary pews by Tom Moore, over the heads of the team members, and the congregation prayed for the team.

Duly prepared and commissioned, most team members just have a bit of packing to complete before meeting Tuesday morning at 4:30 AM at the Portland airport, for a 6:10 AM departure and about 30 hours total time enroute. If you are reading this, thanks for your interest, and thanks even more for your prayers! We will try to post at least every other day, and daily when we can. Your comments will be noted with joy!