Six Weeks till Launch
Hello friends and family!
I know that it has been a while since my last update, but the last two months have been caught up in a whirlwind of life changes. So, let me give some overviews of February an March and then I will dive into my MPD updated.
The month of February marked the closing of a chapter and the start of a new one. After six years of working at Chipman Design Architecture, On February 11, I turned in all my equipment (we had been working in a hybrid home & office schedule), had my exit interview said some goodbyes and walked out of 1350 Touhy for the last time. It was truly a bittersweet moment. Chipman was my home - my coworkers, supervisors, principals and leadership were an integral part in my architecture and design growth and skillset. Many of them imprinted on me part of who they are and for those six years I will forever be grateful. That following week, my studio threw me a farewell party at a showroom in Chicago. It was full of great food and ice cream, my work family and many wonderful memories and conversations.
Then, on Saturday, February 19, Sebastian (my dog) and I began our 14 hour drive out to Colorado Springs. After dropping him off with the Steck family, on Monday I headed to MTI (Mission Training International) and my four weeks of language and cultural training began. Our group was the largest since covid and was comprised of 39 adults and 23 kids - 1 MTI Staffer, 8 singles, 6 couples without kids and 9 families. Our large group was broken up into smaller cohorts, and those cohorts were split into men and women for our growth group discussions.
An incredible sunset from MTI in Colorado Springs
My prayer entering this time was that I would keep an open mind and absorb all of the knowledge and information I was given. Little did I know that God had greater plans than just retention. Our schedule was set Monday through Friday with worship, prayer, classes and meal times allowing the weekends to be full of free time. The first two weeks were focused on language learning and the second two weeks were focused on cultural training and team dynamics. Unfortunately, I got a stomach virus and spent part of the first week and weekend in my room. Thankfully, they were able to use zoom to allow me to still be a part of the sessions.
While our training and classes were incredible (the instructors were wise and helpful, and the content was eye-opening), God used the people to impact me the most. Through personal coaching sessions with Jeff, growth group discussions, sharing testimonies with my new brother Drew, and our ‘fireside chats’, God revealed areas in my life that still needed HIS light. He showed me that my past failures and current weaknesses do not disqualify me from ministry, but that there is beauty in my weakness. I was encouraged by what people saw in me - a forgiven and redeemed child of the living God. I could honestly go on about my time at MTI, but for times sake I will pause here. If you are interested about those four weeks, please feel free to reach out to me or follow me on instagram where I summarized each of them.
This past weekend I was able to spend time with my sisters family - Kris, Sarah, Maddi and Emi. We worked on art, danced to music, made pillow forts and traveled into jungle explorations, shared meals together and visited the Shedd Aquarium (a tradition of ours). I am so thankful that God provided time for me to see them and make new memories with them (first time I had seen them in person in three years!).
Pillow fort for our jungle exploration
Our jungle exploration included different animals, such as this toucan.
Now on to the final piece of my update - my MPD progress.
Unfortunately, over the last six weeks I have encountered some financial set backs in this process. I will be dedicating the next four weeks to finishing the support raising process and reaching 100% of my monthly goal.
In order to mobilize and launch into ministry, I need an additional 800$ per month.
EIght people who are willing to give $100 per month and my goal will be met.
Some of you are already faithful supporters, and I ask you to prayerfully consider increasing your support starting now. If you have thought about supporting me, please consider becoming a regular monthly supporter.
Sincerely,
Micah