I don’t think there were any low points today! So, I am not going to write about that! I think perhaps that nothing happened unhappily for me. What I think today’s high point was at night when we had some games to play. Kennan led us to play the games. Oh, I really enjoyed all the games we played!

The one I most remember is the game which has a dragon head and tail in the end. Every team sends two people to play the game. Wow! Everyone was crazy! My partner was Luke; he was the head and I was the tail. It was really exciting! I loved it!

Ni hao! I am one of the TESOL students. Due to problems with transportation I did not arrive until Tuesday evening. This last half-week has been one of the best times of my life. I have made several new friends, and it already seems we’ve known each other for years. But more importantly, God has been meeting with me and challenging me to become more like Him.

Today we had the opportunity to attend First Southern Baptist Church. The message really spoke to many of us. Afterwards, we were able to bless a Sunday School class by singing Psalm 103 in Mandarin. Then all 50+ of us went to a couple’s house for pizza.

This evening we wandered around Bricktown in downtown Oklahoma City. We did a little shopping, hunted buffalo (statues, that is), walked along the river, and ate lots of yummy ice cream by the fountain. Afterwards, we spent some time in praising the Lord through song, Scripture, and testimonies. As a fellow TESOLite said, “To worship with a group of people who don’t speak your language is really cool!”

God bless!

After the disturbing test this morning, we took a trip to the Oklahoma State Capitol. It made us feel like we were placed in an art museum. How spectacular it was!

Our next destination was the history center of Oklahoma. We struggled for the answers of the question paper. Although we didn’t get the prize, we still learned a lot about the events and celebrities of Oklahoma. And we bought some souvenirs. I love the keychain that lights up when I press it! At night, we went shopping and bought many things! To sum up, a nice day was passed again.

The first day I came to America, I felt it was really different from Taiwan–not only weather, food, and buildings, but people were also extremely different. There are many races in America. It’s multi-cultural, and I enjoy it.

When I came to VOICE at night I felt everyone was so kind and enthusiastic. This made me feel comfortable. And the first day at VOICE widened my vision. It’s a very special experience in my life. I felt great satisfaction after my first day in America.

Photo Credits: Memory Verses, by Karen Chen

Today is Thanksgiving. I ate lots of food that I have never eaten, and all of it was tasty. After dinner, we played games, and everybody was happy and …crazy. I hope tomorrow will be better and have more activities and have different breakfast. Now it’s 12:10 am. I’m so tired and writing is difficult. I hope I can write better in the future.

ZZZ…

Sleep now…

I’m very nervous and excited because I’m in Americaand it’s the first time I go abroad. So, I’m not only happy but also afraid. Why? Because I never study English. I find that I can’t understand what is said in English.

This morning we had a Bible class. I think it’s a very good course. In the afternoon we had an English test.

Today is very special because we went to a couple’s home. They are very kind, and we played games. We played volleyball and ate a lot; I’m very happy.

Though my English is not good, but I believe. God knows what it is I need, and he will give me.

Today was a very exciting day. It was our first official day of VOICE. The Taiwan students arrived at the TrainingCenter around 11:00pm last night. I was really surprised when I saw almost all of them at breakfast, which was served at 7:30 in the morning. I admire those guys; if I were in their shoes I would have wanted to stay in bed all day from jet-lag. But God is good and gives us all strength; so the Voice students performed excellent today.

This morning we had our classes. The Voice students sat through the first session of the Basic Seminar. The TESOL team had TESOL training lessons, and the V2 students (of which I am a part) had a leadership session on the importance of having the vision of a leader. Rowan led this session and explained how as leaders we not only need to have a vision, but also that our vision must be in tune with God’s vision.

In the afternoon all of the Voice students participated in English testing to determine which level of English class they would be assigned to. After this was completed, everyone took part in the first session for the musical that we will be presenting.

This evening, the Greenlaws invited everyone over to their house where we had a delicious dinner of lasagna. We also enjoyed many games including volleyball, tug of war, and “Guess that Staff Person.” As stated earlier, it was a very exciting day. And as we dive into our sessions I’m really excited to see what God is going to do in the lives of each individual that has an opportunity of being a part of Voice 2007. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we all seek to draw closer to God and to deeper our relationship with Him.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

Josh Heath
V2, Team 1

Photo Credits: Hands Raised by Karen Chen

My name is Lauren Bollinger, and I am a TESOL student. Presently, we are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the VOICE students (as well as the arrival of our sixth “TESOLite” whose travel plans have been complicated).

In the TESOL class we have been learning various ways to create a productive atmosphere in the class room, and how to ensure that students are encouraged to participate. We’re also learning methods to enable us to assess and monitor students’ skills and understanding. I am so excited to watch and see what the Lord will do as we better learn how to instruct and serve others, bringing glory to His name.

Well, today was V2’s second full day here at the training center in Oklahoma. After breakfast we dived into our first session. We began with one of my favorite songs, Be Unto Your Name, which Luke led on the guitar.
During the session Karen asked many good questions that caused all of us to think very deep while at the same time prepared us to work with the VOICE students, which will be arriving tonight.

After lunch we had our second session. This was also a very thought-provoking time for us. After all was said and done, we are confident that by God’s grace we will be ready to face the tasks which lay before us this next month. Now we all are anticipating the arrival of all the VOICE students, and look forward to meeting them.

Seth Johnson
V2, Team 3

“What God has joined together, let not man separate.” -Matthew 10:9
While Jesus may be talking about marriage, I believe that God has “joined together” this team. He has brought us together; let not man separate us. Today the V2 students shared about how God brought them here and I believe that is exactly what happened. God put us together. The similarities in the stories, and even what God has been teaching us recently, is beyond accidental. It’s so easy for me to see it as a random group of people with different agendas and personalities. When I see it that way, I can figure out which people I want to hang with more than others. But, the truth is, if God put us here He has a reason for every single one. Judgmental attitudes and wrong thoughts are suddenly seen as not being willing to accept God’s design for this trip. I see how easy it is for me to be the one standing in the way of what God wants to do.

He is already at work. He has a great plan for this month. I want be a part of that. Wes talked today about giving up our own expectations. If we want God to accomplish whatever He planned, our goals must go, and His must be lifted up. If we want to grow deeper in our relationship with Him, our focus must be on Him and His purpose for this month.

I am convicted. It is so easy for me to set my own goals and focus on them. But disappointment and unfulfillment is all that waits there. “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

God has set a path before me. How can I say no by choosing to fulfill my “good” goals? The best is waiting down a beaten path where Christ has already walked.

“Lord, help put away my own plans and be ready for whatever you have. Let me not separate what you have put together.”