BREAKING NEWS: CHRISTIANS INVADE TORONTO

So let's talk about missionary orientation. I spent the better part of July in Toronto with an amazing group of Episcopal and Lutheran missionaries all preparing to depart for our overseas assignments. Here's a picture of the entire group on the steps of the building we called "home" for two weeks at the University of Toronto:

And better still, here's a picture of the Episcopalians once we were able to ditch the Lutherans... :-)

Boy that's a good-looking group! A few have already left for their placements (including Grace, Andrew, Doug and Jenny, Cameron, Dorothee, other Jenny, and Phillip) With the exception of the long-term missionaries and a few young adults that came later to the game, we've been together as a group since February, where we met at a discernment retreat in Florida. We all grew close during those two weeks in Toronto and I have to admit that, despite knowing them for such a relatively short amount of time, I can't imagine my life without them. I won't get weepy here, but I do want to say that I have such profound respect and love for this crazy band of Jesus-lovin' misfits. 

Here are some more fun photos from orientation for your enjoyment:

My friend Andrew and I on the subway. He's also from Kentucky and absolutely the greatest thing. We have a lot of pictures like this.

This is a really cool photo that Cameron took at St. Thomas' Anglican church we attended only partly for the free meal. The baptistery pictured here was built after World War One and lists the names of the parishioners who died fighting in it.

On interfaith day, a group of us went to a Hindu temple. It was incredible. Imagine the details of this sculpture on a 32,000 sq. ft. building made up of over 24,000 hand-carved marble and limestone pieces, weighing over 10,000 tons. Actually, don't imagine it. Go there. Tomorrow. Then call me and we'll talk animatedly about it. Here's the info: 

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Toronto

 Jared, Jenny, and Ryan. And based on their reaction to whatever was said, I'm guessing Lura Kaval is somewhere nearby...

Six of us got stuck in the elevator for an uncomfortably long time on the last night. I won't say who was responsible for getting it stuck, but if you choose to blame Ryan, you would be correct. Oh, and yes. Andrew is wearing a "Back to Back World War Champs" t-shirt.  

Grace and I leaving for the airport on the last day- mentally worn out from two long weeks of prep, but so excited for what's ahead!

                            

 Theology is exhausting!