THE TRAINING RANCH
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do
good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:4

      The day finally arrived when R.J. would take me to the training ranch outside of Lancaster, California.  With that maroon suitcase all packed, along with a large carry-on bag, I was ready at last, although my stomach was filled with butterflies.

      My son, John, was not keen on my flying off to China and asked us to stop by on our way out of town.  As we drove up to John and Dina's house, Eric came running out of the house yelling, "Grandma, I want to go to China with you."  I said, "Oh, Eric, you are a bit too young.  I can't take you with me this time.  But you watch for a big airplane up in the sky.  Grandma will be flying away to China in it."  Eric smiled and asked, "A blue one?" (That was his favorite color).  "Most likely," I replied, giving him a big hug.

      Eric hugged me tight and said, "Good bye, Grandma,  I'll watch for a blue airplane.  Don't forget my present."  After hugs and good byes from John and Dina, we headed for the training ranch which was located out in the mountains near Lancaster.

      R.J. remarked, as he unloaded my luggage, "This is a beautiful place, so peaceful and quiet."  We said our good byes and I promised, "I'll write as soon as I get to China.  See you in a few weeks."  Driving away, R.J. said, "I'll be praying for you."

      I went in and registered and was assigned a room and soon met the rest of the team.  There were fourteen of us from various parts of the country, all with the same goal in mind, to bring Bibles into China for believers.

      After the first night, my roommate, Jean, informed me that I prayed in the spirit all night long.  I was not aware of this and it puzzled me because I did not know what God was up to at that point.

      Our training consisted of teaching sessions in a classroom and outdoor training in working out problems as a team.  It was a challenge and fun at the same time.  We had prayer meetings and sharing time.  By the end of our weekend training we had chosen our leaders and become friends.  We were a team!

      On Sunday morning we attended church at Lancaster Vineyard where Pastor Brett introduced us and had the congregation pray for our safe and successful trip.

      Late Sunday afternoon we loaded our bags into a couple of vans.  After saying good bye to the kind folks at the ranch, we were driven to LAX in preparation for our long flight via China Airlines to Hong Kong.

      After eating dinner at the airport it was time to board our plane.  My partner, Karen, and I found our seats and I settled in, planning to catch some sleep after our busy day.  First I rummaged around in the magazine pocket and, much to my surprise, I pulled out a picture postcard of our airplane--it was blue!  I told Karen about my grandson, Eric, watching for a blue airplane.  I said, "I must send this postcard to Eric, he will love it."

      As I sat there contemplating our journey, just for a fleeting moment, I thought, 'what am I doing here?'  Them I remembered that exciting day several years back, when, at a Women's Aglow Retreat, I had said to God, "Here am I, Lord, send me!"