Ready or Not: Orientation with South America Mission (SAM)

Learn and share. That’s what SAM said we’d do during New Candidate Orientation, and they did not let us down.

I drove to South Carolina for a week of orientation with SAM in June. I knew going into it that SAM sounded solid in its mission, vision, doctrine, etc…But I didn’t relish the idea of meeting new people and flipping through a manual for a week (which, for the record, we never did). I thought I’d probably meet some nice people and most likely enjoy my week. I obviously didn’t know this crowd. (And I'm learning to curve my pessimism.) Let me assure you, however, that orientation exceeded all of those thoughts and expectations.

At orientation, members from the SAM staff shared their hearts for the mission. I met beautiful families and wonderful people who want to serve God and enable others to serve God. We heard from various people about discipleship, living a lifestyle of worshipping God, placing our identities in Christ, living as an “abiding community,” and other topics. The main point: worship God and seek to glorify Him in all you do. Would I like to join this mission? Yes, please. I learned important information that week. But, more importantly, I mentally, spiritually, and emotionally prepared to proceed with SAM. In fact, I would have gone straight to Pucallpa after that week had it been possible.

Some highlights?

Friends/Fellowship: I made new friends. I had to leave orientation early, and I hated it. I didn’t want to miss out on the next week of learning alongside my new friends. I miss them, but I also love hearing updates from them. We shared about why we’re going and how we began this process. Some current missionaries shared about the ups and downs of serving abroad. We also shared our life stories, which reminded me repeatedly of God's faithfulness. The fellowship, discussions, and individual conversations helped me process what it means to simply BE God's as I move forward in going to Peru.

Food: Wow. We ate delicious snacks and meals constantly. Yum!

Face time: I met staff who I had only emailed or talked with on the phone. Nothing replaces face time. I’m just bummed that going to Peru does not mean I will spend time with the SAM staff (since they live in SC). 

Teaching: We soaked in challenging teaching. How did they prepare us for the mission field? By encouraging us to worship God and grow in our understanding of who He is.

Cornhole: I absolutely and competitively loved playing Cornhole many times throughout the week. I fully anticipate owning this game at some point.

I fail to take pictures most of the time when I should. That fact did not change. But, thanks to some friends, I have a few pictures I can share from orientation.

My friends, Rachel (left) and Kate (right), who teach in Bolivia

Fellow missionary candidates at the commissioning banquet

(which I, unfortunately, missed during the second week)

It's official!