We came to Tullahoma with intentions of recruiting a Peru Mission support team, as we did in Tyler. We consulted with our primary contact at Cedar Lane and invited those he suggested to participate in this team. Our recruiting meeting with them went well and we now have several young couples actively working to keep our relationship with Cedar Lane strong and to provide support to us as we prepare for and experience the field work itself. We didn't expect that it would turn out to be a team of our peers. In Tyler, the support team is made up of a more diverse group. However, we are excited that this group of young families has committed themselves to the work in Peru and to us.
As we move through the same life stages, they will be able to perceive what aspects of life are most different for us. This will allow them to communicate our stories to the congregation with understanding and clarity, as well as enable them to know how best to encourage and motivate us. Each of our families has one of the support team families assigned as our primary contacts. They are couples that we have gotten to know during our time here and value as friends. We are so glad to have built such relationships. We will not merely be reporting information, but will be connecting with good friends. Not all missionaries are so blessed and we realize fully what a gift these people are to us.