Greetings from Amsterdam!
The Aroma (a revolution on missional athletes, in case you forgot) Uganda team has safely conquered our first flight into the Netherlands! We are now preparing to get on our next flight into Nairobi, Kenya (and we are STOKED).
But let's back up a little bit and talk about the preparations we went through during our training. For most of us, Sunday could not come soon enough. The excitement everyone had to get the ball rolling was so intense and the spirit of God has been so real. We began with a classic DTR (define the relationship) with God and some personal reflection time. Over the course of training we were constantly reminded and challenged to find out what we want out of this trip. A lot of our training was discussion about what we can expect, challenges we will face, and goals we want to achieve throughout the trip. Everyone's answers were a little different, but it was very clear that we are all excited to spread the amazing word of God. After drenching our clothing with bug repellant stuff (provided by Sawyer, one of our sponsors who figuratively rocks), we headed to coach McCarty's house (Men's soccer coach, super nice family) for some dinner, games, and a chance to share our testimonies. It was amazing how we were all able to open up to each other, even though most of us weren't that close. This really set the tone for what this group is capable of. Early Monday morning we were challenged with daunting task of running a huge cross all around campus. It required team work and perseverance and it represented our team unity and our ability to rely on God to help overcome challenges. It also represented his forgiveness, when our leaders told us we didn't have to run it up the biggest hill on campus even though we thought we had to. After some breakfast, more preparatory discussion, and a great lunch, we were ready to go.
Now, back to Amsterdam! Most of us lost sleep over the course of traveling and had to dig to find motivation just to find a bite to eat. However, God does not waste time and he is already showing his presence. As our group was sitting waiting for our flight to board, a long haired blonde man walked up and asked what organization we were with. He saw Sawyer across the back of one of our shirts and pulled out a Sawyer water filter that he uses also. I recognized the man, but last time I saw him his hair was shorter, and I had no idea if he would know who I was, but I took a chance. I got up, walked over to him and he introduced himself as Justin. I simply asked back, "Justin Wren. I'm Moriah Pfautz, and we were at a Christian DTS together in Colorado!" He immediately knew who I was, and shared what God was doing in his life. Justin is on his way to Congo with his own missions organization that works within the Pygmy people group. Long story short, the two of us were able to share our plans for our times in Uganda and Congo. Before he had to find his gate for his flight, our team prayed for him, and that God would continue to work through him and the work he does in Congo.
God is already at work, and it is amazing that He was able to orchestrate Justin and our team meeting to encourage each other before we embark on the journey the Lord has for all of us! It is incredible how God works in this way. As Albert Einstein said, coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous. This is just the start to what God has planned for our group and we are all beyond excited to continue this already amazing trip.
Just so you know....we will blog as much as we can, but wifi will not be available everyday. Keep looking for updates!

Tyler and Moriah