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So we've just finished the first three weeks here and although I love being here I'm really excited for going abroad in January since we just found out where we're going!!
There are twelve of us here, four boys and eight girls, from all over the UK and although we're really different we all get on really well! Wetheringsett is a tiny village, with only about ten houses, and it is ten miles from the nearest small shops, so it takes a bit of getting used to compared to Solihull!
 Every morning we meet with the staff to pray for various projects and people involved in SIM's work around the world. It is a great way of starting the day by giving it into God's hands, although on some mornings I wish that could be done while still in bed! Then we have lessons about how to prepare for living and working overseas. This includes sessions on cultural differences and how to deal with them, stress and health, transition, how to answer tough questions etc. The other major part of our studies is the theology of mission. I've enjoyed most of them so far, it is really interesting to dig deeper into God's word although we have gotten into some pretty heated discussions over things like predestination!! We're also learning how to cook the type of foods we will have overseas and our new languages and other practical skills we'll need.
Last Friday, after a lot of prayer from the staff, we were given our overseas assignments. There are pairs going to Africa, Asia and South America, and although I wanted to go to South America, they thought I would be better suited to the work in Asia. So in January I will be going to the east of India!!! My partner is called Rebekah; she's Northern Ireland and has the coolest accent! We'll be working mostly with children in the city - we hope to help with an organisation which goes round in a bus and collects street children for a mobile school, teaching them to read and write since they don't go to school. I so can't wait! We'll also do some Kids Clubs in local schools.
It's not all work here though, we go out on the weekends and have visited the beach, Norwich and went punting in Cambridge. One night we all decided to jump in the pool here! Was so cold!!! We're also working in the schools and churches around here, half of us did an assembly at a local primary school last week, it went really well. We are split up into four groups of three to go different local churches. I am at Horham Baptist, which is quite a small church but the people are so lovely and welcoming. Two women turned up last week on a horse! I think it must be a Suffolk thing!!!
 Prayer pointers…
thank God for the great friendships with the other Gappers, staff and local churches
for interesting and challenging lessons
for the opportunity to go to India
for Rebekah and our strengthening relationship
for the strength to maintain a learning attitude even when tired and fed-up
for visa applications to go smoothly
Thank you so much for your interest and support in prayer; it is a real encouragement. I hope you are well and please let me know your news as well.
Love Jocelyn xoxoxo
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