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From Lancaster, PA to Whitewater, KS...

Intense.  Challenging.  Hard.  Nerve-racking.  Anxious.  Soo worth it.  These are just some words that describe the  four days of training I had from Peacemaker Ministries.  I had two days of conflict coaching and two days of mediation training but prior to the training I had to read the book, The Peacemaker by Ken Sande and do about 18 hours of homework.  I really did not know what to expect and I was really nervous about the whole role playing aspect even though I knew that part of the training is what would help me learn the most in applying the principles.

Let me just give you an overview of how these four days looked like.  The first day of conflict coaching we sat at tables with three other people.  Our instructors taught us a principle, we would watch a clip of how it was applied and then it was our turn to role play with our assigned partners.  One of us would be the coach while the other role played the part of the case study we all did in our homework assignment.  Then we would reverse roles.  The second day started off like the first day but after lunch our instructors divided us into three's to role play our own conflict that we had to write out (part of homework assignment).  One of us was the coach, one was the "party" and the other was an observer to give us feedback.  This was like real life conflict and how do we as coaches help them through it.  When it was my turn to be the coach, I was anxious and nervous but it was something that  going through it how much I have to depend on the Holy Spirit's leading and guiding and not me trying to fix the problem.  I thought I was nervous about Conflict Coaching, I was more anxious about Mediation.

First day of Mediation the instructors had rearranged our tables and groupings as there were not as many people and to get to know others.  I sat with three other people around my table.  Again our instructors taught the principle, we would watch a clip, then we would role play but instead of with just a partner, we split into two's to partner together as mediators and/or the "parties" involved.  At the end of the day our homework assignment was to go over the case study where we would be mediators to prepare how we would go through the GOSPEL with them and also to prepare the case study where we role played the opposing parties.  Just knowing my partner for a day and not knowing how we would interact and team together was nerve-racking and then not knowing how our "parties" would throw a wrench in to make things interesting.  The guys had stumped me a couple of times as we role played throughout the day.  The second and last day of Mediation, I was so thankful that me and my partner were mediating first.  Again, it was God's leading and guiding and my partner and I worked well together.  Yes, there were some bumps along the way but it was amazing to see how God again used His Word to change hearts.  We had a table debrief with our one instructor and during lunch I had my one-on-one debrief with the same instructor.  After lunch, I was one of the opposing parties and I was nervous if I would be able to get into character and not break it by laughing or making it too easy for our mediators.  It was interesting and fun to be able to role play and by being in character how God spoke to me.  We had a table debrief with our instructor, a group discussion before we closed the training.  Then the afternoon mediators had their one-on-ones.

Here is a clip that may help you to become reconciled with your loved one...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L96GSqfhFnQ.

Friend.  "...but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Prov. 18:24b).  God has blessed me with many who I call friend.  This past week I had the privilege of seeing a very dear friend marry God's helpmate for her.  I was able to spend a few days with my friend, Rachel and her family with decorating, making brownies, celebrating on a hayrack ride, traveling down to Avonlea, and celebrating the wedding ceremony and reception.  It was a beautiful and sacred time with Rachel, Dalen and their families.  Rachel and Dalen married on April 8th which was to commemorate Rachel's Dad's birthday.  It was a beautiful day and Rachel was a beautiful bride.  Very thankful for being able to participate in their celebration!
Rachel's mom helping with the veil

Rachel's 3 brothers walking her down the aisle

Rachel's brides matrons with their youngest child, children's choir nieces and nephews with some friends

Mr. and Mrs. Dalen Wiebe

Head table

Cutting the cake



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