Me and Matt Goofing Around

Well, we are both back at home and spending some time with our families and friends before we head off January 1st! Our time of training was incredible and we both feel like we have gotten some good tools to use in ministry overseas. Father taught us both quite a bit and really challenged us in many areas. We also developed some close friendships with the other people in training and are going to miss them greatly! These are some pics we took during our "photo shoot" for our prayer card.

A Historic Turkey Day

I know that most of you, while digging into your delicious feasts, stopped for a second and thought, "I wonder how Dave and Matt's Thanksgivings are going?". Well, since we knew you probably did that, we figured we would upload this little video to show you that we did in fact have a Thanksgiving meal and it was in fact delicious! We were able to go to another Jgirl's parent's house about 2hrs. away and eat a Thanksgiving "Lupper" with her family. Then, we went to her aunt's house and had desserts! It was a great time of relaxing and enjoying a substitute family atmosphere over the holiday. We miss you guys, but know that we "ate through the pain" just as if we were at home!

"Shot Day"

Yesterday we received our second round of shots, I am up to 7 now and Matt has had about 5 or so! We also gave you a little tour of our "Quad" that we share with one other guy named Blake. On the couch is our Laotian friend, Boauasy, who is a hoot! Anyway, I know it is hard to see, but enjoy!

(ps. I cut off the top part of my face at the end on purpose!)

Life in Glorious VA

(The view from me and Matt's back porch)

Well friends, we made to Virginia!

  After a somewhat laid back orientation the first week things are definitely kicking into high gear!  Each day we typically sit in some type of meeting from about 8am to 3 or 4 in the afternoon.  After dinner in the cafeteria we usually do some homework, hangout, do more assignments, and do some sort of physical activity.  Weekends are more relaxed, but this weekend we will be spending from 9-5 in a ESL certification class!  And next weekend too!  Wow.  But, this is something that we both know we need and will help us with our ultimate goal, so its alright.  The Father has been so good to provide us with some great training even in these first two weeks.  We can both approach our time in Southeast Asia with a new confidence having the tools we will get here over the next two months.  

Please be lifting up our time here, that both Matt and I would glorify the Father in everything we say and do.  Also, that we would soak up all the knowledge and training that He has to teach us during this time.  From here on, "to whom much is given, much is required" so also lift up for us the obedience to put all this training into practice when we get on the field.

Thanks again for your support and thoughts.  We sent our first update newsletter last night, so if you did not get it today and thought you should have, please email us at daveelliff@gmail.com and we will put you on the list.

One Week!

Hey,

Just a little update to let you know that Matt and I will be going to VA for training in one week!  Please be praying for safe travel as I drive 15 hours from Arkansas and Matt flies from New Mexico.  We are looking forward to this time and are excited to see all that the Father has for us to learn during training.  You can also pray that Matt and I are humble and teachable during our time in VA and that when we leave we will be in the best physical, emotional, and spiritual shape we can be to do the Father's work.  

If you have not sent us your email address yet for our e-newsletter, please send it to daveelliff@gmail.com.  

Thanks!

Why the LuckyBurgerBoys?

Well, I bet you are wondering about the weird name for our blog.  I could just say, "It's a SE Asia thing, you wouldn't understand" like those old Jeep stickers.  But since I hate those stickers, I will explain it to you.  

Lucky Burger is a popular fast food chain in SE Asia, it is kind of like McDonald's Asian style.  It is also one of the only fast food chains in the city we are going to be living in.  As you know, a lack of competition can lead to complacency in menu and quality.  That being said, I happen to really like Lucky Burger.  When my team was overseas a couple of summers ago, we hit up Lucky Burger when we needed to have something resembling a Big Mac and it served us well.  

So, that is the reason for the blog name, and because it kind of rolls of your tongue when you say it.  One piece of advice though:  stay away from the chili dogs...(not many people eat chili in 100% humidity, thus old chili tends to be served)