Mozambique?

-Mike- Since last Fall, we have had it on our hearts to go to Mozambique, Africa to attend missionary training offered by Iris Ministries.  Going to Haiti in November complicated those desires a little because I now have a place in my heart for the people I met there!  None-the less, we have pressed forward pursuing the Iris training, while planning the next trip to Haiti with our church.  I will be in Haiti August 16-22! My heart is being pulled in both directions. We are relying on God to close doors that only He can close and open doors only He can open.
The training is called the Harvest School and is 3 months from October through December.  I have found out from the Iris website that this training is very popular. Approximately 300 people attend each session.  This year 2 are being offered.  There is an application process each student must complete that Iris does not accept until June 1st. There is also a fee to attend the Harvest School, and along with airfare, the trip is quite expensive. I have estimated the cost to be about $20,000. Our whole family will be going, Lord willing.
Carolynn and I both feel strongly that we want to serve as long-term missionaries, but admittedly, we have no idea what we are doing. This is one of the first things that drew us to the Iris training.  It made sense to us to receive focused training in a pertinent environment. We also wanted our whole family to be able to attend, which is something not all organizations are able to offer.   
Heidi and Roland Baker are the founders of Iris. Before we began searching for anything missionary related, I had no idea who they were, but I have since read several books authored by them and I am drawn by their love for Jesus. If we could glean some of what they know about experiencing who God is and pouring that out into others, we would be so much better for it.  It is quite easy for me to get caught up in the details of this whole process that sometimes I have to draw back a little and look up. I need to re-focus on why we are doing what we are doing and the need that is out there.  I am in the minority compared to the world when I say that this world can change for the better, and Jesus is the answer. 
To sum things up, we have a few immediate needs, but the main thing is prayer.  We have one month until we are able to send in our application! There are really a lot of options we have for pursuing mission work.  We want to be sure that we are on a path that is honoring to God and will be the best for our family.  Pray if you will, for direction, and for the Lord's will to be done. When it comes down to it, we want what God wants.  We also would like prayer for Haiti and the trip that is planned for August.  We will be attending a summer camp with children that our church sponsors through World Orphans.  I am excited about the relationships we are building through the partnership.
For more information about the Harvest School go to: www.irisglobal.org/missions/harvest/