Friday began the start of another training season for our department. 60+ participants landed in Hartsfield-Jackson airport, preparing for a launch. They would be headed to six different countries, for a term of nearly four months. But first they would be heading to a four day training camp and before that, they would be sent on an adventure...

Teams sat around a central location, in the heart of Atlanta airport's atrium, waiting patiently for their teammates, leaders, and Passport staff to arrive. Many of these young adults, waiting for a few hours until their parties had finally come together. It came to pass, that they were handed an envelope, Super Fun Clue #1. Inside these off-white encasings, were a folded piece of paper and a specified amount of cash. The adventure was afoot. The directions would take them to homeless outreach in Central Atlanta, known as Safe House. They arrived to find, their adventure was not over. It was just beginning.

Each team was handed a second envelop, with the title, Super Fun Clue #2.

This is where my story intersects with their journey. You see, I was given the task to join team India for the duration of their adventure. I was charged to be the male presence for their group, to deter any would-be harassing onlookers. At least this is what I would imagine my job description would be. Now back to the story at hand...

With suspense and intrigue, one girl mustered the courage to unveil the business envelope containing their next objective. With increasing mystery, Alicia read off the nights challenge. "Hear a story. Share a story. Connect the dots. Recount your New story."

Tonight would be about hearing stories of those we encountered. No ministry objectives. No ulterior motives. No predispositions. Just swapping stories. Simple enough, it seems. Little did we know what the night would hold for us...