Joys and Wonders of Missionary Formation

Last March, I came all the way from Ireland to Big Woods for a Discernment Week to take a closer look at a missionary call with Family Missions Company. Honestly, I had no idea that one year later I’d be sitting here reminiscing about six incredible months of formation.

As I write this, my heart is just full! I am grateful for our formation team, my roommates, the other Intakers, and the whole Big Woods community.

“We give thanks to thee, O God; we give thanks; we call on thy name and recount thy wondrous deeds” (Psalm 75:1). There are so many blessings and little miracles to recount. Let me pull back the curtain a bit and share about my life during Intake.

The chapel—the heart of it all
Life here revolves around five big “stones”: Prayer, Scripture, Sacraments, Community Life, and Mission. We pray together, we pray alone, and from day one, the chapel has been my favorite place.

The chapel smells of wood and is big enough to gather the whole community for Mass and worship. Behind the tabernacle and crucifix, there are four windows. Every time I look at them, I’m reminded of the call to bring the Gospel to the four corners of the world, in Jesus’ words, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Mark 16:15).

It blesses me to watch the seasons change through those big windows. Sitting there in prayer, I’d see tall treetops swaying, fresh green leaves shimmering in the sunlight, gently moving in the breeze. It often feels like creation itself is joining in the prayer. It’s a quiet, exquisite reminder of God’s glory and the beauty of His creation.

Fridays in the chapel are special. The whole community, including families, staff, singles, and Intakers, gathers for praise and worship. We adore the Lord, thank Him for the week, and share powerful glory stories and testimonies. Even if I walk in feeling heavy, I can’t help but leave lighter, sometimes even dancing. “Praise Him with timbrel and dance,” right? (Psalm 150:4)

And then there’s Friday potluck at the Community House, where most of our community gatherings take place. The big dining table fills up with dishes and steaming pots of food. The smells alone are enough to make you hurry into line. Children run around laughing and playing, adults catch up on the week. Is it loud? Oh yes. But it’s the best kind of loud, full of joy, smiles, and love in the room.

Walking Louisiana (very cautiously at first)
From the moment I arrived in Big Woods, I couldn’t wait to explore the nearby walkways. Horseshoe Road quickly became my favorite walking path—perfect for prayer, deep conversations, or just soaking in the beauty around. I’ve also seen some of the most stunning sunrises and sunsets along the stretches of this road.

Now, how does an Irish girl go for a walk in Louisiana? Straight down the middle of the road!

With deep ditches on both sides and stories of venomous snakes, alligators, and leprous armadillos, I spent my first two weeks walking cautiously in the center, constantly scanning left and right. Thankfully, no perilous creatures ever launched an attack.

Over time, the road became one of my most treasured places. Here are my much-loved “nature friends”: the giant oak tree catching the light of the day, a donkey standing among black cows, Hildi the big dog occasionally joining me for a surprise walk, and sheep in the far field at the end of the road.

Some of our FMC families live along that road, and I’ll often hear little voices shout, “Hello, Miss Aleksandra!” as I pass by. Every walk feels unique and special. The slower rhythm of life here in Louisiana is something truly beautiful.

Community life
There are as many facets to community life here as months in the year, but game nights definitely stand out. I don’t think I can fully describe the laughter, friendly competition, playful teasing, and pure joy of those evenings. Whether introverted or extroverted, you quickly learn to love them.

FMC also knows how to celebrate well. In just six months, we’ve experienced the monthly Lord’s Day suppers, six baptisms, one funeral, baby showers, and even a surprise birthday party for me. I’ll never forget the kindness and generosity that poured out that night.

Treasure hunts
Our rhythm of life here wouldn’t be meaningful if it weren’t mission-centered.

From the beginning of Intake, we’ve been gently encouraged to serve those closest to us, visiting nursing homes and serving at the Christian Service Center.

First, we spend time in the chapel praying for our “treasures,” the people the Lord wants us to encounter that day. Sometimes we receive a name, an image, a detail about clothing, or even a specific place.

Week after week, I’ve been in awe watching how the Holy Spirit leads us. He sends us to people who need to know they are truly seen and known and deeply loved by Jesus.

One Friday during prayer, I got the image of a red jumper and a hardware shop. Sure enough, we were led to a beautiful woman from the Caribbean working there. She was struggling with severe stomach and back pain, but even more with loneliness and feeling unseen. The Lord saw her. He led us to her. We prayed for healing and for friends and a loving community to embrace her in her need.

When I think about Intake, one phrase comes to mind: extravagant love.

It has honestly been one of the best seasons of my life. Growing in this beautiful missionary vocation has been a gift beyond price in so many ways. When we arrived, we were asked to have faith in God who led us here, in our formation team, in the community, and in ourselves. God gave me so much more than I expected.

This time has been deeply formative, family-filled, adventurous, inspiring, and God-centered. Faith and love for the poor brought us here. But God opened His treasure troves and gave us an unforgettable adventure of growing into missionaries and saints.

And all because we serve “a real God, who does real things for real people in the real world,” as Mr. Frank Summers, FMC co-founder, said.