From my last post, I still had unknowns about where I’d be living this fall and whether or not I’d be accepted for full-time missions with World Team. Writing to you from my new home in Cumberland, I happily have both answers.
World Team: I’ve been accepted! I’ve signed my contract to do full-time missions with World Team. I’m following God’s leading to Spain and hopefully will be joining the team there, but I’m also praying to stay open to God’s leading elsewhere. It’s a long process (or what seems long) to get to any field and serve.My first big step is determining God’s leading to a place to serve. Please pray that I’d be keen to the Spirit’s leading as I seek God on this. Once I know my location, I can begin to raise support to get there. However, I’ll also need to work awhile after I graduate to help pay off my student loans. We’re looking at about 2 years before I’d go anywhere. While this seems like far too long, I have to remember that this whole thing is a journey and process with God. He has much to teach me before I ever leave.
Cumberland: I’m living with a teacher, Ann, who teaches at Cumberland High School. I also have another roommate and fellow intern, Larissa, who will be teaching at the Early Learning Center (3-5 year olds). We all have our own room and plenty of space. I’ve been so blessed with this living situation. Located outside of town, I’m really enjoying the peace and quiet of country living. However, my fear of animals is heightened here. Just this morning, we had a turkey and a deer cross the road in front of the car, and Ann has had a bear walk down her driveway! I’ve always been more afraid of animals than people while running, and it’s going to take extra trust in God to run alone out here.I don’t know my schedule of classes that I’ll be teaching yet nor which classes exactly I will be teaching, but I’m hoping I’ll find that out tomorrow at our first day of inservice.
It’s hard to believe the school year is starting up already. Summer really flew by with so many great highlights with friends & family! As we know for college students, summer isn’t all play and no work. And so I am thankful for the work I did have at Bettersweet Bakery; it was a blessing to actually enjoy the work and work with incredible people too. Now I begin a new work at Cumberland, and I’m excited for the adventure ahead. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit nervous too, but I’m continually giving that over to God. Today was already an adventure where I helped serve at the Queen’s Tea for Rutabaga Festival and attended the parade. (check out the photos on facebook)
While it’s challenging to be alone in a foreign town where I don’t know anyone, it’s also really sweet as it draws me closer to God. I’m thankful He’s challenged me in this way. His Word and constant presence gain deeper richness in this challenge. Just this morning, I read John 16:32b & 33: “Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” These truths are so beautiful and exactly what I needed to hear. 1) I’m not alone 2) I have peace no matter the circumstance 3) I will have hardship here and challenges I don’t foresee now, but God will see me through them for nothing can overtake me with Him on my side. 4) Jesus has overcome the world!
May His truths encourage your heart as well. Whatever your battles, Jesus has victory over them. Life isn’t full of bliss and rest all the time. We will have challenges. But in them we also have peace, victory, and life in Christ. Praise God for His goodness and love that are everlasting.
Thank you all for your prayers and love. Please send me your prayer requests so that I may pray specifically for you too.
