Story Time with the First Graders

Today I visited my second student teaching class.  Apparently, their teacher hadn't told them that I was coming, so the first graders were SUPER excited to see me!  It was so fun to be back in their classroom for just a short time.

I asked the class what they noticed that was different about me since December -- they noticed both the contacts and the haircut!  I told them that I noticed different things about them, too, but sometimes people change on the inside.  I had something that I wanted to tell them that was an "inside" change; they wouldn't be able to tell from the outside.

I excitedly told them about moving to Germany... although most of them didn't have a clue where Germany is!  They did know, however, that I would have to take an airplane to get there and that it is "very far away."  I asked them what they thought I would do there -- teach in a school, of course!  One boy did add, "Miss Brown, I know something else you could do in Germany... get married!"  Yes, thank you for that comment.  Gotta love first graders!

Another update for this week... I got the names and email addresses of other girls who will be serving at BFA beginning this fall, so we are getting to know one another in order to figure out who will room together.  As I make contact with possible future roommates, I get even more excited about going to Germany!

Thank you for your continued prayers for strength, good health, wonderful memories, and "ending well" at GCC.  There are a lot of "lasts," but these are special times with friends.  May the Lord be glorified in all of our words, thoughts, actions, and attitudes!

Photo Update

Here are some photos from the dessert gatherings last week.  Please pray that God continues to work on the hearts of His people to give financially and prayerfully to my ministry at BFA.

Sunday night, April 11th

Wednesday, April 14th

65, 22, and 165!

65... Lauren and I had the opportunity to share about BFA with about 65 people who attended one of our dessert gatherings last week!  It was so encouraging to have conversations with friends about how God has been working in my life.  (Thank YOU to those of you who came!)

22... I celebrated my 22nd birthday last Wednesday with GCC friends, as well as my fourth grade student teaching class!  The past five days have been a ton of fun -- birthday meals, afternoon off-campus, surprise Applebee's trip, spring formal with friends... This seems to be the beginning of the end (or the end of the beginning?) of a wonderful college career.  I'm grateful for the amazing relationships I have with people here at GCC -- I pray that they will continue as we leave this place AND I pray for new friendships in new places.  The Lord will provide!

165... The number of support letters I have sent out!  Keep praying for financial and prayer partners to join my team, and let me know if you're interested.

Have a wonderful week!

Dessert Gatherings

While I was at home in Newtown over Easter break, I was able to share about what I'll be doing at BFA at two small dessert gatherings with people from Grace Point.  It was great to make these personal connections, especially having just traveled to Germany for the international educator's conference.

Now that I am back on campus, Lauren Roop (a GCC friend who will also be going to BFA) and I are hosting two more dessert events for our friends!  Please pray that the desserts this week would give a clear picture of God's work in Kandern and around the world.  If you're in the Grove City area, please join us!  Email me for more information.

Thank You to My New Partners!

Here's an answer to prayer... I'm up to $300 in monthly pledges now!  A huge THANK YOU to my new financial partners -- you are participating in God's work around the world!  Your generosity, along with the contributions of others, will enable me to serve at BFA for the next two years.

In order to be fully funded, I am raising $2500/month, which goes towards my housing (rent, utilities, etc.), food, car, teaching supplies, insurance, and personal expenses.  My goal is to be fully funded by June 19th.  Will you join me on my journey to BFA?  If you're interested in partnering with me in this ministry, please download this form or email me for more information.

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

God's Grace... and Ways to Pray

While I was at BFA this past weekend, God showed me a very real picture of His grace...  As I interacted with the staff, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of unworthiness.  I have no teaching experience and no direct connections to BFA.  Why did they select me to teach at Sitzenkirch?  I definitely don't deserve it!  At the same time, I am filled with great enthusiasm and excitement for serving God at BFA for the next two years!  Although I don't deserve to have this job, I am so grateful to God for this opportunity. 

This reminds me of God's grace:  I'm far from perfect, and I don't deserve His sacrificial love.  However, by accepting His offer of forgiveness, I am filled with His supernatural joy!

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient... For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast."  (Ephesians 2:1-2, 8-9)

Thank You, Jesus, for Your amazing grace -- and for providing an unbelievable opportunity to serve You at BFA!!

I also thought of several specific prayer requests while at the conference this weekend...

Three Ways to Pray:

* TRANSITION:  There will be a lot of changes this summer as I leave Grove City (my "home" away from home the past four years with familiar people, routine, church, activities) and move to Germany (new culture, language, town, people, routine, church, activities).  Pray that I will be flexible about all of the little details, such as driving in a foreign country and using Skype to communicate with people in the USA.  I know that God is the Great Provider; pray that I continue to trust Him without worrying or complaining.

* COMMUNITY:  Coming from a close Christian environment at Grove City College, it will be really different not living in a dorm with friends just a few steps away.  Pray that I will quickly connect with not only BFA staff members, but also my Germany neighbors.  (Praise God for the connections I have already been able to make at the International Christian Educators' Conference!)

* BALANCE:  Since I am used to having a busy schedule and interacting with lots of people daily, I anticipate that I will want to get involved in activities in the area.  Pray that I will have discernment and wisdom about what to participate in so that I do not overcommit myself during my first year of teaching.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  - Philippians 4:6-7