#tbt Week 9: First Days of School

As I embrace this season of transition, I am taking time to reflect on many memories with special people in meaningful places.  It is neat to visibly see changes over time, knowing that God has been transforming us through the experiences of the past five years.

Each Thursday this summer will be devoted to a #tbt (Throwback Thursday) post, highlighting various "then and now" comparisons.  Enjoy!

#tbt Week 9: First Days of School

For twenty-two years, I've had a "first day of school."

Thirteen years of public school.

Four years of college.

Five years at BFA.

This year, my twenty-third "first day of school," passed without 

a bus stop photograph,

dorm move-in fanfare,

or inspirational opening ceremony.

My first day of grad school (online) was swept along in the whirlwind of this season of transition.  Course assignments joined the to-do list of tasks: order a cable modem, plan my September recruiting trip, finalize plans for this Sunday's event, read a chapter of the textbook.

As I began my class this week, I reflected on the feelings of "first days."  Even though I have always enjoyed school, butterflies inevitably fill my stomach at the anticipation of something new.  The unknown seems to stir up an overwhelming mixture of excitement, apprehension, and determination.

Are you stepping into something new this week?  Are there unknowns ahead for you in the next month?  Jesus knows, and He is present in it!  

He asks us to be "strong and courageous"... but not without promising that He is with us "wherever [we] go" (Joshua 1:9).

He says not to fear... because He is with us, strengthening, helping, and upholding us (Isaiah 41:10).

He teaches us not to be anxious... accompanied by His evidence of provision (Matthew 6:25-34).

Whatever these "first days" bring, we can embrace the unknown with a confidence in Christ's guiding presence.  There isn't a better place to be than utter dependence on Him.

1993-1999 (Kindergarten-6th Grade)

First days of college, RA, student teaching, and teaching at BFA

What memories do you have of your first days of school?

What emotions do new beginnings stir in you?

Become a Mobilization Advocate!

Networking is a big part of my new role with TeachBeyond.  I'd like to invite you to partner with me by becoming a Mobilization Advocate!  Here are some ideas:

• Refer Others to TeachBeyond.  When you hear of someone interested in serving overseas, consider telling them about TeachBeyond and connecting them with me.  While we are primarily looking for teachers, we also need residence life staff, chaplains, maintenance personnel, administrative assistants, accountants, school nurses, camp volunteers... the list goes on!

• Share Your Church.  TeachBeyond seeks to partner with churches in the sending process.  You can introduce me to the missions director or board at your church, whether in person or via email.

• Make Connections in Education.  Are you involved in education?  You could be the bridge to valuable connections with schools, colleges, and campus ministries.  In addition to recruiting at Career Fairs and Missions Festivals, I'd like to share with education classes, dorm Bible studies, and informal gatherings of students or teachers. We can brainstorm about this together!

• Another Idea?  I'm open to your ideas that would help to share TeachBeyond's vision with others!

Click here to indicate your interest, and I'll be in touch with you soon!

Another way to partner with me is to make a financial contribution or become a monthly donor!  You can visit this site to make a donation.

#tbt Week 8: A Weekend Away

As I embrace this season of transition, I am taking time to reflect on many memories with special people in meaningful places.  It is neat to visibly see changes over time, knowing that God has been transforming us through the experiences of the past five years.

Each Thursday this summer will be devoted to a #tbt (Throwback Thursday) post, highlighting various "then and now" comparisons.  Enjoy!

#tbt Week 8: A Weekend Away

Last weekend was an entire "throwback" weekend!  The parents of one of my close college friends invited a group of us to stay in their pre-Civil War farmhouse in rural Virginia for a few days, and we welcomed this opportunity for refreshment and reconnection.

What a gift it was to be together again!  It was fun to not only recall memories from our college days, but also create new memories together.

Just before graduation, June 2010

Making new memories, August 2015

The weekend was tinted with a bittersweetness, as our dear friend Erica, who passed away in a car accident on Good Friday, had been so very excited for this reunion.  The Lord was gracious as we had the opportunity to remember Erica's devotion to Christ and passionate service to Him.  Although we miss Erica, we are inspired to live intentionally, love deeply, and give generously.

To these friends - and the many others reading this blog and following my journey - I don't take your friendship for granted!  I see Jesus refining you and using you as lights in a dark world (Phil. 2:15-16).  I see your daily dependence on Him for health, financial provision, joy, and energy.  I see your desire to glorify God in decision-making.  You, friends, encourage me to run this race with perseverance (Hebrews 12:1-2).

It's nothing new, but I feel it more now than ever before:  I'm grateful to Jesus for the gift of connection across time zones and miles.  

How do you balance remembering the past and making new memories?

How have your friendships shaped who you are today?

#tbt Week 7: Those First Days

As I embrace this season of transition, I am taking time to reflect on many memories with special people in meaningful places.  It is neat to visibly see changes over time, knowing that God has been transforming us through the experiences of the past five years.

Each Thursday this summer will be devoted to a #tbt (Throwback Thursday) post, highlighting various "then and now" comparisons.  Enjoy!

#tbt Week 7: Those First Days

Thanks to Facebook's "On This Day" feature and a nostalgic roommate, a few of my very first photos from Germany have recently resurfaced.  In fact, I think they've gotten more "likes" now than they did when they were first posted in 2010!

Five years ago, I was settling into my apartment in Riedlingen, attending new staff orientation at BFA, and trying to figure out my place in my new community.  In those days, making a simple meal was an significant accomplishment - it was my first time cooking for myself and we were navigating grocery shopping in my second language!  A few years later, these food photos seemed humorous: "Did we really think these meals were worth posting to Facebook?!"  Now, they are snapshots of those first memories with dear friends.

Our adventures involved IKEA runs, driving through roundabouts, and washing loads of laundry!

Those days were full of emotions.  At times, I felt courageous, excited, hopeful, and alive.  Other times, nervous, frustrated, overwhelmed, dependent, confused...  Many days, a mixture of all of the above.  

And these days aren't too different.  Very soon, with emotions swirling, I will be settling into my apartment in Pittsburgh, orienting myself to my new job, and trying to figure out my place in my new community.  

When I left for Germany five years ago, I felt incredibly supported.  Although many miles from my hometown and the people who knew me best, I was surrounded by God's presence and the encouragement of my "home team" from afar.  Today, that supportive network has only grown.  Spread over several continents, I am blessed by friendships that continue regardless of our location.

"Those first days" were monumental steps of following Him.  "These first days" are the beginning of another chapter of trust in His provision!

Thanks, Jesus, for being my Great Pioneer as You lead me into the unknown.

Changes in Plans

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."  Proverbs 19:21

Have you ever experienced a change in plans that had you shaking your head and shrugging your shoulders, but taking steps forward because you just knew that it was right?

The past few weeks have felt a little like that.

Back in April, I shared my plans with you - plans to move to Maryland, take on a new role with TeachBeyond as Mobilization Coach, and begin my master's program.

Some of those plans aren't changing.  I began my new role with TeachBeyond this week and am already enjoying communicating with potential TeachBeyond members and mapping out my recruiting trips for the fall.  I am also enrolled in grad classes beginning soon.  I'm grateful for these next steps that bring purpose and structure to these sometimes chaotic days of transition.

However, the Lord made it clear to me about a month ago that Maryland was not where I was supposed to be in this next season.  I was surprised and confused by this redirection, as I had been planning this move to D.C. since the spring and was excited to live with a college friend.  I believe that I listened to His leading in making that decision months ago, so why the change?  I'm not sure if/when I'll ever know why, but the Spirit clearly directed me to take a step back and listen again.

Since then, I have pursued housing opportunities in western PA, a more accessible location for my primary recruiting campuses.  God provided a roommate who is also transitioning back to the States from an overseas experience and will begin law school this fall.  She and I signed a lease on a duplex in Pittsburgh two weeks ago, which will be a great "home base" at this time.

Thank you for your prayers in these months of transition!  And thanks be to God for His peace, which passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).