Returning to Campus

I've been back to my alma mater at least once a year since I graduated, but this year was my first time returning for Homecoming!  It was a full day of spending time with friends, reconnecting with members of our class, and reminiscing about our time on campus.

One of my former roommates and me in front of our freshman room!

In honor of our fellow classmate and friend, Erica, we displayed some of her artwork and her story.

So grateful for our years of friendship!

Only a few days later, I headed back up to campus - this time as a recruiter!  It was a privilege to represent TeachBeyond at Grove City's annual Career Fair.  In addition to interacting with interested students at the Fair, I shared in two education classes and met personally with several potential applicants.  It is humbling and exciting to be a part of the process of God's work in the lives of others, whether they pursue opportunities with TeachBeyond or not.  (An added bonus was getting to stay at the home of Megan, a dear friend from BFA who now lives in Grove City with her husband!)

The TeachBeyond booth at GCC's Career Fair

I was one of over 135 alumni recruiters at the event!

Please pray for each of the students at Grove City College as they explore future opportunities, and pray for me to have wisdom to speak words of truth in the process as they continue to consider where and how God may be calling them to serve.

Finding New Rhythms

It's been a month since my last post, one of the longest silences on this blog since I began posting in March 2010.  September has been a whirlwind of moving and settling in and traveling!  I'm attempting to figure out this new normal of...

... Traveling hundreds of miles to visit campuses, yet most days, working from home.

... Driving with confidence to a few select locations (including church and Target), but relying on my GPS to get pretty much anywhere else.

... Staying connected with friends around the world through Skype and email, but also making new connections here in Pittsburgh.

... Feeling at home so close to my alma mater, yet brand new to life in the city.

... Trying to find a balance: TeachBeyond work and grad class assignments and being with people and rest.

After over twenty years of going to school, I have entered into a totally new life of creating my own schedule!  My days are planned around with Skype meetings, assignment deadlines, and to-do lists.  Initially I wondered when I'd fall into a routine, and I've now discovered that there isn't much of one!  While there are definitely challenges in figuring out how to prioritize tasks, I'm grateful for the flexibility of my schedule which allows for time to invest in people - whether potential TeachBeyond candidates or my new roommates or friends still at BFA.

A few weeks ago, I took a road trip to Chicago to visit my brother!

While in Illinois, I also met up with two of the families from the TeachBeyond youth orientation groups I led in 2013 and 2014.

Welcome to my neighborhood!

Pittsburgh is beginning to feel more like home.

Thank you for your prayers as I continue to transition into my new role and new home.  May the Lord be glorified as I establish new routines and rhythms!