Wrapping up 2013

This has been one of the most busy and rewarding years of my life! It is overwhelming to think of all the things I've gotten to experience and the many new people I've met that I now consider friends. Beth turned the big 16 in February. It is scary to think she is growing up so fast- driving, drama club at school, boyfriend, etc. The first several months of the year consisted of getting ready for my first mission trip out of the country- to Haiti. Our trip leader spent a lot of time preparing us for what we would experience. We spent time in Port-de-Paix at Sonlight Academy and in Peredo with Haitian Christian Outreach. They were two very different places, but both were very welcoming and simplistic. One of the highlights was going to the orphanage and wanting to take home every baby I held. As I detailed in previous blog entries, God used this trip to break my heart for the lost and needy. He started revealing to me what His greater plans were for my life. Because the trip was in the beginning of May, I got to share with my students the things I learned. This caused them to be excited for mission opportunities. Also in May, the students I taught when I first started teaching graduated from CCA. This was special to know I played a small part in getting them to this point in their lives. At the end of May, Beth and I went to New Mexico for nine weeks to Broken Arrow Bible Ranch. The summer held many challenges and rewards. It was such a blessing to share the ups and downs with my little sister and be able to support each other. She began to realize why Broken Arrow is so special to me and all that God does there each summer. I grew so much in my relationship with God and with many of the campers and counselors. With this being my third summer, I have really bonded with many of them and it was hard telling them God could have other plans for me next summer. Some highlights were praying with campers to receive Christ, life changing stories at campfires, an awesome hailstorm, being able to lead crafts with some hilarious helpers, chapels, and the staff orientation camp out. It was hard to return home, but I knew I had a lot more support here than in previous years. I immediately had to start getting ready for school, because this year I was teaching three grades (3rd-5th). We also had made the decision to close our high school for at least this year and were making some major changes. It is my tenth year of teaching! It took a little time to adjust on my end and for the students, but once we got into a routine I found it quite easy and rewarding to have three grades. The older students are very helpful, especially with the younger students. Their enthusiasm is contagious. It's important to me that we make memories and that each student knows how important they are, in addition to their education. Teaching three grades has kept me very busy, but everyday I'm reminded why I love teaching in a Christian school. I had the opportunity to participate in two all nighter Relay for Life events. I walked for many people I know, including my dad, that have had cancer (and won or lost the battle) or are fighting cancer currently. It was a joy to do this as a family. In October my niece and nephew celebrated their first birthday. They had many challenges through their first year, but they are growing up so fast and are healthy and happy. I treasure all the time I spend with my two nieces and nephew. In November I went with Broadway Christian Church and a group from Minier, IL, to the Dominican Republic. I've detailed our week long trip in my previous blog entries. I left knowing this is where God wants me to return to teach. I fell in love with the churches we visited, the people who were so welcoming, the culture, the communities, and the full time missionaries we spent time with. We worked mainly in Higuey building an addition onto the existing church. I actually got to mix concrete by hand, help put mortar on the blocks for the wall, and use a sledgehammer to knock down a wall. We also went to church in La Romana where we did Sunday school with close to 90 kids and taught English classes at the elementary school in Punta Cana. God is doing some amazing things in these places. I had the privilege of speaking at two ladies events, doing the youth group message, leading the craft at Sunday school, and teaching at the elementary school. In addition to teaching and construction, I found I connected with our team too. Working alongside them was such a blessing! I was glad to be home and relax during Thanksgiving break. December brought more craziness with several Christmas parties, our school Christmas program, and wrapping up our first semester at school. After our first big snow we had a lot of fun making forts and having snowball fights.Also this year I've been able to do several events with Broadway Christian Youth groups. I find myself connecting with the students more each week. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to our youth pastor and his wife this month. They were a vital part of this ministry and will be greatly missed! However, God has put a great group of sponsors in place to carry through until He sends the perfect youth pastor. God knows the direction He's taking each of us even if we can't understand His plan right now. I'm excited to work with the 6th grade girls each Wednesday. God has been so patient with me. He has consistently reminded me time after time of His faithfulness. He's continued teaching me what complete trust/dependence on Him truly means. He's taught me how to be compassionate, what true love is, and to see people through His eyes. All He asks of me is to make a difference right where I am- wherever that may be at this time. When I fall flat on my face, He helps me get back up. He's put friends in my life to encourage and support me.He's put a fire in my heart for the lost, hurting, and poor. Like I started this entry, what a year this has been! Has it been easy? No. Has God walked with me through the times of doubt, discouragement, and pain? Yes. And He's making me stronger through it all. I can't wait to see what the next year will bring......