For Such A Time As This

In January of this year I started interviewing for an elementary teaching position at Santiago Christian School in the Dominican Republic. I had applied last year, but God directed me to stay here for another year. My heart has been drawn to the people as I've interacted with them in different situations during my time there. In the last year I've seen God develop in me a love and desire for them, as only He could do. I had been praying for several months for God's clear direction on where and how I should serve in the Dominican. I wanted to be right in the center of His will- the safest place to be. During my last interview with the principal of Santiago Christian School, I was asked if I was confident that this was were God wanted me to be. I was able to answer with a definite yes. God had given me such peace in making the decision that I had no doubts. On February 16th I was officially welcomed into the SCS family! Within a couple of weeks I had paperwork signed stating my intent to teach (either 2nd or 3rd grade) and some other details about the job offer, with more to come in the months ahead. Adrenaline was running high and my excitement was overwhelming. I can see how God has orchestrated events in my life for such an opportunity as this. His timing is always perfect. He knew what preparation I needed before He sent me, even though it's a continual growing and learning process. He knew my heart and the things I needed to let go of to be an effective instrument for Him.

Also, at the beginning of this year I learned that the school I currently teach at- Charleston Christian Academy- will be closing after eleven years. God has a bigger plan (much better than I can imagine), but it's bittersweet to leave my classroom, the staff I've been blessed to work alongside, and the families I've had the privilege of connecting with over the years. It's become a "safe place". Sometimes God calls us to leave that comfortable place, as He is doing with me. One door is closing, but another is opening.

As in many instances, the "happy feelings" come and go. The excitement begins to fade. And reality sets in that I'm soon facing some big changes. However, I'm reminded that a life committed to serving God and others is more than feelings and emotions. It's a close relationship with God, built on faith and trust. In spite of my ever changing emotions, God remains steady and faithful. His word is never changing. When fears arise (like maybe tarantulas?), God says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." When I begin to think I can't do this (facing many new things), God says, "You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you." When loneliness sets in (as it will being away from family and friends), God says, "I will never leave you or forsake you." 

But, God didn't ask me to do this alone. He gave me a great support team. I am thankful for my family (including my church family) that listens as I babble with excitement, encourages me when my resolve wavers, lifts me up in prayer, and loves me unconditionally.

For now I choose to focus on the present, which is finishing strong the tasks God has given me and not taking anything for granted. As I face each day, I find God gives me sufficient grace and I'm confident "that He who began a good work in me will carry it through to completion".

Luke 10:2 He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

Happy 18th Birthday to My Lil Sister, Beth

One early morning, 18 years ago, my family grew with the birth of a very special little girl we named Bethany Grace. She was born at 3:14 am on February 6, 1997, and weighed 5 lbs 12 oz. My parents loved her at first sight and considered her an answer to a prayer they had been praying about adding another girl to our family of five. They spent most of her first days with her in the hospital. 

I fell in love with Beth from the moment I first met her when she came home at four days old. She was my little living baby doll. (And she was that small!) I dressed her up, took pictures, changed her into another cute outfit, and repeated.

I helped with her early morning bottle feedings before I left for school each day. That time alone was so special with her. I'd rock her, sometimes sing, and lay her back down. It was hard to wait until the end of school to get home and play with her.

 
I loved seeing her first crawl then take her first steps, get her first tooth then lose her first tooth, start babbling to talking in full sentences, ride a tricycle to riding a bicycle, me reading to her then her reading to me. She loved the park (especially the swings), the library (she loved books), and shopping (and still does!).

We've celebrated eighteen birthdays including a ballerina teddy bear, Teletubby, and Winnie the Pooh. Her birthdays always included many family and friends, many presents, and lots of food.

Beth learned to ice/roller skate at an early age (and skates much better than me today).

getting ready to try out ice skates for the first time

she loves the water

 


One of my favorite moments was finding out her adoption was final- she was ours, forever. But, strangely, nothing seemed different, because she had already been ours to love for months and months.We watched as her personality changed and developed into the confident young lady she is today. (I should have guessed back then that she'd excel in speech and drama one day!)

We love the outdoors and so growing up we spent a lot of time hiking and camping. As she grew older we loved to go camping just the two of us (I think some camp outs may have scarred her a bit). We've explored Fox Ridge, Walnut Point, Eagle Creek, and Shawnee. We've braved caves, waterfalls, and cliffs. These have been some of the greatest bonding times for us as sisters. We both fell in love with ziplining from the first time we did it. 


I watched her nervously start kindergarten and now in a few months I'll be watching her walk across the stage to receive her high school diploma at graduation. Today my little sister moves into adulthood. She leaves behind a childhood filled with many adventures, memories, and firsts.

I am incredibly blessed to be a part of her journey- to see her grow, learn, discover her passions in life, fall down and get back up. I'm so proud of my lil sister and all that she's accomplished this far. I pray God's protection and blessing on her as she begins the most exciting and, at times, scary stage of her life.

I love you always and forever, Beth! Happy 18th birthday!


 

I want to share a poem I wrote for her when she was only a few weeks old. I presented it to her on a plaque for her 18th birthday:




                         
                                              

                    

 A New Life Begun

        Dedicated to my little sister, Bethany

The first time I saw you

My heart just leapt for joy.

All the dreams I have for you,

You'll probably never do.

But as I watch you grow

You will always know

The love I feel for you.

As you laid there in my arms

I began to think

Of all the things that you may do.

You're like a morning mist upon the ground

That starts each day anew.

The prayers I prayed for you,

That God would see you through. 

Some nights I'd lie awake

And pray God's best for your sake.

There is always a place for you

Deep within my heart.

Remember that God is always there,

As this new life you start.

-Sarah Elizabeth Tucker-

"Let It Go"

No, I'm not referring to the most popular song from the movie "Frozen", but I'm sure many would admit it's the first thing that came to mind when they read these three words.
Recently these have been the hardest three words for me to hear. I'm continually learning as I walk this journey called life. I love to hold onto things- to remember, dwell on, come back to them. Sometimes this is a positive thing- good memories, important milestones, life's exciting moments. Sometimes these are things I can change- day to day choices, my own attitudes, perspectives, or reactions. But then there are those things that I can't control- other people's choices, death, sickness, and so much more. This is where it has been really difficult for me. I like control, but God's been asking me to give that control over to Him. He's not forceful, but patiently waits. This is what genuine trust and faith requires. God tests my love for Him by asking me to "let go". 

Seems easy, right? Too often I'm holding onto things from my past, things that give me security, or things I find familiar, thinking I'm okay. In reality, I'm holding myself back from going forward, unhindered, into a much deeper relationship with God. A place with far greater rewards. I'm finding that as I start letting go of control there is a freedom that comes with it. A freedom to see God move in my life and those around me. A freedom to experience God's blessings in a way I couldn't receive them, while holding onto my plans. When I look at example after example of people in the Bible, I am reminded each follower of Christ had to let go of something. There is a sacrifice, a cost, involved. God's teaching me to give up things that are so insignificant compared to following Christ. It took me a while to recognize these strongholds in my life. However it is a lifelong journey- a constant evaluating of what I'm allowing to take the place of Christ and letting it go. What's so encouraging is that Christ continues to pursue me!
 
His plans include the best for me and even though I can't see what's down the road and fear starts to creep in, His gentle whisper "I'm in control. Trust me." brings a peace to my heart. He directs me and gives me just enough light for the step I'm on. And that's enough for me to "let it go".