North Carolina, Here I Come!!!

29 September 2011

Today feels rather reminiscent of a day about 5 years ago... a day when I packed up all my stuff and took a one-way road trip to NC (with my mom along for the drive).

I had spent the summer wondering what in the world God was doing as I applied for teaching jobs in:
      Colorado
               New Mexico
                         Pennsylvania
                                  Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and more...

and had the door shut every. single. time.

I had heard Him remind me again and again that my job was to

seek first the kingdom of God

(fill out applications up the wazoo)

and let Him supply the rest.

-Mat 5:33 (slightly paraphrased)

And, He did it.  Better late than never, right?  I finally had an answer.

Final destination: Tartown, North Carolina

Last time I got in the car, I was setting out for an apartment I had searched for and rented in the course of a single day.  I was technically trained but totally unprepared to teach in a school I had walked through for an hour the week before; my first teaching experience in my own classroom, ever.  I had briefly met two acquaintances in the entire state: my soon to be mentor Andi, and our school reading coach Debra.  I was headed for a different culture, different language, and some VERY different behaviors than I was used to for first grade kiddos!  Boy, was I in for a crazy ride!

my new apartment complex

This time is slightly different.  I've grown in confidence, have a few great years of teaching under my belt, and have lived in new places, experienced new cultures, and been forced out of my comfort zone WAY too many times!  I also have a teacher voice that I can pull out at a moment's notice, thanks to that first class who helped me find it within the first few LONG months of the school year.

This time, I know where I'm staying.  I know who I'll be seeing.  I'm prepared to hear endings cut off words, sentences all smooshed together, and the soft 'e' sound mutilated.  And while I am hoping to connect with some churches and pastors and new partners along the way, I'm also excited to visit with dear friends that I haven't seen in 3 years, and a couple of great friends that I know from Tanzania as well!

North Carolina (and new adventures), here I come! :)

Please be praying for...

- Good connections and opportunities to connect with people and churches who are excited to partner financially and prayerfully with me... and boldness for me in sharing!

- Safe travels and good times with God on the road :)

- sufficient time, energy, and expedience in getting coursework done throughout the week

- a peaceful, patient, trusting heart