God's Way
God's Way:
Although these last few months have not been what I expected it has been amazing to see God work. He continues to amaze me as He does things in a way that is so much better than I could ever have imagined. His ways truly are higher than ours.
Free Furniture:
As you know I was offered the position of elementary music teacher and choir director at Rift Valley Academy, the AIM missionary, boarding school. What blew me away was the fact that they had been praying for a certified music teacher for this year. I knew it was not a coincidence that I was looking for an assignment for 2016/17. God's timing is always perfect.
Looking at my budget for the move I was in need of $110 more a month because of the change in economies between Mada and Kenya. God took care of this in a super cool way. While at RVA preparing for the fall semester I had lunch with a lady whose family was headed on furlough for the 2016/17 school year. Rather than store all their furniture they asked me if I would borrow it for the year while they were gone. That meant that I didn't have to buy or rent any furniture. Therefore, a huge chunk of the $110 per month was taken care of. Isn't God good.
GOOD-Byes:
I was nervous about going back to Toliara to pack up because I didn't want anyone to be upset that I was leaving before my two- year term was up. I asked Vero, a dear Malagasy friend, to travel with me from Tana to Toliara. I met Vero when she lived in Toliara my first 6 months, but she had to move back to the capital before Christmas. Having Vero with me was just what I needed while visiting everyone I ministered with in Toliara and said goodbye. Vero's heart for the gospel matches mine and it was wonderful to have a partner as I closed out ministry in Toliara.
As much as it was hard to say goodbye to my leaders, my host family, and the people I had gotten to know in Toliara, the love with which they released me was a blessing. I will always be thankful for a Malagasy mama who loves Jesus and was willing to pray with me all the time. I learned so much from my leaders, and although we are not together now, they will continue to be in my heart as they follow God's leading and serve Him so faithfully. I knew God was working in Toliara before I arrived and it was amazing to see His faithfulness to the people there. I know He will continue to grow His kingdom there.
Back in the States:
God gave me traveling mercies as I headed back to the States in July. After stopping in Kenya to drop off two bags I met up with three SIM board members that were on my first flight back to the States. God sat us in the same row on the plane and it was really nice not to have to travel alone.
While in the States I was blessed to get to know my new niece. It was wonderful to see her personality come out and to hold her. I loved spending time with my mom and sister who were both on break from working at school and my Dad (who works nearby) and youngest sister who lives nearby. It was quite busy seeing friends and preparing to return to Kenya. Thankfully, my family was there through it all, and being near them for three weeks was perfect.
God also gave me a few other wonderful opportunities while I was in the States for three short weeks. My aunt retired from ministry with Slavic Gospel Association in June. My second Sunday home the church I grew up in honored her for her 51 years of service. It was a huge blessing to be home for such an important occasion in my aunt's life.
I was also home during the time when my church featured the Millennials who are ministering in the world. It was so much fun to catch up with those I grew up with at WBC and where also being featured.
Rift Valley Academy:
Now at RVA I am doing my best to settle. Setting up house has been crazy as I try to collect things I will need, but even that God has taken care of...
One of the families I met while visiting RVA is getting rid of things as they downsize to move to South Africa. They gave me a number of items on my list, which has saved me a ton. I have lots to do to get my classes set up, and get up and running for school in a few weeks, so I would appreciate prayer as I manage my time, but I am thrilled to be here and looking forward to meeting the students in a few weeks.
Healing the Rift:
Please continue to pray for my leaders at they finish out their work in Belitsiky. Pray for a strong church to grow there.
Pray for my friend Vero as she ministers in Tana. She has started two new Bible studies for people in her town and is also helping AIM as a Malagasy tutor, while studying to be a lawyer, and looking for a job to support herself.
Pray for the students, familes, and staff of RVA as we start the new school year. Moving onto campus and getting set up is a big undertaking for everyone.
Pray also for me. I hope to show love to the students even as I take on a new curriculum. It will be a busy year for sure, but I am looking forward to teaching again as I spend time with the students and share my loves for God's beautiful music.
Although these last few months have not been what I expected it has been amazing to see God work. He continues to amaze me as He does things in a way that is so much better than I could ever have imagined. His ways truly are higher than ours.
Free Furniture:
As you know I was offered the position of elementary music teacher and choir director at Rift Valley Academy, the AIM missionary, boarding school. What blew me away was the fact that they had been praying for a certified music teacher for this year. I knew it was not a coincidence that I was looking for an assignment for 2016/17. God's timing is always perfect.
Looking at my budget for the move I was in need of $110 more a month because of the change in economies between Mada and Kenya. God took care of this in a super cool way. While at RVA preparing for the fall semester I had lunch with a lady whose family was headed on furlough for the 2016/17 school year. Rather than store all their furniture they asked me if I would borrow it for the year while they were gone. That meant that I didn't have to buy or rent any furniture. Therefore, a huge chunk of the $110 per month was taken care of. Isn't God good.
GOOD-Byes:
I was nervous about going back to Toliara to pack up because I didn't want anyone to be upset that I was leaving before my two- year term was up. I asked Vero, a dear Malagasy friend, to travel with me from Tana to Toliara. I met Vero when she lived in Toliara my first 6 months, but she had to move back to the capital before Christmas. Having Vero with me was just what I needed while visiting everyone I ministered with in Toliara and said goodbye. Vero's heart for the gospel matches mine and it was wonderful to have a partner as I closed out ministry in Toliara.
As much as it was hard to say goodbye to my leaders, my host family, and the people I had gotten to know in Toliara, the love with which they released me was a blessing. I will always be thankful for a Malagasy mama who loves Jesus and was willing to pray with me all the time. I learned so much from my leaders, and although we are not together now, they will continue to be in my heart as they follow God's leading and serve Him so faithfully. I knew God was working in Toliara before I arrived and it was amazing to see His faithfulness to the people there. I know He will continue to grow His kingdom there.
Back in the States:
God gave me traveling mercies as I headed back to the States in July. After stopping in Kenya to drop off two bags I met up with three SIM board members that were on my first flight back to the States. God sat us in the same row on the plane and it was really nice not to have to travel alone.
While in the States I was blessed to get to know my new niece. It was wonderful to see her personality come out and to hold her. I loved spending time with my mom and sister who were both on break from working at school and my Dad (who works nearby) and youngest sister who lives nearby. It was quite busy seeing friends and preparing to return to Kenya. Thankfully, my family was there through it all, and being near them for three weeks was perfect.
God also gave me a few other wonderful opportunities while I was in the States for three short weeks. My aunt retired from ministry with Slavic Gospel Association in June. My second Sunday home the church I grew up in honored her for her 51 years of service. It was a huge blessing to be home for such an important occasion in my aunt's life.
I was also home during the time when my church featured the Millennials who are ministering in the world. It was so much fun to catch up with those I grew up with at WBC and where also being featured.
Rift Valley Academy:
Now at RVA I am doing my best to settle. Setting up house has been crazy as I try to collect things I will need, but even that God has taken care of...
One of the families I met while visiting RVA is getting rid of things as they downsize to move to South Africa. They gave me a number of items on my list, which has saved me a ton. I have lots to do to get my classes set up, and get up and running for school in a few weeks, so I would appreciate prayer as I manage my time, but I am thrilled to be here and looking forward to meeting the students in a few weeks.
Healing the Rift:
Please continue to pray for my leaders at they finish out their work in Belitsiky. Pray for a strong church to grow there.
Pray for my friend Vero as she ministers in Tana. She has started two new Bible studies for people in her town and is also helping AIM as a Malagasy tutor, while studying to be a lawyer, and looking for a job to support herself.
Pray for the students, familes, and staff of RVA as we start the new school year. Moving onto campus and getting set up is a big undertaking for everyone.
Pray also for me. I hope to show love to the students even as I take on a new curriculum. It will be a busy year for sure, but I am looking forward to teaching again as I spend time with the students and share my loves for God's beautiful music.
God supplies all our needs! So wonderful for you to be able to see physically how He cares for you. He will continue to care for you as you minister there!
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