Transitions Keep Coming

So last week we got some shocking news at school. We walked into school expecting it to be a normal day only to find out that our principal and his wife (our lead teacher) had decided to leave. They weren't just leaving our school, they were leaving the country. And to make it even more shocking, we were told they were leaving as soon as possible. Of course the one thing on my mind is why? Unfortunately that question has never really been answered.  

So here we are with a school that is 4 months old and we are losing 2 of the 5 foreigners! What!? All week we were wondering and stressing about how we were going to cover all our lead teacher's responsibilities as well as our own and what we are going to do without an international principal. Thankfully our lead teacher decided to stay until the end of the week to get things together for the next week. However, some of the things that she wanted weren't going to happen because we are only 3 people. 

On Friday we had a farewell ceremony for them after our student of the month awards. They were showered with gifts to help them remember all the staff and great times at our school. The kids were all sad to see them leave. I didn't think I would see so many students crying. My heart broke! I had two kids holding onto me for 30 minutes. They are really going to miss them!  

Our Students of the Month! Girl Power!!!

Singing our school song with our principal and his wife one last time! 

It is really cool to see how God is moving at our school. So even though this news was shocking and we didn't know what we were going to do, God reminded us that he is in control! This wasn't a surprise to him. He has a plan! And the Monday after they left there was a new teacher ready to join our team. God provides even when we are three steps behind. 

 “For I know the plans I have for you” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and places where I banished you” — this is the Lord’s declaration. “I will restore you to the place I deported you from.””

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11-14‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

First week

Wow. I can't believe I have been here for exactly a week! This is crazy! I am having to adjust to everything all over again. A lot of things remind me of China but other things are so new! 

I went grocery shopping on Saturday to get some basic necessities for the apartment. That is an experience in itself. I will have to post again later to just derail the shopping here! 

I went to church on Sunday and loved every minute of it! I really think I am going to like it there (cue song from "Annie" I think I'm gonna like it here). The worship was amazing and the message was great! Then after church we went to the restaurant downstairs and had my first local cuisine. It was delicious!  

Then on Monday, I started teaching! Only 3 days here and I was teaching! Crazy! But I enjoyed it! The kids were great for me and I just really think I am going to love it here! I am constantly lifting these kids up in prayer, they are just so adorable and sweet! I would love to see every one of them come to the Lord!  

My day is actually pretty laid back because this is summer school. I teach for 3 hours straight in the morning (advanced English, beginners English, and then intermediate English). Then the afternoon is spent planning my lessons for the next day/week. I am teaching them dinosaurs right now. There are tons of crafts to do, but I don't have the luxury of going to Walmart or something to get the supplies so we are doing a lot of coloring and cut & pasting! But the kids enjoy it!  

So far I think I am doing pretty well. All I really have to compare it to is China and there I cried almost daily for the first month! I am happy to report that I haven't cried since the first night. I have to give all the glory to God. It is by his strength that I am able to do this and succeed. I am also surrounded by some awesome people here, have a great support team, and all of your prayers! I am praying for you daily! Thank you for your love and prayers (I feel them!)   

New Adventure

It's happening again! I love how God closes and opens doors! I didn't understand why I had to leave China (other than the obvious of a diplomatic visa) but it all worked out. God knew I needed to be here in the States. And it provided me the perfect opportunity to apply to TeachBeyond. Now that I have accepted a position with them I can't wait to get there! 

Unfortunately I can't post where I am going to protect all of us missionaries there. But I plan to keep everyone updated via the blog and hopefully some picture on Facebook (I will see how it all works once I get there).  

My hope is to leave at the end of June. I am super excited for everything God is doing here and in the country I am going to. Please continue to pray for me and the people I come in contact with. I hope to be a bright light for the Lord!