Proverbs 16:9 The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
Most of you are still under the impression that I am teaching at a bilingual school in the city. Well as the time to start teaching drew near the Lord let me have less and less peace about the job. I contacted the principal and told him I wouldn't be able to teach at the school. He was completely understanding that I needed to stay in full-time ministry.
I returned to CB and have been working here since I returned to Guatemala. It is interesting to watch God open up doors and when he opens up doors.
I have been working with Sara, my boss, here at CB to get her a full-time team coordinator since last November. It has been a slow process beginning with us chatting about her needs and ways I could help her. Then it grew until I was the person helping/supporting the teams. I loved it!
Two days ago the official position/helper for Sara has been approved by the director, staff, and the American board. Yay! I am very thankful that all of those people that approved it are hoping that I will fill the position. Unfortunately for CB, my reality and desire to adopt is the same. I know the best way to love an orphan is to adopt them so is staying at CB the best plan for my life?
A little over a month ago I began talking to a ministry Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel, http://www.amgguatemala.org/. They are currently looking for a team coordinator. They serve in the most difficult and dangerous parts of Guatemala. There mission is solely to spread the gospel. Isn't that what missionaries are supposed to do? Awesome! I would be leading teams from the states and they don't take US teams into the worst parts. It just isn't safe and it isn't smart for the ministry as a whole.
I could work at AMG while I'm in the adoption process because they do not serve orphans. The choice seems clear to me and probably to you. The difficult part is saying goodbye to the children and staff I have fallen in love with over the last four years.
Please pray that God will continue to guide my steps. I would love for him to close all doors and windows except for the one I should walk threw.
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
In America
I will be in SC for another week. If you would like to get together and hear more about this upcoming year, please contact me. This past year has been wonderful and I can only guess what the Lord has planned for me next.
Here is a video the Smiths', missionary friends from CB, made for me. The video has a bunch of the large events that took place for me at CB from January-July. Enjoy!
Here is a video the Smiths', missionary friends from CB, made for me. The video has a bunch of the large events that took place for me at CB from January-July. Enjoy!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Updating my Update
My last week in Guatemala the Lord showed me that he had my life planned out in a different way than I had expected. Oh the fun you can have following Christ!
Monday of my last week in Guatemala I shared with my boss and social worker at CB about my plan to work at the Christian Academy of Guatemala. Both of them smiled and congratulated me, until I told them I would need to continue raising support for the position. They encouraged me not to accept the position, but to apply for a position at a private school in the city. They informed me that I would receive some type of salary for doing the same job.
One of my contacts in Antigua had been asking me for a month to give him my resume, so his sister-in-law could get me a teaching job in the city. Monday afternoon I e-mailed him my resume.
Tuesday afternoon as I was leading an American team to Wal-mart I got a phone call from a school asking me to come in for an interview the following day. Sadly I couldn't even understand the school's name, but I was smart enough to ask her to e-mail me information about the school.
Wednesday I went to the school and had an interview with the principal, the science department head, and the two grade level department chairs. I knew nothing about this school when I walked in its doors, but I learned a lot about the school during my 2 hour interview. I left the school with a job offer to be the English speaking full-time sub. That means I will substitute teach any of the English speaking classes (Language Arts and Science) whenever a teacher isn't able to teach. I would be at the school Monday-Friday. The school pays well for Guatemala, but it isn't an amount worth exchanging into dollars.
Friday I was leading the gringos on their trip to Antigua, when I got a call from the principal. He informed me he needed me to teach the 5th graders science, because their part-time person wasn't able to do it any longer. He asked me if I would be ok with merging the full-time substitute position and the part-time science position. The way I saw it is that I would either be subbing the 5th grade science classes everyday or I could ease the principals mind by saying I would teach the class. I accepted the position while rounding up my team of 47 Americans. :) Then we headed for the bus to return to the city.
Friday night I met the Eternal team at a hotel in the city, and flew back to the States Saturday. This is my story of how you just never know what God has up his sleeve.
Needed Prayers for...
~Having a girl that is aging out of orphan care August 14th move in with me.
~Life changes: need a an apartment, need a car
~Beginning Permanent Residency Paperwork
Monday of my last week in Guatemala I shared with my boss and social worker at CB about my plan to work at the Christian Academy of Guatemala. Both of them smiled and congratulated me, until I told them I would need to continue raising support for the position. They encouraged me not to accept the position, but to apply for a position at a private school in the city. They informed me that I would receive some type of salary for doing the same job.
One of my contacts in Antigua had been asking me for a month to give him my resume, so his sister-in-law could get me a teaching job in the city. Monday afternoon I e-mailed him my resume.
Tuesday afternoon as I was leading an American team to Wal-mart I got a phone call from a school asking me to come in for an interview the following day. Sadly I couldn't even understand the school's name, but I was smart enough to ask her to e-mail me information about the school.
Wednesday I went to the school and had an interview with the principal, the science department head, and the two grade level department chairs. I knew nothing about this school when I walked in its doors, but I learned a lot about the school during my 2 hour interview. I left the school with a job offer to be the English speaking full-time sub. That means I will substitute teach any of the English speaking classes (Language Arts and Science) whenever a teacher isn't able to teach. I would be at the school Monday-Friday. The school pays well for Guatemala, but it isn't an amount worth exchanging into dollars.
Friday I was leading the gringos on their trip to Antigua, when I got a call from the principal. He informed me he needed me to teach the 5th graders science, because their part-time person wasn't able to do it any longer. He asked me if I would be ok with merging the full-time substitute position and the part-time science position. The way I saw it is that I would either be subbing the 5th grade science classes everyday or I could ease the principals mind by saying I would teach the class. I accepted the position while rounding up my team of 47 Americans. :) Then we headed for the bus to return to the city.
Friday night I met the Eternal team at a hotel in the city, and flew back to the States Saturday. This is my story of how you just never know what God has up his sleeve.
Needed Prayers for...
~Having a girl that is aging out of orphan care August 14th move in with me.
~Life changes: need a an apartment, need a car
~Beginning Permanent Residency Paperwork
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Flying to the States
Thank you for being a huge support during my first year of missionary work. The Lord has continued to teach me through this work the importance of his sovereign control of my life, guidance, and protection in my life. He has continued to show me that I can rely on him.
July 14th is my return date back to the States. This trip is going to be anything but leisurely. :) The Lord is going to have to help me get of lot of things marked off of my to-do list in a short period of time (July 14th-August 10th).
The first thing on the list is to begin all of my stateside paperwork to become a permanent resident of Guatemala. This includes getting a full background check. After I get all of my paperwork together, I need to get the Guatemalan Embassy (located in Florida) in the states stamp of approval.
Another big task is spreading the word about what God has done in my life and what the Lord is leading me to do next. The pursuit to adopt is huge, and I need support to be able to do it. I know it is important to have people praying for me, and I appreciate your prayers this past year. If you would like for me to come share my story of walking with Christ, at your bible-study or church please let me know. I'm always available for a chat over coffee!!!
I love being a missionary in Guatemala and helping others, but it costs money. My new job on the other-side of the city will cost me more money than living at the orphanage. For me to continue down this road, I need to purchase a car and raise my monthly support by $900.<---Not my favorite topic of discussion.
Please consider supporting me in the journey to adopt, teaching at a school for Missionary kids, and continuing to lead missionary teams from CB to Antigua. If you are able to donate monthly, please e-mail me. It will be helpful to know I can count on your monthly support. Click the donate button on this blog for more information about one-time donations or monthly support.
Thanks for helping me to follow God's calling for my life. I know I am where God wants me to be, so thanks for making that possible. :)
sweet7sour@gmail.com
July 14th is my return date back to the States. This trip is going to be anything but leisurely. :) The Lord is going to have to help me get of lot of things marked off of my to-do list in a short period of time (July 14th-August 10th).
The first thing on the list is to begin all of my stateside paperwork to become a permanent resident of Guatemala. This includes getting a full background check. After I get all of my paperwork together, I need to get the Guatemalan Embassy (located in Florida) in the states stamp of approval.
Another big task is spreading the word about what God has done in my life and what the Lord is leading me to do next. The pursuit to adopt is huge, and I need support to be able to do it. I know it is important to have people praying for me, and I appreciate your prayers this past year. If you would like for me to come share my story of walking with Christ, at your bible-study or church please let me know. I'm always available for a chat over coffee!!!
I love being a missionary in Guatemala and helping others, but it costs money. My new job on the other-side of the city will cost me more money than living at the orphanage. For me to continue down this road, I need to purchase a car and raise my monthly support by $900.<---Not my favorite topic of discussion.
Please consider supporting me in the journey to adopt, teaching at a school for Missionary kids, and continuing to lead missionary teams from CB to Antigua. If you are able to donate monthly, please e-mail me. It will be helpful to know I can count on your monthly support. Click the donate button on this blog for more information about one-time donations or monthly support.
Thanks for helping me to follow God's calling for my life. I know I am where God wants me to be, so thanks for making that possible. :)
sweet7sour@gmail.com
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Physical Education is my New Middle Name
Never thought I would being announcing that I have a job as a P. E. teacher. Well guess who is going to be a P.E. teacher next school year. Me! Me! Me!
The Christian Academy of Guatemala offered me a job as their new P.E. teacher starting in August. I think this job is going to be a load of fun. Their are many perks about this job that I think just suites me well. First of all, I love physical activity and young children.
70% of the student body are missionaries kids so this job will allow me to bless missionaries. The school offers extremely reduced rates for missionary kids, which is awesome. I will get to see each classroom twice a week and have one day a week off to do other missionary work. On my day off from teaching, I will continue leading teams from the states serving at CB on their day excursions to Antigua.
I have really enjoyed guiding teams during their day in Antigua. I have felt I have been able to bless the teams by scheduling a day of fun for them, translating from them, and being their guide the day of the excursion. I'm really exited to be able to continue to thank these teams that bless our children at CB.
This P.E. position is not a paid position, but another type of missionary work. Please consider becoming a monthly sponsor or giving a one-time contribution towards me purchasing a car. You can contact me at sweet7sour@gmail.com
The Christian Academy of Guatemala offered me a job as their new P.E. teacher starting in August. I think this job is going to be a load of fun. Their are many perks about this job that I think just suites me well. First of all, I love physical activity and young children.
70% of the student body are missionaries kids so this job will allow me to bless missionaries. The school offers extremely reduced rates for missionary kids, which is awesome. I will get to see each classroom twice a week and have one day a week off to do other missionary work. On my day off from teaching, I will continue leading teams from the states serving at CB on their day excursions to Antigua.
I have really enjoyed guiding teams during their day in Antigua. I have felt I have been able to bless the teams by scheduling a day of fun for them, translating from them, and being their guide the day of the excursion. I'm really exited to be able to continue to thank these teams that bless our children at CB.
This P.E. position is not a paid position, but another type of missionary work. Please consider becoming a monthly sponsor or giving a one-time contribution towards me purchasing a car. You can contact me at sweet7sour@gmail.com
Monday, June 25, 2012
Set of Wheels
Part of this new adventure is living like a typical city girl. That includes a new set of wheels. I will have to buy a car, so I can get around the city. The former director from CB is going to sale her car. What do you think about the car?
Toyota cars have a good reputation for not needing a lot of work. Let me know what you think about the car. This is only the first car I have considered in Guatemala. I'm thinking this car is a little too nice for my needs. :)
A car is a need I have so if you are able to help me buy a car please contact me at sweet7sour@gmial.com. Once I move off campus, I have to have a car because the public transportation in the city isn't safe.
Thanks for your thoughts!
 |
| 2007 Toyota Echo, Full loaded, 93,000 miles, stick-shift, $9,000 |
Toyota cars have a good reputation for not needing a lot of work. Let me know what you think about the car. This is only the first car I have considered in Guatemala. I'm thinking this car is a little too nice for my needs. :)
A car is a need I have so if you are able to help me buy a car please contact me at sweet7sour@gmial.com. Once I move off campus, I have to have a car because the public transportation in the city isn't safe.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
The Beginning of a New Season
Currently I am sitting in a café in Antigua enjoying a piece of chocolate cake. There is nothing new about me eating chocolate cake, but this week should give me clarity as to what I will be doing next year.
Tuesday I am going to go to a school on the other side of the city to chat with them about working for them starting in August. The school is primarily for missionary kids, so I would be teaching in English (boo). I have some important things to think about before accepting this job.
First of all they don't have a regular education classroom opening. They have a PE position available and 2 positions to shadow a special needs child. Right now the PE position sounds like the most fun. Going to work each day to play with kids all day sounds ideal. I love kids with special needs, but sitting in another person's classroom sounds like torture. I am probably too type-A to do that job. I believe I will have better clarity about which job I should take after I have spoken to the principal in person.
I am torn about working at this school. I loved helping home-school some of our missionaries' kids this year. At the same time, I was also in-charge of The education (homework & tutoring) of the 12 Guatemalan children that live in the house with me. It saddens me to think that I won't be in the Guatemalan schools.
I have learned a lot about the Guatemalan schools, and I would really like to improve the education system. The level of education is far below America. I have found that sometimes the kids aren't succeeding, because the teachers haven't been trained in best practices.
The biggest draw of this school is that they will pay my attorney fees to get my Permanent Residency. My reasoning for taking this job may sounds selfish, but I considered this perk to be a sign. When the director mentioned an attorney doing the run around for my PR for free on the phone, I was ready to sign-up. This is the next step in adopting. God couldn't have made it easier for me. I feel I will be at this school next year. This week is a big week and hopefully by the end of it, I will know the job God has for me.
As always, thanks for your prayers.
Tuesday I am going to go to a school on the other side of the city to chat with them about working for them starting in August. The school is primarily for missionary kids, so I would be teaching in English (boo). I have some important things to think about before accepting this job.
First of all they don't have a regular education classroom opening. They have a PE position available and 2 positions to shadow a special needs child. Right now the PE position sounds like the most fun. Going to work each day to play with kids all day sounds ideal. I love kids with special needs, but sitting in another person's classroom sounds like torture. I am probably too type-A to do that job. I believe I will have better clarity about which job I should take after I have spoken to the principal in person.
I am torn about working at this school. I loved helping home-school some of our missionaries' kids this year. At the same time, I was also in-charge of The education (homework & tutoring) of the 12 Guatemalan children that live in the house with me. It saddens me to think that I won't be in the Guatemalan schools.
I have learned a lot about the Guatemalan schools, and I would really like to improve the education system. The level of education is far below America. I have found that sometimes the kids aren't succeeding, because the teachers haven't been trained in best practices.
The biggest draw of this school is that they will pay my attorney fees to get my Permanent Residency. My reasoning for taking this job may sounds selfish, but I considered this perk to be a sign. When the director mentioned an attorney doing the run around for my PR for free on the phone, I was ready to sign-up. This is the next step in adopting. God couldn't have made it easier for me. I feel I will be at this school next year. This week is a big week and hopefully by the end of it, I will know the job God has for me.
As always, thanks for your prayers.
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