Teaching the Nations

Can you believe I've been here for a month? Since I've been here I've begun teaching 1st grade at HOPE International School. Teaching is not only a profession, it is a ministry. Coming to Tanzania to teach at an international school has been really wonderful. It is incredible to look at the students in my class and know that they are from all around the world, and that the things they learn in my classroom will one day have some form of impact around the world. I have students from India, Germany, Tanzania, the United States, and France all in my class learning and working together. It truly is teaching to the nations. Not only that, but as a whole school we have students from all over the world who enter our school each day and hear about and experience God's love while receiving a quality education. I love knowing that I am investing my time in kids who one day will be world changers. To all my teacher friends out there, thank you for all that you do to invest in your students each day. The lives and hearts of these little ones are valuable and important. Love you all!

Welcome to Tanzania!

Hi everyone! I hope you are doing well. I can't believe I've already been in Tanzania for over a week now! I have been settling in to life over here--moving in to a new home, getting to know new roommates/coworkers, and adjusting to life in a new country. Things are good here, not always perfect (have had several days with no power and/or no water), but I am quickly learning that is what comes with living in a third world country. I have loved being able to spend time with my family on this side of the world. They are so sweet and I feel very blessed to be so close to them. I took some pictures to share with everyone of my new home. I hope you enjoy them :) I will try to post more pics of my classroom and new school soon. Love you all!

The house me and my roommate Taylor live in.

 

 

Our little kitchen.

 

Our screened in porch and coffee area.

 

The main house the other teachers live in.

 

 

The dinning room area of the main house.

 

My sister, Melissa, decorated our common area and it is beautiful. She is amazing!

 

 

There are no dryers here, so we hang everything out to dry.

 

 The Jacaranda tree in our yard.

 

 

Our cat, Mogli.

 

Our loud rooster.

 

Our chickens.

 

 

Six Days of Blessings

I'm so glad you are joining me on this crazy, fantastic adventure to go teach and serve in Tanzania! I can hardly believe I am only six days away from boarding a plane to travel to Africa. For those of you who have traveled internationally or moved a long distance, you understand how many details you have to sort out, things you have to pack, and people you need to see before you leave. It can feel overwhelming to say the least. But even in the midst of the craziness, I am reminded of how blessed I am. Today I'm going to focus on six incredible blessings in my life as I count down the last six days I have here at home. In no particular order here are my six:

1. My Amazing Family: They have been so supportive of me! I couldn't ask for better people to share this journey with. From my immediate family, to my extended family, they are so encouraging and know exactly how to make me laugh and feel loved.

2. Time With Friends: I have been so blessed being able to see, spend time with, and reconnect with friends from all across the country these past few months. It always amazes me to know that there are people around the world who care for me and who I can always count on. This makes me feel truly blessed.

3. Two Wonderful Weeks of Camp: I was able to spend two weeks this summer working at a Christian youth camp located at Jenness Park in California. The 11th and 12th grade students I worked with my last week there were incredible! I made so many beautiful connections with them, and was inspired by their personal stories and testimonies. "Aces" I love you!

4. Road Trip With My BFF: Everyone needs a person in their life they can road trip across the country with, and I have mine. My best friend for life, Candace Watson, and I drove across the country this summer. It was a total adventure and so much fun! We were able to see so many cool places from North Carolina to Las Vegas, and everything in between. The United States is so diverse and so amazing!

5. Financial and Prayer Supporters: I am so thankful and grateful for the people who have already supported me, and for those who will continue to support me in prayer and through donations. Thank you, thank you, thank you!  I feel so blessed that others would give so I can go serve.

6. The Last Two Years in North Carolina: My time in North Carolina over the past two years was both amazing and challenging. I learned so much, grew both in my faith and in my ability to teach, and made true life-long friends. I am excited to see how the Lord will continue to use my experiences in NC on this next part of my life's journey. North Carolina, you will always have a piece of my heart!

What are some of the blessings you would put on your list? I pray your day is filled with all of the Lord's blessings and that you feel loved wherever you are.  XXOO