Those of you who know me well, know that I really like to have a plan in place. I'm a planner (and I typically like to work ahead!). Other than two occasions (when I had a week to prepare for Anthony's arrival and when I had a week to prepare for Anthony's departure), God has been good to give me at least some direction for where I am going with time to plan ahead.
Well, here I am on March 9th, and I have no idea what life will look like after May 21st. I have no idea where I am going to live (house wise), no idea where I am going to work over the summer (need to have a job over the summer because income stops May 15th and won't start again until September), and no idea where I am going to teach next year. This for me is unsettling because, again, I am a planner and May 21st is quickly approaching. I want to not only have the answers to these questions, but have a plan in place of specific weekend I will move my things, whether I will still need my storage unit, etc. It is hard for me to not know.
Here is what I do know: I know I will be in Memphis. I know I have an amazing support system in the MTR staff and residents (soon to be graduates!) and, also, in my church community. I know that just as God has been faithful every time in my past, He will provide and open doors for me to be exactly where HE wants me to be - house, summer, and teaching. I know that God will be with me through each step and will give me the answers when I need to know. I am realizing (haven't fully learned it or I would, also, make another "I know" statement) that I don't always have to know. While it is good to have plans in place and be prepared in what God is calling us to do, sometimes God just wants me to trust and leave the knowing to Him.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Birthday
Well, now two weeks later, I am finally writing about my birthday! 28. I officially feel old. I know, some of you are saying, "oh, that's young!" Others of you (especially most of my MTR friends) are saying, "um, yeah, you are old." Regardless, I am living in my 28th year. My birthday was by far one of the best I have had! It really was a great day.
A friend from Oklahoma started a tradition among my friends there. Each year as her birthday was nearing, she would pray and ask God to give her a word for the next year, so we all started doing the same. The word that God gave me for my 27th birthday was "fulfill." It's always so incredible to look back on a year and see meaning come to that word.
My 27th year was one filled with transition, closing one chapter, and starting another. While it was incredibly hard to say good-bye to a home and city and friends that I love, I believe that the biggest way that "fulfill" was brought to meaning was in God planting me in Memphis. I have said it before, I really feel like Memphis is home. But more than that, I really feel that I finally am settled in the mission/purpose that God has called me to. Not in the way that I was fighting his calling, but that for the past 5ish years I have kind of been a nomad - God moved me around in the things that He called me to. So when I committed to 4 years in Memphis, I thought, "I haven't been in one spot for that long in a while." But now the thought of doing or being a part of anything else, is unthinkable. It is hard to explain just how fulfilled in mission that I am with being a part of MTR. The things that God is doing and the hope of all that is to come through the MTR, is far too hard to explain or grasp if you are an outsider looking in. It is bigger than getting a masters, learning good teaching strategies, or simply teaching in an urban school for 3 years. It is a mission. A movement. We fully believe that God is going to break through time and space and perform miracles in urban education in order to bring justice to urban students, their families, and this nation. We are/will continue to work tirelessly to be the best urban educators that we can be in order for God's glory to shine. We will/are choosing to live our lives inside of God's Story in order to bring a glimpse of heaven to earth now while we await Jesus' return and final justice. All that to say, God has brought fulfillment in purpose/mission over this past year.
As I prayed this year for a new word, it took a few days for God to really settle one on my heart. This years word is Satisfy. "Satisfy us (me) each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives." Ps. 90:14
A friend from Oklahoma started a tradition among my friends there. Each year as her birthday was nearing, she would pray and ask God to give her a word for the next year, so we all started doing the same. The word that God gave me for my 27th birthday was "fulfill." It's always so incredible to look back on a year and see meaning come to that word.
My 27th year was one filled with transition, closing one chapter, and starting another. While it was incredibly hard to say good-bye to a home and city and friends that I love, I believe that the biggest way that "fulfill" was brought to meaning was in God planting me in Memphis. I have said it before, I really feel like Memphis is home. But more than that, I really feel that I finally am settled in the mission/purpose that God has called me to. Not in the way that I was fighting his calling, but that for the past 5ish years I have kind of been a nomad - God moved me around in the things that He called me to. So when I committed to 4 years in Memphis, I thought, "I haven't been in one spot for that long in a while." But now the thought of doing or being a part of anything else, is unthinkable. It is hard to explain just how fulfilled in mission that I am with being a part of MTR. The things that God is doing and the hope of all that is to come through the MTR, is far too hard to explain or grasp if you are an outsider looking in. It is bigger than getting a masters, learning good teaching strategies, or simply teaching in an urban school for 3 years. It is a mission. A movement. We fully believe that God is going to break through time and space and perform miracles in urban education in order to bring justice to urban students, their families, and this nation. We are/will continue to work tirelessly to be the best urban educators that we can be in order for God's glory to shine. We will/are choosing to live our lives inside of God's Story in order to bring a glimpse of heaven to earth now while we await Jesus' return and final justice. All that to say, God has brought fulfillment in purpose/mission over this past year.
As I prayed this year for a new word, it took a few days for God to really settle one on my heart. This years word is Satisfy. "Satisfy us (me) each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives." Ps. 90:14
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thoughts from New Orleans
Last week, the MTR traveled on a bus to New Orleans for a few days of work/retreat. It was 4 days filled with laughter, fun, critical thinking, and re-evaluating how to teach more effectively. We, also, visited the National WWII museum Saturday morning before we got on the bus to return.
Here are my 3 biggest "take-aways" from the days in New Orleans:
1. We visited several high achieving urban schools (charter schools). We, essentially, were told by one of the principals that charter schools are the "only" way we are going to solve the problems of urban education. We were, also, told by another school's principal that people who want to teach in urban traditional public schools typically have a hero mentality. For a brief moment, I was discouraged by their analysis. But here is the good news: The fact that we were told it is impossible for us (MTR and other organizations like us) to make a large scale impact on urban, traditional public schools, only sets the stage on a greater level for God to break through and do miracles. This statement only allows for WHEN change comes to urban, traditional public schools, that God gets ALL glory and recognition. Then secondly, in regards to a "hero mentality" for those of us who teach/will teach in urban, traditional public schools. Yes, I say we have a hero mentality. Not one where I get to be the hero (because in my own strength and skills, I will never be a hero), but one where I say with full confidence that Jesus gets to/will be the hero. So, yes, I will walk into my school and classroom with a hero mentality - walking in confident that Jesus will be the strength, wisdom, and love that I need in order to be a fully effective urban educator.
2. Saturday morning we visited the World War II museum in New Orleans which is worth the visit if you are ever in New Orleans. The movie that is offered to view at the beginning of the museum experience is by far the best movie experience I have had and tells the story of the war very well. We were able to converse with veterans from the war and hear their stories (incredible!). The whole experience made me miss my grandfather (who fought in the war) and made me wish I had asked him more about his story before he died.
It was reiterated during the movie that the United States did not think they would enter the war, and they didn't want to. However, as time proceeded, there was no option to not be involved. They knew they had to. They knew it was the right thing to do. Urban education is not something that as a young girl I dreamed I would be involved in. It is not something that 8 years ago I would have wanted to be involved in. However, when faced with the injustice of what is going on in our country for urban children, there was no choice for me. This is what God has called me to because it is the right thing to do.
While walking through the museum, I was overwhelmed with just how the country as a whole pulled together during this time; how the women started working in professions that they would never have dreamed of. I just kept thinking, "If I had lived during this time in history, what would i have done? Would I have worked in a lumber mill? Built planes? Been a nurse? What would I have done to help with the war effort?" I have often thought I would have liked to live during the 40s. However, I clearly felt the Holy Spirit whispering to me while walking through the museum, "This isn't your fight. This isn't the fight I have made you for. You were made to live today and fight for justice for urban children who desperately need someone to fight for them."
3. I know I am exactly where God wants me to be. I love my MTR family and the vision for the present and what's to come. Memphis is home.
Here are my 3 biggest "take-aways" from the days in New Orleans:
1. We visited several high achieving urban schools (charter schools). We, essentially, were told by one of the principals that charter schools are the "only" way we are going to solve the problems of urban education. We were, also, told by another school's principal that people who want to teach in urban traditional public schools typically have a hero mentality. For a brief moment, I was discouraged by their analysis. But here is the good news: The fact that we were told it is impossible for us (MTR and other organizations like us) to make a large scale impact on urban, traditional public schools, only sets the stage on a greater level for God to break through and do miracles. This statement only allows for WHEN change comes to urban, traditional public schools, that God gets ALL glory and recognition. Then secondly, in regards to a "hero mentality" for those of us who teach/will teach in urban, traditional public schools. Yes, I say we have a hero mentality. Not one where I get to be the hero (because in my own strength and skills, I will never be a hero), but one where I say with full confidence that Jesus gets to/will be the hero. So, yes, I will walk into my school and classroom with a hero mentality - walking in confident that Jesus will be the strength, wisdom, and love that I need in order to be a fully effective urban educator.
2. Saturday morning we visited the World War II museum in New Orleans which is worth the visit if you are ever in New Orleans. The movie that is offered to view at the beginning of the museum experience is by far the best movie experience I have had and tells the story of the war very well. We were able to converse with veterans from the war and hear their stories (incredible!). The whole experience made me miss my grandfather (who fought in the war) and made me wish I had asked him more about his story before he died.
It was reiterated during the movie that the United States did not think they would enter the war, and they didn't want to. However, as time proceeded, there was no option to not be involved. They knew they had to. They knew it was the right thing to do. Urban education is not something that as a young girl I dreamed I would be involved in. It is not something that 8 years ago I would have wanted to be involved in. However, when faced with the injustice of what is going on in our country for urban children, there was no choice for me. This is what God has called me to because it is the right thing to do.
While walking through the museum, I was overwhelmed with just how the country as a whole pulled together during this time; how the women started working in professions that they would never have dreamed of. I just kept thinking, "If I had lived during this time in history, what would i have done? Would I have worked in a lumber mill? Built planes? Been a nurse? What would I have done to help with the war effort?" I have often thought I would have liked to live during the 40s. However, I clearly felt the Holy Spirit whispering to me while walking through the museum, "This isn't your fight. This isn't the fight I have made you for. You were made to live today and fight for justice for urban children who desperately need someone to fight for them."
3. I know I am exactly where God wants me to be. I love my MTR family and the vision for the present and what's to come. Memphis is home.
Monday, December 13, 2010
A Letter
So I thought I would be better about this blogging thing. Sadly, I have not!
Two weeks after being in Memphis, the directors of MTR had us write a letter to ourselves that they would mail us 6 months later. We just got our letters in the mail this past week. I had completely forgotten that we had written them. It is incredible that God knew exactly what I would need to hear 6 months from the time I wrote it. I thought I would share it with you all. If you read it knowing that all the advice applies, you can get a picture of some of the things that I have been feeling over the past several months.
6/18/10
"So you have now been back in the classroom for a few months now. I'm pretty sure you are tired and worn out. I'm curious how teaching in a middle school is working out and how sharing a classroom is going. I'm so curious how the kids are!
Regardless of whether it is good or challenging, let me remind you why you are here. - God is worth it. Your students are worth it. Out of all the things you could be doing in this world, this is one of the highest callings. God's heart is for the poor, needy, orphans, and aliens. And guess what? He chose this purpose for you - to love them, bring justice for them, and push them to be the best they can be. You get to believe in kids because God believes in you. he saw that you were wroth his Son on the cross, so now you get the blessing of giving up your life so that your kids can have a future and a hope.
I know this isn't easy. I know there are moments that you want to give up. But please remember. Please, please remember the moments and school years where you pushed through. You have had the days and weeks in past years when you said, 'I can't do this anymore.' but through the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, you persevered. Remember how good those years turned out. Remember the change in your students BECAUSE you stuck it out. Remember Brandy, Jameka, Tyshawn, Imani, Gregory, and Anthony.
Please know, now, that by pushing through this year you are making an eternal investment into the lives of countless children and their families. And the exciting thing is you are not alone. You have a group of 26 friends feeling the same things. More importantly your Father is walking every step with you, has gone before you, and will follow behind you. You get to have hope because he will do this through you, in you, and around you.
So be encouraged. Have hope. Rejoice in the suffering.
'Greater is He that is in you, then he that is in the world.'
'I will fight for you. You need only to be still.'
'Be still and know that I am God.'
Yourself"
There have definitely been some hard days and hard weeks, but God has really been encouraging me lately along with friends. I cannot believe I have made it through just a little over 6 months in Memphis and half way through this school year. I am now finished with all my grad school course work!! That is a huge victory! We (MTR residences) will spend the spring semester working on our 40 page capstone research paper while still doing our internships.
Christmas break is just a few short days away, and I am excited to spend time in Oklahoma - both in OKC visiting friends and at the parentals' in Enid. I'm really just excited for a break and a time of rest.
Two weeks after being in Memphis, the directors of MTR had us write a letter to ourselves that they would mail us 6 months later. We just got our letters in the mail this past week. I had completely forgotten that we had written them. It is incredible that God knew exactly what I would need to hear 6 months from the time I wrote it. I thought I would share it with you all. If you read it knowing that all the advice applies, you can get a picture of some of the things that I have been feeling over the past several months.
6/18/10
"So you have now been back in the classroom for a few months now. I'm pretty sure you are tired and worn out. I'm curious how teaching in a middle school is working out and how sharing a classroom is going. I'm so curious how the kids are!
Regardless of whether it is good or challenging, let me remind you why you are here. - God is worth it. Your students are worth it. Out of all the things you could be doing in this world, this is one of the highest callings. God's heart is for the poor, needy, orphans, and aliens. And guess what? He chose this purpose for you - to love them, bring justice for them, and push them to be the best they can be. You get to believe in kids because God believes in you. he saw that you were wroth his Son on the cross, so now you get the blessing of giving up your life so that your kids can have a future and a hope.
I know this isn't easy. I know there are moments that you want to give up. But please remember. Please, please remember the moments and school years where you pushed through. You have had the days and weeks in past years when you said, 'I can't do this anymore.' but through the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, you persevered. Remember how good those years turned out. Remember the change in your students BECAUSE you stuck it out. Remember Brandy, Jameka, Tyshawn, Imani, Gregory, and Anthony.
Please know, now, that by pushing through this year you are making an eternal investment into the lives of countless children and their families. And the exciting thing is you are not alone. You have a group of 26 friends feeling the same things. More importantly your Father is walking every step with you, has gone before you, and will follow behind you. You get to have hope because he will do this through you, in you, and around you.
So be encouraged. Have hope. Rejoice in the suffering.
'Greater is He that is in you, then he that is in the world.'
'I will fight for you. You need only to be still.'
'Be still and know that I am God.'
Yourself"
There have definitely been some hard days and hard weeks, but God has really been encouraging me lately along with friends. I cannot believe I have made it through just a little over 6 months in Memphis and half way through this school year. I am now finished with all my grad school course work!! That is a huge victory! We (MTR residences) will spend the spring semester working on our 40 page capstone research paper while still doing our internships.
Christmas break is just a few short days away, and I am excited to spend time in Oklahoma - both in OKC visiting friends and at the parentals' in Enid. I'm really just excited for a break and a time of rest.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Superman is Real; His name is Jesus
So, so many things I should write and update on. However, that is not going to happen today. I simply would love for you to watch the movie trailer for Waiting for Superman. I highly recommend that you go and see the film. It is very informative about our education system today. I am simply copying and pasting part of the response to this movie from our MTR director, David Montague. Super encouraging!
"Superman IS Real…
… and His name is Jesus. And do not fooled by the ravages of a sinful, self-centered civilization into thinking that He does not exist.
The play on the wording is that Superman is not real, he ain’t coming and there’s no use waiting for him. Now must be the time for man-made solutions of reform to save the day.
I’m all for reform and hard, human effort to work for justice and fairness.
But that does not mean that there is not One who will come and bring power and relief and salvation from our desperate situations.
And His coming (for now) is to be done through His people. He has called His people to be people who uniquely live by a God-centered worldview and not a self-centered worldview. His coming is to come through His people choosing hard things and sacrificial things and things that provide a lower – not higher- standard of living in order to enter into the most strategic places to right wrongs… to be “dads”… to insure that every child, not just our own children, receive the same opportunities for education.
Supermen and superwomen are coming. I believe they are coming by the thousands. To Memphis. To a city on a hill, or bluff, as it is in Memphis. To let our “light so shine so that men may see our good works and give glory to God.”
And this connection was made all the more powerful as John Legend played “Shine” as the closing credits, and tears, rolled down.
I invite you little “superman’s” to come and show the world that Superman is Real and He is coming soon. And in the meantime, we will sacrificially work towards these same goals as heralds and demonstrators of who is to come."
Monday, September 20, 2010
Priceless Gifts and Seeking
I have intended to write this post for at least 2 weeks, but every time I have the chance to sit down and write, I feel "too tired" to think! But I am making the effort today!
Priceless gifts
At my school, we (teachers) do not get a lunch break for ourselves. We go with our students to lunch and monitor them and eat at the same time. Most days I stand with the line of students until the majority of them go through to get their lunch. The boys stand at the end of the line (we are teaching them to be gentlemen and let the ladies go first), so I usually have some conversations with a few of them. There is another teacher whom I always comment on how cute her lunch bag is, but I had always just carried my lunch down in tupperware. On the Tuesday after Labor Day, Calvin (6th grade boy) came into class and sat down in his seat. My co-teacher called me over a few minutes later because Calvin had something for me - a lunch bag. Now, this lunch bag is by no means cute or anything like the one the other teacher has, but I literally almost cried. It had been 3 day weekend, but at some point, Calvin intentionally thought of me and wanted to bring me a lunch bag. Although it is not cute, and regardless of whether I ever get a cute one, for this year, I will carry that bag with my lunch every day... The day after he gave it to me, we were doing the "Good Things" part of our class (when students' names are drawn at random and have to share something good that has happened in their life within the past 24 hours). Calvin got his name drawn and his "Good Thing" was that he got to give me my lunch bag. He was so proud! Priceless.
Seeking
In the 6th grade there are 103 students. Out of the 103, I have to be honest and say that there are 3 that I find hard to love well. They are just hard students. One boy in particular has really pushed me, and I had been at a loss as to how to handle him at all. He simply will not do what is asked of him (until maybe you ask him for the 100th time). As difficult as this boy is, I was challenged a week ago that I need to step outside of my self-centeredness, and make an effort to get to know this boy. The sinfulness in me kept saying I didn't want to get to know him or make that effort, but the mission of why I am where I am (God's purpose for me to be in urban education) was saying that I needed to build relational capacity with him. So, last Monday, I simply stopped him in the hall on his way to class, put my arm around his shoulder and started a conversation with him. I challenged him to make good choices and that I would check in on him at lunch to see how it was going. There was such a drastic change in the way he started responding to me in that first day. So daily, I am seeking him out to continue to try to build that relationship. By no means did this correct his behavior 100% of the time, but there has been a change in how he responds to me and the effort that I see him produce. So I will continue "seeking" him. Now I just need to push myself to seek the other two as well. :)
Priceless gifts
At my school, we (teachers) do not get a lunch break for ourselves. We go with our students to lunch and monitor them and eat at the same time. Most days I stand with the line of students until the majority of them go through to get their lunch. The boys stand at the end of the line (we are teaching them to be gentlemen and let the ladies go first), so I usually have some conversations with a few of them. There is another teacher whom I always comment on how cute her lunch bag is, but I had always just carried my lunch down in tupperware. On the Tuesday after Labor Day, Calvin (6th grade boy) came into class and sat down in his seat. My co-teacher called me over a few minutes later because Calvin had something for me - a lunch bag. Now, this lunch bag is by no means cute or anything like the one the other teacher has, but I literally almost cried. It had been 3 day weekend, but at some point, Calvin intentionally thought of me and wanted to bring me a lunch bag. Although it is not cute, and regardless of whether I ever get a cute one, for this year, I will carry that bag with my lunch every day... The day after he gave it to me, we were doing the "Good Things" part of our class (when students' names are drawn at random and have to share something good that has happened in their life within the past 24 hours). Calvin got his name drawn and his "Good Thing" was that he got to give me my lunch bag. He was so proud! Priceless.
Seeking
In the 6th grade there are 103 students. Out of the 103, I have to be honest and say that there are 3 that I find hard to love well. They are just hard students. One boy in particular has really pushed me, and I had been at a loss as to how to handle him at all. He simply will not do what is asked of him (until maybe you ask him for the 100th time). As difficult as this boy is, I was challenged a week ago that I need to step outside of my self-centeredness, and make an effort to get to know this boy. The sinfulness in me kept saying I didn't want to get to know him or make that effort, but the mission of why I am where I am (God's purpose for me to be in urban education) was saying that I needed to build relational capacity with him. So, last Monday, I simply stopped him in the hall on his way to class, put my arm around his shoulder and started a conversation with him. I challenged him to make good choices and that I would check in on him at lunch to see how it was going. There was such a drastic change in the way he started responding to me in that first day. So daily, I am seeking him out to continue to try to build that relationship. By no means did this correct his behavior 100% of the time, but there has been a change in how he responds to me and the effort that I see him produce. So I will continue "seeking" him. Now I just need to push myself to seek the other two as well. :)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
First Days of School!
I am such a slacker about keeping up with this blog! My apologies. Again, another month has passed, and I don't know where the time has gone!
Grad school update: In the past month, I have finished two more classes and started a Thursday night class. We all went through Capturing Kids' Hearts training for 3 days which changed my life - personally and in the classroom. For anyone who has the opportunity to go through the training, I would highly recommend it. I wish I would have gone through it much sooner.
School school: School officially started last Monday (9th). I planned on writing on here the night before school started (which didn't happen) and then the first day of school (which didn't happen), so here I am a week later. :) I am teaching 6th grade Social Studies at KIPP Diamond Academy which is a middle school of 5th through 8th grade. This is my first time encountering middle school, but I love the middle school environment! I am planning on taking the exam to get middle school certified. This is the first time though that I have had to work so hard at learning names. With 100ish students that I see for an hour and 10 minutes each day, it is very necessary for me to know names quick but also a little challenging. I do think I am so so close to knowing all of them!! Did I mention that I really like my students? Because I do! I think this is going to be such a great year with them. God has blown me away too with his answer of my prayers in regards to my mentor/co-teacher. She is amazing! We are pretty close in age which makes life fun, and she is just amazing to watch and learn from. There will be no learning "what not to do" from her. She does everything well and the kids love her! So the year has started off well (although I am more exhausted than I have ever felt before!), and I am looking forward to watching the rest of the year unfold. I'm praying that God's glory would be done in and through me.
Life in Memphis: I still continue to fall more in love with this city and feel more and more at home. I must admit that about 3 weeks ago, I hit a "I miss 'home' (Oklahoma)" spell for about a week. It feel at a time that I was able to drive to Oklahoma City for the weekend which was SO nice and just what I needed before I started this school year. I got to see amazing friends, little baby Birch and his parents (whom is getting so big!), and was able to go to my church (just felt good to feel at home and community with friends!). I came back to Memphis refreshed and ready for life here. Update: I know last time I wrote, I wrote about still needing/wanting to find a church community here in Memphis. God is faithful! There is a new church plant here in the area of town I live in called Christ City Church. I am anxious to get plugged in and get to know some other people here in Memphis that are passionate about being on mission and being a blessing to the neighborhoods and city of Memphis.
Alright. I think that sums things up for now! It is now nearing time to get ready for bed.... My new bedtime is 9:00! It has to be in order to get up at 5:00 am!! :)
Grad school update: In the past month, I have finished two more classes and started a Thursday night class. We all went through Capturing Kids' Hearts training for 3 days which changed my life - personally and in the classroom. For anyone who has the opportunity to go through the training, I would highly recommend it. I wish I would have gone through it much sooner.
School school: School officially started last Monday (9th). I planned on writing on here the night before school started (which didn't happen) and then the first day of school (which didn't happen), so here I am a week later. :) I am teaching 6th grade Social Studies at KIPP Diamond Academy which is a middle school of 5th through 8th grade. This is my first time encountering middle school, but I love the middle school environment! I am planning on taking the exam to get middle school certified. This is the first time though that I have had to work so hard at learning names. With 100ish students that I see for an hour and 10 minutes each day, it is very necessary for me to know names quick but also a little challenging. I do think I am so so close to knowing all of them!! Did I mention that I really like my students? Because I do! I think this is going to be such a great year with them. God has blown me away too with his answer of my prayers in regards to my mentor/co-teacher. She is amazing! We are pretty close in age which makes life fun, and she is just amazing to watch and learn from. There will be no learning "what not to do" from her. She does everything well and the kids love her! So the year has started off well (although I am more exhausted than I have ever felt before!), and I am looking forward to watching the rest of the year unfold. I'm praying that God's glory would be done in and through me.
Life in Memphis: I still continue to fall more in love with this city and feel more and more at home. I must admit that about 3 weeks ago, I hit a "I miss 'home' (Oklahoma)" spell for about a week. It feel at a time that I was able to drive to Oklahoma City for the weekend which was SO nice and just what I needed before I started this school year. I got to see amazing friends, little baby Birch and his parents (whom is getting so big!), and was able to go to my church (just felt good to feel at home and community with friends!). I came back to Memphis refreshed and ready for life here. Update: I know last time I wrote, I wrote about still needing/wanting to find a church community here in Memphis. God is faithful! There is a new church plant here in the area of town I live in called Christ City Church. I am anxious to get plugged in and get to know some other people here in Memphis that are passionate about being on mission and being a blessing to the neighborhoods and city of Memphis.
Alright. I think that sums things up for now! It is now nearing time to get ready for bed.... My new bedtime is 9:00! It has to be in order to get up at 5:00 am!! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
