Hello everyone! I have been waiting to share with you all that I am returning to Love and Hope Children's Home in Nejapa, El Salvador for a year. Yes, a year. I am taking a leave of absence from teaching which will allow me an entire school year to serve abroad. Here's how the story developed...
THE CALL: In early February, I spoke about last summer's volunteer experience at the Love and Hope Luncheon. It was then that I learned of new and urgent needs at the home. It stirred my heart. With anguish over the needs, I asked God some hard questions, "Who can help?" "Am I to help?" "Can I help?" "Will I help?" "Will I give up my life to help?" A pit in my stomach developed over a period of time as I wrestled with these big questions and the reality of what it would take for me to commit to this. I finally told God, "All I need to hear is Rachel (leader of Love and Hope Children's Home) say the words".
One integral position Rachel was looking to fulfill was an administrative person who spoke Spanish and that she felt comfortable with. A week after my commitment to God, Rachel asked me to consider that position. I felt that it was answer to my heartfelt questions I wrestled with earlier. I was honored and then I gulped because I knew God had opened a door for me and now I had to make the choice to walk through it.
TEACHING CAREER: Next, I prayed for my superintendent and human resource director and that their hearts would be compassionate toward this decision. They proposed that I take a one year leave of absence for educational purposes (I teach Spanish and will be working in the target language) in order to pursue this opportunity to serve and they would allow me to return to my position for the following school year. I was AMAZED by their support and incredibly encouraged that they cared about this adventure and what the experience could bring back to the classroom. So, the decision was made.
THE 3 C's: The next daunting task was to make arrangement for the 3 C's: my condo, my car and my cat. I was determined to use all of my resources to generate funds to be self-sufficient while being on an unpaid leave of absence for one entire year. I couldn't see how it would all work out but I knew I could have faith and trust that God would provide for all the needs and expenses. The final result is that my condo will be rented to a co-worker and her family as they wait for their new home to be built. It worked out better than I ever could have scripted because they need a furnished place and I will not have to move out and back in again. I feel so good about this family living in my home and I'm so grateful for this pleasant blessing! My parents are taking in my cat (my mom thinks my dad secretly wants another furry little friend hanging around!). My brother will take care of my car which will help him and his family with their costs too. I feel so much peace about being passed this hurdle!
MY NEW ROLE:
My heart feels peace about this decision. I am overjoyed that I am in a position to say "yes" to this unique call. My desire is to bring encouragement to Rachel and to take some of the weight off of her shoulders so that she can minister to the children at the home in a way that she is gifted at doing. My 8-5 job will be doing administrative tasks such as creating and implementing safety policies, organizing and communicating with staff, teams, missionaries and volunteers, along with networking within the community to build a list of resources and support relationships. I also will be leading a family unit of 5 children. I will live in my own room and care for 3 girls and 2 boys that will have rooms adjacent to mine. A child caregiver will be with them when they return home from school and then I will change roles to love and encourage them when the administrative work is done for the day. I am really excited about being a "parent". Most of you know that I live by myself so I am sure this role will stretch me in a good way. I keep thinking about how different I will be when this year is over.....wow, I can't even imagine! All for His glory!
SUPPORT: So many people have encouraged me by saying "I think you're doing a good thing". To be quite honest, I would much rather sit in my cozy condo and toast my toes by the fireplace while reading a nice book in my rocker or napping on my hammock. But I know too much about who Jesus Christ is and what his standards are for our lives to be satisified with that. He calls us to be living sacrifices and to care for the poor and orphaned. He may have created me just for this moment in time...to sacrifice my home, my car, my cat, my comfort, my community of friends and family. There really isn't anything about me that is doing a good thing, it is my knowledge of a God who calls me to be much more than comfortable and my faith that believes He will sustain me outside of my comfort zone and therefore teach me about things I have never learned. You all have encouraged me throughout this decision and I am so grateful for every last little way that you have. This journey since February has been an exciting ride and I haven't even arrived to serve the mission yet!
Thus, it begins June 28th.... will you follow me?
