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Esther - Middle East Updates

Class of 2015
High School Teacher at Boarding School for Refugees in Middle East
Track: Teaching track
Region: Middle East
I am a California native, and a 2013 college grad with a degree in Music.

I love coffee, exploring old places, and conversations with people who are very different from me. Especially over food. The musical nature of everyday life is beautiful to me.

I have a heart for people that are displaced across the world, and God has given me a passion for people in North Africa specifically.

I love Jesus with everything I have.

The Curtness of the Dog, the Kindness of the Guard and the Goodness of God

By on Track: Teaching Region: Middle East

Since I last wrote, my life has continued to be good here. I feel as though I am finally beginning to dig deep into the NE African city life, and I am learning so much. However, something out of the ordinary occurred recently that I wanted to share. Let me say that before I tell this story that I am now doing well physically; I have been recovering at home and the threat of any major problems is gone. Two weeks ago (measured from tomorrow), on a normal walk to language school with my roommates in a safer neighborhood in the city, I was attacked by a dog. He seemingly came out of nowhere and… Read more >>

Shock Wave

By on Track: Teaching Region: Middle East

Culture shock is, to say the least, incredibly shocking. (Cue rim shot) But truly, it is aptly named. I am now three weeks in to my service overseas, and I have to say that all the training in the world could not have prepared me for what I have experienced so far here. Let me say also, before I get too far into this, that I absolutely love my new home: the sights, the smells, and the people are all truly amazing here, each showing more of the beauty of the Lord through their own quirks and manner of expression. However, I have discovered so much about myself already since I have been here… Read more >>

People with Purpose

By on Track: Teaching Region: Middle East

Training is almost done for me! Since September, I have been training nonstop, running a race with a clear end goal, and God opened doors wide for me to go and serve Him out in the world. I have flown through support raising, and God did many miraculous things in my life- even by bringing in support from all sorts of relationships in my life. I ended up with half a Master's degree in Theology, a new outlook on missions to Muslims, and a random collecting of strangers who regularly pray for me. It is so crazy to see my life as a reflection of His power, and I am excited to go. On the flip side… Read more >>

The Spiritual Art of Napping

By on Track: Teaching Region: Middle East

I am currently writing this at training before I depart to the field in March! Praise God for full funding that exceeded even my biggest hopes and dreams. I am so honored that God has called me to serve to further His kingdom in North Africa. I have been learning so much while here, but so much of the lessons that God is trying to teach me have been outside of the classes that training has consisted of. Before I got here, God sharpened me in ways I did not think were possible. He taught me tools for how to manage my anxiety, to talk about things that made me uncomfortable, and to dive… Read more >>

Guns and Roses

By on Track: Teaching Region: Middle East

This post has nothing to do with the rock band, but I couldn't resist making the homage to classic rock. That being said, this post does relate to guns and how God works in our lives, bearing new fruit in unexpected ways. On December 2 of this month, people were shot by Muslim extremists while attending a company holiday party. I was sitting with a family when these events took place who had been to the center before, and they were beyond shocked- who would shoot at a facility that helps people with special needs? This shooting struck a tone of worry for me, both for how Muslims will be… Read more >>

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