Apples, Teaching, & Other Fruits
“We might not be called to vocational ministry, but we are all called everyday ministry.” What does this statement mean? I may not be a preacher or have a pulpit, but like every believer, I’m called to live out life like Jesus. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” - 1 Corinthians 10:31 For the past two months, I’ve learned what ministry is in a classroom, not a church service. No, not as a student studying theology but as a teacher. When I’m not fighting crime and support raising by night, I substitute teach Pre-K through 12th grade in two of the... Read more
The Story of Job: Pleading My Case
We have our moments. Moments where we feel like things aren't going right because they aren't going our way or the way we think they should go. When we go through times of suffering and adversity, we feel like we have been abandoned and sometimes hopeless. When we get to this point, we feel like we have the right to plead our case to God. This is where Job was. This is where I am. Now I am not saying that I am currently going through a time of suffering, but how I relate to Job is what you will understand in just a moment. As I am going through the story of Job, I have been stuck on Chapter 9... Read more
Liminal Living
The word liminal, in its most simplistic form, means “in-between” or “transitional.” In anthropology, the word is traditionally used to describe the temporary stage of transition during a rite of passage in which a person no longer holds their previous status but has not yet obtained their new status. This liminal phase is often described by anthropologists as ambiguous and even disorienting because the person in transition lives in what we colloquially call “limbo” – that uncomfortable gray area in the middle of a previous ending and a new beginning. Liminal living is a perfect description... Read more
What is my identity?
"My identity is in Christ..." "My identity is in Christ..." "My identity is in Christ..." I have to keep telling myself this whenever I don't think it is Is it possible for a 22 years old to go through an identity crisis? I heard of a mid-life crisis, but I am not at that point in my life. I want to answer by saying no, but in some cases it can happen...right? I feel like I am losing myself. I only been on this earth for 22 years, but it seems like forever. I am constantly reminded of the things I should be doing or need to do because that is how the world goes. Is there a secret code that... Read moreLes Ténèbres
Lately, I’ve been able to do a French Bible study with someone who speaks French, and it has allowed me to study scripture in a new way. We’ve begun working slowly through the book of John, and even though I know the passage very well in English, reading it in French is like reading the text for the first time. Going slowly is especially important not only because of my own gaps in knowledge, but because French words carry different meanings than English. I am forced to really consider what the words are saying rather than skimming what I already know or what I think I know. Recently, I’ve... Read more
My Letter to Future Goers
Two years ago my husband and I, got on a plane to Germany, with so much baggage, so many expectations, and a lot more to learn about ourselves, each other, and God. Now two years later we look back rejoicing for the experiences, friends, and opertunities we were given, but also thankful for the hard times because of the way the Lord used them to grow us and challenge us. When I look back and think of what I wish someone had sat me down and told me to do before I started this journey, there are three things that come to mind (true back then I might not have listened, but I pray that you do... Read moreMy Letter to Future Goers
Two years, done. Memories, witnessed. People, met and cherished. These last two years I have learned so many different lessons that it is difficult to actually pick a few to talk through. I have learned the importance of surrounding yourself with borhter and sisters of the faith that can uplift and lovingly correct you, and you to them. That ministry has so many different facets, and there is no use to pigeon-hole yourself into believing that you will be only doing ONE thing in country. Nope, you need to be incredibly flexible, like think the most flexbile person you know, now triple that,... Read moreThe 2-Year Mark
I've been overseas for 2 years! It seemed like such a long time to commit to, but it has passed so quickly! I will always be thankful for these two years in my placement(s). Things were rarely easy, but that just brought more opportunities for growth. The Lord led me to this, and He has led me through it. What a privilege to be able to walk towards, into, and through the beautiful calling that God placed in my life three years ago. I will stay in my placement for an extra two and a half months to finish my language course. It feels a bit strange to recognize that my initial two year... Read more
My letter to future Goers
I thought that I was done with studying. I was ready to put the books aside and just go. After all I am more of a learn on the job kind of person. I headed overseas ready for this 2 year adventure to begin. I won't have to worry about grades or assignments anymore. Wow, was I sadly mistaken. Actually let me rephrase that. I was gladly mistaken. I was so tired of sitting in class and trainings. I just wanted to be on the field. I was eager but little did I realize, God wasn't using the information I picked up sitting still but was developing in me a spirit of learning. If I could advise anyone... Read more