So maybe I don't live in Chiang Mai as my seventeen-year-old self insisted that I would. Maybe I'm not a physician's assistant working in medical missions as I once thought I would be. Maybe I am the teacher that I never thought I would be. And maybe, just maybe, I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world. I'm living the life that I never could have dreamed because of an amazing God who truly knows the desires and dreams of my heart more than I ever could.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Not the life I dreamed of
In the past two (almost three) months that I have spent time at the Children's School of Rochester, it has truly become a place that I love more and more each day. As I continue to interact with students from all across the globe, I am reminded of the amazing ways that God orchestrates our lives. Who knew that my experiences in Thailand nearly 8 years ago would prepare me for the students that I interact with on an almost daily basis? Or that my time studying the history and culture of the Balkans during EMW would enable me to understand the background of my students from Bosnia? And that my time spent in Tanzania would equip me to build relationships with students who were born into refugee camps in the same country? Eight years ago, I would have told you that I was going to spend the rest of my life as a missionary in Thailand. Six years ago, I probably would have said the same thing. And yet, here I am today, in Rochester, New York. I'm not on the other side of the world serving. I haven't even left the continent since I studied in Tanzania in 2009. But I feel fully alive in the same way that I do when I'm serving overseas. I feel enthusiastic, joyful, and passionate about the work that I am doing. Although I'm still piecing jobs together, it seems that every single day, God provides more and more opportunities for me to fully utilize the gifts, interests, experiences, and passions that he has given me.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Each Step of the Journey...
Driving home from running some errands today, I couldn't help but think back on how life has played out over the last several months. To be honest, if I were in control, I think I may have done things differently. But now, being in the place that I'm in, I'm quite certain that God's plan really and truly is best despite the curves and detours along that way that I don't always understand.
I graduated from college back in May and eagerly anticipated searching for a job teaching. I knew that job openings were few and far-between, but I was ambitious. However, I realized that I would need some other work in the summer prior to beginning the perfect teaching job in the fall. I had it all lined-up to work at a business here in town...or so I thought. I called two weeks prior to the day that I planned on starting as I had been asked to do. I was told that they had recently hired two new employees and that they no longer had a position for me. My first reaction was to be frustrated...I hadn't looked for other work because I was told that I had a job that would begin as soon as we returned from our honeymoon. Through a series of events, instead of working for this local business, I wound up nannying for my wonderful neighbors.
I've had the blessing to watch these two little cuties for the last 7 and a half months and I couldn't possibly be more thankful! They brightened my days all throughout the summer and they continue to make my Friday's absolutely wonderful. It's also a ton of fun when their three older siblings are home!
During the summer, I interviewed for a few different teaching jobs. Unfortunately, none of them worked out. While I was a bit discouraged, God continued to give me a peace in the midst of the uncertainty. I began working at a dentist's office in town...simply doing whatever tasks needed to be done. I was easily discouraged because I felt that my work didn't have a very large impact. I wanted to do so much more.
For several months, I watched Luke and CJ and worked at the dentist's office. I was thankful for work, but desperately wanted to do something meaningful. As I waited patiently, God directed me in incredible ways. At the beginning of December, I took a position teaching ESL to 5 international students at Rochester Christian School. I work 3 mornings a week with these awesome students who are living here in America to study and learn. I began pursuing the idea of working on my master's degree this spring, and everything fell into place. And then...after I had followed God's leading in so many previous steps, I was offered the position in the afterschool program at the Children's School.
I am so incredibly thankful for the way that God guides and leads during each step of the journey. He knew the plan before I had even a hint. And while I may have done things differently, I am so glad that I'm not the one in control. Because He knows me better than I know myself...and He's placed me exactly where He wants me. And so this week, I continue teaching ESL at Rochester Christian. I'm starting my second week at the Children's School. Wednesday marks the beginning of grad school. And Fridays are still my wonderful end to the week spent with none other than two of my very most favorite one-year olds. God is faithful and I am blessed!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The World in a School
2012 has already been an exciting and wonderful year...and I am so thankful. Since sometime in December, I have been volunteering at the Children's School of Rochester (also known as school 15). I spend all day on Tuesdays in a 2nd grade classroom helping out wherever possible. It has been such a blessing to build relationships with each of the students in my classroom. They are precious children from a variety of different backgrounds. You see, the Children's School isn't your typical school. 50% of the students at the school are from countries all across the world. There are students from Burma, Nepal, Thailand, Laos, Sudan, Burundi, Tanzania, Somalia, Yemen, and several other countries. They each have unique stories that define who they are and I cannot wait to learn more about those stories.
On my 3rd or 4th day at the Children's School, I was sitting with the second grade teachers as they discussed an after school program that is run on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at CSR. They were short on staff members and suggested that I apply. I was immediately excited about the opportunity and pleasantly surprised that if fit into my schedule that consisted of 2 other jobs and grad school classes as well. God truly amazes me with the way He orchestrates the details of our lives.
Last Tuesday, I applied for the job. I interviewed on Wednesday, completed training on Thursday, and began working with the students on Monday. I finished my first week of EnCompass this afternoon. I can honestly say that there is no other job that I would rather have right now. I leave CSR every afternoon with a giant smile on my face. Those children touch my life in such amazing ways. The other day I had a conversation with a student who was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania. I shared with him that I had lived there for a few months in college and that I knew a small amount of Swahili. The following day as I was walking down the hall, I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to be greeted with a warm, "Jambo!" It's crazy to realize that my experiences in Thailand, Tanzania, and Eastern Europe have all prepared me to work with students from all over the place!
I couldn't possibly be more content at any other school. As I drove home from work today, I contemplated how blessed I really am. I truly believe that I could travel throughout the entire world and not find a school that I love as much as CSR. The principal, teachers, staff, and students are amazing. The school set-up is ideal. And I've never felt more at home.
Read an awesome story about CSR here: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011112200341
Monday, January 2, 2012
Memories of 2011
The year of 2011 has brought more change to my life than any other. It has been a wonderful year full of wonderful changes and many meaningful memories with family and friends. I am blessed beyond belief and have so much to be thankful for.
I am so thankful for a sisterhood of beautiful friends that I shared 4 years with at Houghton. Though we are spread around the world (literally), I will forever cherish our friendships.
What a blessing Anna and Steph have been in my life. During my last year at Houghton, I lived with these wonderful women as we shared the journey of student teaching, wedding planning, and job searching. A blonde, a brunette, and a redhead journeying through life together.
Mom and Dad, thank you so much for your support. I am so very thankful for everything that you have done for me. I love you both!
So thankful for these all of these wonderful ladies. I'm blessed with such beautiful friends and family!! Especially thankful for my sweet sister-in-law, Erin, as she spent this Christmas season in Afghanistan serving our country. Can't wait to see you again!
May 28th simply wouldn't have been the same without you there, Chris. Given the chance to do it over again, I would start our wedding over an hour late every single time if it meant that you were able to be there to share in the celebration!
An adorable little nephew who gets bigger, smarter, and crazier every time we see him!
A goofy, fun-loving husband who is better to me than I could have ever imagined.
May 28th was the most beautiful day ever. I was so excited to begin our life together as a married couple and we were blessed beyond belief with the presence of so many of our close friends and family members.
My beautiful and always-supportive cousin...we even learned to cook our own turkeys together this year and I'll say that it turned out pretty darn delicious!
Wonderfully supportive parents...two sets now!
A new family! :) I'm loving being a Brown!
We love getting together for dinners with Steph and Chris. Your house is next!
What a blessing it was to share in the celebration of Chris and Erin's wedding!
Our first Christmas!! :)
A reunion with two of the best friends I could ever ask for! Anna and Jon were visiting from B.C. and we were so glad that they could come for dinner last week!
All in all, 2011 was an amazingly wonderful year full of all of God's greatest blessings. I cannot wait to see all that He has in store for 2012.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Set the World On Fire
It's hard to believe that we've already been married for two months. Tomorrow, my lifelong friend and closest companion over the last several years of my life is getting married. I am so excited for her and so glad to be able to continually walk through the various stages of life together. I love knowing that I have such a close friend who will always be there to support and encourage me...and it sure helps that we are at the same point in our lives. I am also extremely excited about the opportunities that we will have as two Christ-following couples to make a difference in the world. There is SO much that we can do and I'm eager to embark on some of these adventures in the near future.
Just over two months ago when I was attempting to finalize song choices for the wedding and reception, I was really struggling to pick a recessional song. I wanted something meaningful yet fun. I wanted it to have a deeper meaning. I searched for what seemed like an eternity and finally stumbled across a song that I knew but had forgotten about. Brit Nicole's, "Set the World on Fire" was exactly the type of song I was looking for. Walking out of the church for the first time as husband and wife, I felt that this was such a powerful song...a dedicatory song saying, "God, we want to be the tools that You use to set Your world on fire." The lyrics of the song hit me every single time I hear it played. It is absolutely my passion. In case you're unfamiliar, here's how it goes:
I wanna set the world on fire
Until it's burning bright for you
It's everything that i desire
Can i be the one you use?
I, I am small but
You you are big enough
I, I am weak but
You you are strong enough to
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with you
There's nothing I cannot do
Nothing I cannot do
I wanna feed the hungry children
And reach across the farthest land
And tell the broken there is healing
And mercy in the father's hands
My hands my feet
My everything
My life my love
Lord use me
I wanna set the world on fire
Wanna set the world on fire yeah
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with you
There's nothing i cannot do
We had originally hoped that a friend of ours could sing it and change all of the "I"'s to "we"'s and the "my"'s to "our"'s, etc...but we weren't able to. But everytime I hear this song I'll be reminded of our wonderful, beautiful wedding day and the beginning of our life together. And I'll also be reminded of the powerful ways that God can use us when we truly say, "My hands, my feet, my everything. My life, my love, Lord use me." That is my genuine and passionate prayer each and everyday. Please God, awaken our dreams and passions that we might use them for Your glory.
Just over two months ago when I was attempting to finalize song choices for the wedding and reception, I was really struggling to pick a recessional song. I wanted something meaningful yet fun. I wanted it to have a deeper meaning. I searched for what seemed like an eternity and finally stumbled across a song that I knew but had forgotten about. Brit Nicole's, "Set the World on Fire" was exactly the type of song I was looking for. Walking out of the church for the first time as husband and wife, I felt that this was such a powerful song...a dedicatory song saying, "God, we want to be the tools that You use to set Your world on fire." The lyrics of the song hit me every single time I hear it played. It is absolutely my passion. In case you're unfamiliar, here's how it goes:
I wanna set the world on fire
Until it's burning bright for you
It's everything that i desire
Can i be the one you use?
I, I am small but
You you are big enough
I, I am weak but
You you are strong enough to
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with you
There's nothing I cannot do
Nothing I cannot do
I wanna feed the hungry children
And reach across the farthest land
And tell the broken there is healing
And mercy in the father's hands
My hands my feet
My everything
My life my love
Lord use me
I wanna set the world on fire
Wanna set the world on fire yeah
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with you
There's nothing i cannot do
We had originally hoped that a friend of ours could sing it and change all of the "I"'s to "we"'s and the "my"'s to "our"'s, etc...but we weren't able to. But everytime I hear this song I'll be reminded of our wonderful, beautiful wedding day and the beginning of our life together. And I'll also be reminded of the powerful ways that God can use us when we truly say, "My hands, my feet, my everything. My life, my love, Lord use me." That is my genuine and passionate prayer each and everyday. Please God, awaken our dreams and passions that we might use them for Your glory.
Monday, June 20, 2011
World Refugee Day
This past weekend, Tim and I had the opportunity to be involved in the World Refugee Day Celebration at the Children's School of Rochester. It was an absolutely amazing experience and we are so excited about the opportunities to get more involved with the refugee community in Rochester.
The moment we walked into the gym, I was recruited by a teacher from school 5 to help paint faces (and arms, legs,and necks!) She asked if I had any artistic ability and would be willing to help. Artistic ability? No way! Willing to help? Not only willing but beyond thrilled to be asked. And I jumped right into it. Tim was ever so gracious and helped clean up the stencils after every painting job. :)
Throughout the day we interacted with children and families from East Africa, Burma, Nepal, Bhutan, and other places. I had conversations with many of the children and loved the interactions. I talked with teachers from school 5 and 15 and heard all about their challenging yet wonderful jobs. I was invited to observe in classrooms, join a committee, and to apply for teaching positions. The teachers were so gracious, giving advice, being genuinely interested in my experiences, and welcoming me in so quickly! One of the teachers even introduced me to the principal of the Children's School while praising my willingness to jump right in, telling him about my experiences abroad, and writing my name on a piece of paper as a reminder. I have no idea if they have any openings for next year, but there is no school that I would rather teach at. My passions, my experiences, and my talents could be utilized so fully in a setting like this. I could go on and on and on about all of the positive things I admire about this school and its principal.
Regardless of whether I find a teaching job in the school, you can be sure that we'll be involved in the refugee community in Rochester. It is something that excites us both and I am so glad we were able to make these connections. Thanks so much, Jesse, for telling us about this amazing event!!
The moment we walked into the gym, I was recruited by a teacher from school 5 to help paint faces (and arms, legs,and necks!) She asked if I had any artistic ability and would be willing to help. Artistic ability? No way! Willing to help? Not only willing but beyond thrilled to be asked. And I jumped right into it. Tim was ever so gracious and helped clean up the stencils after every painting job. :)
Throughout the day we interacted with children and families from East Africa, Burma, Nepal, Bhutan, and other places. I had conversations with many of the children and loved the interactions. I talked with teachers from school 5 and 15 and heard all about their challenging yet wonderful jobs. I was invited to observe in classrooms, join a committee, and to apply for teaching positions. The teachers were so gracious, giving advice, being genuinely interested in my experiences, and welcoming me in so quickly! One of the teachers even introduced me to the principal of the Children's School while praising my willingness to jump right in, telling him about my experiences abroad, and writing my name on a piece of paper as a reminder. I have no idea if they have any openings for next year, but there is no school that I would rather teach at. My passions, my experiences, and my talents could be utilized so fully in a setting like this. I could go on and on and on about all of the positive things I admire about this school and its principal.
Regardless of whether I find a teaching job in the school, you can be sure that we'll be involved in the refugee community in Rochester. It is something that excites us both and I am so glad we were able to make these connections. Thanks so much, Jesse, for telling us about this amazing event!!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
In a few short days, I will walk across the stage of the Wesley Chapel to receive a piece of paper that tells me I’m finished here. I’ve completed my degree requirements. I’ve had my share of fun, challenging, and fruitful experiences. I’ve built relationships that will last a lifetime. I’ve experienced joy and heartache. I’ve endured warm sunny spring afternoons and windy snow-covered wintry mornings. I’ve grown and I’ve changed. This latest chapter of my life is all but concluded.
And while this transition will be bittersweet in many ways, I am ready to move on. I’m thankful for the friendships and the memories. The learning experiences and the laughs. I have been so blessed through my 4 years here at Houghton and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. I’m thankful that I have a vast store of fun memories to consider as I look back on my college years. And I’m thrilled that these 4 years have enabled and equipped me to make an even greater impact on the world around me. I cannot wait to begin this new leg of the journey!
The excitement that I am feeling now is very similar to the way that I felt at the end of my high school years. The fall of my senior year, I wrote about my joys and passions, my dreams and my visions. As my college years come to a close, I am realizing all of these dreams and joys yet again. I cannot wait to be able to continue to use my gifts, talents, interests and abilities to impact the world. For nostalgia’s sake, here’s the excerpt of what I wrote back in November of 2006:
In all honesty, I don’t think I’ve even been this excited about my future before. I have so many hopes, so many dreams that I would love for God to fulfill in me. I want to be everything that He wants me to be. I want to change the world…I want to help those less fortunate than myself in so many ways. I want to get beyond the individual level and have an impact on a people as a whole. I want to do amazing things.
Tonight has been one full of realizations and discoveries of interests I’m not sure I ever knew I had before. Doing research for my papers has really had an impact on me over these past few days. It’s so weird…I am so excited about writing these papers…especially those dealing with international stuff. I want to know what’s being done to stop the atrocities in our world and figure out what more should be done to be more effective. I want my eyes to be opened even more to the awful things that go on in our world. I want to change the world…I want to impact the world for Jesus Christ. I want to defend the weak and help those that are in dire need. I want to put an end to so many different things. I know that on my own I am incapable. With the strength of God…with His help, I can do anything. I can pursue any career goal that I might choose…and I can trust that He will use it for His ultimate glory. I could become a doctor and serve the people of East Africa. I could become a teacher and serve those in Southeast Asia. I could do something on a more large-scale basis and help change the lives of so many. I could pursue a career in medicine and use that to change major things in our world today…I could play a major role in fighting for human rights for the underprivileged children of this world.
Wow…I am so overcome with excitement right now, I can’t even contain it. I don’t think I’d be able to sleep right now, even if I tried. I am so excited about all that God is going to do in and through me! I love being passionate…it’s something I’d been lacking for a little while, but it’s certainly back….perhaps even stronger than ever before! I will make a difference with my life! I will impact those around me and those around the world. God is going to use me in so many amazing ways…I know it!!!
Perhaps the most exciting difference at this point in my life is the joy in knowing that Tim will be my companion through all of the journeys and adventures of this life. In 2 and a half weeks, I’ll walk down the aisle and commit to spend the rest of my life with my best friend. And together, we will have the privilege of embarking on the next leg of this journey called life. I am so excited because I realize that the impact that we can have together is so much greater than the impact we could each make on our own. At this point, Tim and I aren’t really sure exactly how God is going to use us in the future…but that excites me. It means that we’ll be forced to rely on Him to show us each step of the way as we journey in His grace. In conversation with a friend recently, he told me he hopes that Tim and I never know where we will be or what we will be doing 18 months from now. I would love to be so sensitive to God’s leading and His call on our lives that we would be willing to follow wherever He would call us.
I cannot wait to see how God works in and through our soon-to-be established marriage. I am so eager to see the ways that He will use us for His glory in the lives of those around us. I love adventures. I love knowing that I am using the gifts, talents, passions, and abilities that God has given me. And while I don’t know where God’s plan for my life and the dreams He’s given me will intersect, I am thrilled to know that fully realize that the journey truly is the destination. Each step along the way is influential in molding me and shaping me into the person that God desires me to be.
If you’re reading this, please pray with me that God would reveal His plan and His purpose to Tim and me in the coming days. Not that we would know all that He has in store for us, but that we might catch a glimpse and have an opportunity to jump in feet-first with all of the enthusiasm and excitement that we can muster.
And while this transition will be bittersweet in many ways, I am ready to move on. I’m thankful for the friendships and the memories. The learning experiences and the laughs. I have been so blessed through my 4 years here at Houghton and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. I’m thankful that I have a vast store of fun memories to consider as I look back on my college years. And I’m thrilled that these 4 years have enabled and equipped me to make an even greater impact on the world around me. I cannot wait to begin this new leg of the journey!
The excitement that I am feeling now is very similar to the way that I felt at the end of my high school years. The fall of my senior year, I wrote about my joys and passions, my dreams and my visions. As my college years come to a close, I am realizing all of these dreams and joys yet again. I cannot wait to be able to continue to use my gifts, talents, interests and abilities to impact the world. For nostalgia’s sake, here’s the excerpt of what I wrote back in November of 2006:
In all honesty, I don’t think I’ve even been this excited about my future before. I have so many hopes, so many dreams that I would love for God to fulfill in me. I want to be everything that He wants me to be. I want to change the world…I want to help those less fortunate than myself in so many ways. I want to get beyond the individual level and have an impact on a people as a whole. I want to do amazing things.
Tonight has been one full of realizations and discoveries of interests I’m not sure I ever knew I had before. Doing research for my papers has really had an impact on me over these past few days. It’s so weird…I am so excited about writing these papers…especially those dealing with international stuff. I want to know what’s being done to stop the atrocities in our world and figure out what more should be done to be more effective. I want my eyes to be opened even more to the awful things that go on in our world. I want to change the world…I want to impact the world for Jesus Christ. I want to defend the weak and help those that are in dire need. I want to put an end to so many different things. I know that on my own I am incapable. With the strength of God…with His help, I can do anything. I can pursue any career goal that I might choose…and I can trust that He will use it for His ultimate glory. I could become a doctor and serve the people of East Africa. I could become a teacher and serve those in Southeast Asia. I could do something on a more large-scale basis and help change the lives of so many. I could pursue a career in medicine and use that to change major things in our world today…I could play a major role in fighting for human rights for the underprivileged children of this world.
Wow…I am so overcome with excitement right now, I can’t even contain it. I don’t think I’d be able to sleep right now, even if I tried. I am so excited about all that God is going to do in and through me! I love being passionate…it’s something I’d been lacking for a little while, but it’s certainly back….perhaps even stronger than ever before! I will make a difference with my life! I will impact those around me and those around the world. God is going to use me in so many amazing ways…I know it!!!
Perhaps the most exciting difference at this point in my life is the joy in knowing that Tim will be my companion through all of the journeys and adventures of this life. In 2 and a half weeks, I’ll walk down the aisle and commit to spend the rest of my life with my best friend. And together, we will have the privilege of embarking on the next leg of this journey called life. I am so excited because I realize that the impact that we can have together is so much greater than the impact we could each make on our own. At this point, Tim and I aren’t really sure exactly how God is going to use us in the future…but that excites me. It means that we’ll be forced to rely on Him to show us each step of the way as we journey in His grace. In conversation with a friend recently, he told me he hopes that Tim and I never know where we will be or what we will be doing 18 months from now. I would love to be so sensitive to God’s leading and His call on our lives that we would be willing to follow wherever He would call us.
I cannot wait to see how God works in and through our soon-to-be established marriage. I am so eager to see the ways that He will use us for His glory in the lives of those around us. I love adventures. I love knowing that I am using the gifts, talents, passions, and abilities that God has given me. And while I don’t know where God’s plan for my life and the dreams He’s given me will intersect, I am thrilled to know that fully realize that the journey truly is the destination. Each step along the way is influential in molding me and shaping me into the person that God desires me to be.
If you’re reading this, please pray with me that God would reveal His plan and His purpose to Tim and me in the coming days. Not that we would know all that He has in store for us, but that we might catch a glimpse and have an opportunity to jump in feet-first with all of the enthusiasm and excitement that we can muster.
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