New and Familiar

In the past month since my last post, a lot has happened and changed. Even though I'm working on raising support and working at the Nueva Esperanza office while I'm in Ohio through Ohio, I also decided to sign up to be substitute teacher to bring in some money for college loans. One day after I got my first call to substitute in a first grade classroom, I was called in by the school district I graduated from to interview for an Intervention Tutor position. I ended up accepting the position after talking through details the same day I got their call! They were even very accepting of my decision to only teach through Decembr so that I can return to Honduras in January. I wasn't expecting to be working full time this fall, but I'm super grateful for this opportunity that seemed to have fallen in my lap. I'm going to be able to pay more money on my college loans, and I'm enjoying my time with students again. In my position, I get to teach guided reading groups, work with reading intervention groups, and help out identified students. Some days, I feel very overwhemed and exhausted. Then I remember that I've been given so many surprise opportunities that are such blessings.

I've also been working in the Nueva Esperanza office since July when I first officially met with Barbara. My work involves a lot of computer work such as writing thank you notes, tracking donations, and inputing new information. I feel as if I'm always learning something new, and I know that it will be so helpful when I move back to Honduras and work in the Nueva Esperanza office there. It also provides me with the chance to see donations that come in from family and friends for my personal account within Nueva Esperanza. I'm blown away by the support I've received. Honestly, I tear up every time I see another one of my support cards come to the office.

God has shown his faithfulness in such amazing ways through this support raising process. I love seeing the ways that people show their compassion and Christ-like love towards me. I know I have mentioned God's faithfulness a lot, but it has been such an important lesson for me throughout this year. In times of uncertainty, God is faithful. In times of support raising, God is faithful. When I begin to doubt that the financial support I need will come before December, God is faithful. If I begin to feel discouraged, God shows His faithfulness by surrounding me with friends and family. He is just so good.

Currently, I have a fully funded start up fund (woot woot!!!), and I have about 33% of my monthly support pledged. This weekend, I have the opportunity to do two things. First, I get to help direct a senior high retreat at Camp Koinonia. I'm so excited to see loved campers and friends again before next summer! Second, I get to speak at a women's retreat to tell about my ministry opportunity at Nueva Esperanza. I'm praying for good teaching time and community time this weekend in the different things I'm doing.

Please be keeping me in your prayers as I continue to teach, work in the Nueva Esperanza office, and do more support raising. Specifically, I would love prayer for new connections with churches and people to partner with me by committing to support me monthly. Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers as I continue to journey in this support raising process! I couldn't do it without you!