"Well, if you mix trust and belief together, and you get faith."
I thought that was a pretty thorough definition of faith from a nine-year old. My students never cease to amaze me. This has been what the Lord has been teaching me this past year. Have FAITH. BELIEVE in me. TRUST me. Faith in what? Faith in whom is the question to ask. Everything in my life is held together in who He is to me and what He means to me. Nothing else matters. Nothing else matters. Everything else is meaningless in comparison. meaningless.
I've been fretting and freaking out these past few weeks especially. We found out the week before last that our umbrella organization (Network of International Christian Schools) is no longer supporting our school. This happened for many reasons, but we're now dealing with the consequences of that decision. I, a NICS missionary, was given a decision: Stay at BAICA (no longer as a missionary with NICS), leave BAICA and try to find another position with NICS-in another school in another country, or simply return to the States because my 2-year contract was no longer valid.
This past year has been HARD, so the temptation to put this experience behind me and try something new is TREMENDOUS. This past year has also been WONDERFUL, and something I wouldn't trade for the world. This entire year I've been thinking about next year: the things I'll do differently and the reduction of stress because my first year of teaching is finally behind me. The idea of teaching at another school was also very tempting, for a few reasons. I tried pursuing a few of those doors (there weren't many), but up until this point, God has shut them.
With all of that said, my decision now is to stay at BAICA until June of 2012, like I originally planned. I'm afraid I'll miss out of God's blessings if I leave prematurely. I can feel him working here.
That's why I haven't written in a while. I just haven't known what to say. Things change here every day... and it seemed silly to update you all on something I wasn't even sure of.
Prayer needs as of today:
- more students for BAICA- we can't continue without more students
- staff leaving: there are a handful of people who are choosing to leave due to various situations. One is my very close friend here... my Southern friend. I'm going to miss her like crazy! Pray for their resettlement in the places they're going as well as God's guidance!
- traveling mercies over the (winter/summer) break. Good times with family, friends, and for everyone to RELAX. It's been a crazy year.
- For the new people in charge at the school. We have some great business people here looking at financial plans and such... pray they're lead by the Lord. They're having to make hard cuts...
- I'm getting irritated with Spanish, or rather my ability. I teach in English, and speak it about 95% of the time at school. Pray that I put myself out there more when I speak... and make myself get coffee with non-English speakers. (The issue is that although I have Argentine friends, most of them speak English better than I speak Spanish... boo!)
- patience in everything
- a better next year (more organized, better classroom management, what all first year teachers say. :) )
- for me to see that my personal goals for the next year are actually accomplished. I tend to make goals for myself, and not follow through with them
I'm sorry for taking so long to blog all of this. In reality, next year is still kind of up in the air. I just didn't know what to write. I feel the prayers of everyone. Thanks so much for them; I'm sending them up for you all as well. Until later.
Blessings :)
"be their shepherd and carry them forever"
"I will be glad and rejoice in your love"
"You are my hiding place"
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped."
