Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Spreading of Christmas Joy


               Since this is my first Christmas away from my family, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Homesickness, a sadness at missing out on family traditions, a sense of separation beyond the physical ocean that exists- and while there have been moments of each of these, God has truly blessed me with a pseudo-family within the Bingham family. New traditions, lots of celebrations, and a special focus on the birth of Christ have rounded out my Christmas experience.

               Last week, one of the teacher families here at Bingham invited all of the single teachers over for a meal and a Christmas celebration. We fellowshipped and enjoyed the time together, while beginning new traditions: sharing where each of us was born, reading the Christmas story in parts, having a birthday cake for Jesus, and singing carols accompanied by a guitar and a harp. But my favorite part was listening to our voices join; hearing the sweet sound of the youngest daughter, seeing the earnest praise of another daughter, also one of my students, and spending that time as a family singing and worshipping God together.

               Last Sunday night, our Bingham community joined together- all of the teachers and their families to celebrate Christmas together. Again, we fellowshipped and enjoyed the sweet and savory goodies provided by all. With about 62 in attendance, the kids exchanged Secret Santa gifts, while the adults had a White Elephant gift exchange. (I ended up with a decent gift- small bottles of shampoo and body wash that you would get at a hotel- so I was satisfied.) The kids acted out different elements of Christmas for the group to guess: wrapping presents, building a snowman, Mommy kissing Santa Claus. We concluded the night singing Christmas carols and enjoying the time with one another. Again, a time spent with my new family in celebrating the holiday.

               I feel so blessed to have the privilege to be a part of this new family that God has provided; giving and receiving the joy of the season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. I pray that you may also enjoy this happy time with family and friends and remember the true reason for the season. Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Blast from the Past

Currently finishing: preparations for our trip to Southern Ethiopia tomorrow- hello Christmas break!! 


One unexpected blessing that has come to light in the last week and a half is the ability to renew old relationships. I hoped to see some people from the time that I lived here before, but due to the transient nature of the mission field, I focused more on building new relationships. However in this last week, I have reconnected with four different individuals that I knew as a young middle school student and it has been a blessing.
Three of them came from various levels of my time here at Bingham: one a former classmate, another, a teacher, a third, the library assistant. Those initial conversations follow the same pattern: how are you, why are you back in Ethiopia, how is your family, how long are you here… (One differing point: the former teacher exclaimed she wouldn’t have recognized me- my former classmate commented how I didn’t look any different).
But as each of them played a different role in my life- peer, authority figure, confidant- they all knew me as the girl I was then. To reconnect with them now is to make a jump to who I am today and the role I have taken here at Bingham. In a way, it mirrors the journey I am still taking in reconciling the Ethiopia I knew with the Ethiopia I see and experience on a daily basis.

Reunited after 8 years!
The biggest surprise and blessing out of these reconnections came from meeting up with my former Boarding sister, Jeni. Over the last eight years, our family has done pretty well to keep up with or reconnect with most of the students that lived with us during the three years we lived in Ethiopia. However, there were a few that we had just lost communication with beyond a Christmas card or two.
About three weeks ago, I met up with the parents of two of our boarding kids in church and it brought to the surface all of the feelings and emotions that came from unresolved relationships. I wondered what had happened in the last eight years- my curiosity grew at the thought of they turned out as adults. I prayed that evening that there could be some sort of reconciliation between us; a chance to reconnect after so many years. I hoped for an email or facebook message for that opportunity… but then God showed up.
I received a facebook message two weeks later stating that my boarding sister was actually returning to Ethiopia to visit her parents and hoped that we could meet up.

Wow God. That was quick.

Thus, a week later, I reunited with Jeni and we were able to catch up on the last eight years, share memories of our times in boarding together, and learn to know one another as adults and our current passions- which have taken a similar path, ironically. I can’t help feeling that this experience is a testament to God’s care and concern about relationships. 


Saturday, November 24, 2012

My Thanksgiving!

Currently lunching: on just a banana so I can save room for the pig roast scheduled for later today!

This Thanksgiving was a little different than the past few years... no days off school, no Parade on in the background while making tons of food, missing my family, especially on the holiday. However, we did have Thanksgiving decorations (talking about what we were thankful for), a gathering of friends, plenty of delicious food, and a little international flavor in our group.

Bingham usually has a campus-wide celebration in which we invite all nationalities to join in our giving of thanks and tasty food. Due to the growth of the event, that gathering was unfortunately cancelled, so my roomies and I decided to throw our own Thanksgiving dinner.




Ethiopia sadly does not have turkeys in the country (and the imported ones are way too expensive), but we learned with the right seasonings,  chicken can come pretty close!! We ended up with quite a spread: chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing,  cranberry sauce, jello salad (with cranberry flavors), salad, corn, apple pie (1 big one and 10 individual ones) and pumpkin bread. 

 Some Thanksgiving decorations including our "Thankful Tree" -although it ended up looking more like a bush. whoops.

This was the first event we have hosted in our apartment and we were thankful it turned out so well :) We invited about 10 people- the majority Americans, with one Brit to add that international flavor. It was a great time with friends and remembering what we are thankful for! 




Monday, November 19, 2012

Community

Being a recent grad from Messiah College, this word still has the tendency to sound like a “buzz word” to me. In Grantham, we talk about community, think about community, and in some ways, successfully achieve community. But in these last couple weeks, I have gained an entirely new understanding of “community” and the different forms it can take.

New friends, food, and movies: About every weekend, a group of us find something to do together: eating out, having a cookout, doing dinner and a movie, or having a girls night. These are fun times to hang out, get to know one another better, and enjoy a bit of time off campus.

Fellowship through exercise: Every Thursday night, a group of people come together for pick-up soccer in our Bingham gym. This was a favorite pastime when I was here as a student, and I am grateful to still have the opportunity to get out, dust off my rusty soccer skills and have some friendly competition for an hour and a half. If I can still breathe at the end of the night, I consider it successful.
Two weeks ago, the families on our compound took advantage of our abundant sunshine and gathered on our athletic field to play some ultimate frisbee. It was a great time to play with the kids (those under second grade were given a freebie if they dropped it) and enjoy one another’s company. The picnic afterwards wasn’t too bad, either.
This weekend, the Binghamites took on a little friendly competition with some members of SIM Ethiopia. To conclude the week of yearly meetings, the two teams faced off on the Bingham field for a grueling soccer match. The liveliness of the match increased as both teams called out in English or Amharic, depending who was going for the ball. Bingham gave this one to SIM, with the final score 3-4, but since three of the SIM goals were scored by a Bingham student, the jury is still out. (Also, I realized today that one of the opposing players who I challenged is actually the father of one of my students… whoops.)

Community through the Spirit: Each Wednesday evening, I have the pleasure of joining five other women on campus for a bible study. Right now, we’re finishing up a Beth Moore study on the Psalms of Ascent and have enjoyed the journey together. It’s a nice time to relax with one another and share the lessons God has been teaching us.
Friday morning, a group of six teachers began the day with a prayer walk around the school. The focus was to intercede for our students as they consider their own relationship with God and the future he holds for them. We also turned to the throne of God to pray a revival into Bingham and feel a new refreshed blessing of the Spirit.
To begin each school day, the Bingham teachers gather for staff devotions in our teachers’ lounge. Each teacher gets a week to lead: share what God has been teaching them or a word or encouragement to pass on to those that are here for the same purpose.


The ultimate form of community: The conclusion of each staff devotions culminates in a prayer for our students. We spend the year going through the list and each student is prayed for by name. The teachers that invest in these students get to spend time every day and bring each one before the throne with special requests, concerns, and a desire to see a relationship with God form or flourish. We pray that these students, who will reach the ends of the world, will not only excel in their education but realize the love of Jesus and have a passion to share it. 

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Getting to know Ethiopia... again.

Many people have asked me about the changes I’ve noticed since I lived here the last time. My first answer is that there are a lot more roads paved, groceries available, and the city has grown in general. 

But there’s a certain familiarity to the buildings, the people, the dust. My initial reaction when I stepped off the plane was of coming home. The smells were the same (love that diesel fuel), the food was just as spicy, the sun still shines just as bright, and Bingham holds many memories of the adventures we had. 

However, the longer I’m here, I realize I am a different person since the last time I was here. Eight years ago, I was a child who saw things through the eyes of the child. I remember being nervous about the beggars at my window and anxious about not understanding the language or being understood.  I was unsure of myself, as many adolescents are, and trying to make sense of the world around me. 

On the other hand, thing were a lot more black and white. I saw life here in Ethiopia as the norm, rather than comparing it constantly to what is different than “home.” Ethiopia was my home and America was a place I visited. A big part of that reality was that my family was with me. I was still a child who had my mom to cook for me and my dad as a teacher. I was a student, and that was a role with which I was comfortable and familiar. I had a community in Boarding and my friends in my class. I was here because my family chose to come. 


Wow... where has the time gone??

This time, I’m here on my own. 

I have the independence, but I also have the choices that come with it. I have to do my own grocery shopping and cook for myself. I must work to build my own community and friendships. I am now a teacher with responsibility, as I still try to figure out what exactly that means. 
First time driving on the streets of Addis! Success!
But I also see Africa differently. I have a love for the Ethiopian people that has replaced the previous anxiety. The driving is still terrifying, but I know I can conquer it. I have a freedom to travel and explore and see parts of Ethiopia I have never seen before. I have a confidence that God has put me here for a reason and it will be revealed in time. Bingham is a living, growing organism that I get to be a part of and contribute to impacting the world for God’s glory through these students. 

So to answer your question, yes it’s like coming home, but as a new person. It’s still my beloved Ethiopia, but I get to chance to experience it in a whole new way. 

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Ethiopian Hospitality


My roommates and I had the opportunity to go to the home of an Ethiopian lady, Mekedes, that we have friended on Sunday for injera (local Ethiopian food) and a coffee ceremony. 

This ceremony is best experienced but to give a snapshot- as the guests, we observe the beans being washed, rinsed, and roasted over the small fire. I cannot even begin to describe the rich aromas that begin to fill the room.

Then, the beans are ground the good-old fashioned way with mortar and pestle- no automatic coffee grinders allowed.
Mekedes' beautiful daughter, Tsennat, showing us how it's done
 The grounds are then transferred into the buna (“coffee” in Amharic, the local language) pot and given time to brew. This is the freshest coffee you will ever taste… and maybe the strongest as well.

All the while, the host and guests visit and share… as much as possible through the language barrier anyway. It was such a blessing to spend time with Mekedes and her adorable children in their home and we look forward to having them over to our home for dinner soon!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Grasses, Monkeys, and Making Memories


                Well, there weren’t any sheep to eat. But there were lots of monkeys, games of kick the can, capture the flag, and sardines, cold nights spent trying to get as close to the fireplace as possible, no power, and God’s beautiful handiwork shown in the majestic mountains and sweeping hills.


                This last week, I had the privilege to travel to Guassa, a region in the Ethiopian highlands (northeast of Addis), with half of the tenth grade class. The trip was a part of the “Activities Week” in which Bingham Academy sends their 6th through 12th grade students once a school year all around Ethiopia. Depending on the class, the focus of this week is either community service or spiritual awareness. This provides an opportunity for the students to spend time out of the city serving alongside their friends and teachers; a time to bond, build memories, and learn in a new context.
Ours was a focus on community service and we spent the week learning about the unique Guassa grass. Being a scarce resource, which is used for roofs, weaving, and other daily necessities, the surrounding community has spent the last 400 years working together to preserve it. This includes an advanced system that records the nature of the grass (height, density, etc) and any signs of illegal harvesting. It was a fascinating study on how a group of people can bond together in order to maintain and protect what’s important.
Hello Mr. Monkey~ he and his friends are the "Gellatus" monkey.

Of course, the learning is always important. But I relished the opportunity this last week of getting to know the students and teachers outside of a normal classroom- not only does this provide a different context,  but also a true bonding experience as we dealt with flat tires, screaming monkeys, a (very) flexible schedule, hiking through the beautiful Ethiopian highlands (which brought to mind either the Doxology or “The Hills are Alive” from the Sound of Music), and many games of Fishbowl. It was a great first week in Ethiopia and a chance to see how Bingham impacts many lives to this day.
And now- a week to relax (mid-semester break) and prepare for teaching that starts the next week!!

Friday, October 5, 2012

I made it!


I’m here. and pretty much hit the ground running.

Monday/Tuesday: Flights were good~ smooth, lots of new movies, interesting seat partners. First time watching Big Bang Theory in the Frankfurt airport, but not a bad way to pass the time. Luggage made it without any problem, walked through customs with confidence and found my little sign welcoming me to Bingham Academy.

Wednesday: Campus tour and trying to reorient myself with Bingham’s campus, meeting all the (new… to me) teachers at tea time, two meetings with Bingham principals, lunch and reuniting with Mekedes, my Ethiopian grandma, then heading to the Embassy to begin the process of getting my Ethiopian drivers’ license. Returned to Bingham, attended my first staff meeting, went out for dinner (injera!!) with my mentor/buddy Rachel, back for Bible Study in her apartment, then worked on unpacking… bed.

Thursday: Headed to HQ for SIM orientation, met various people (some new, some I knew, some that knew me but I didn’t know them), go off with some new people and get a cell phone… this is an interesting story that I may expound on at a later date… back to Bingham for lunch (injera!), tried to read some manuals but fell asleep, watched the beginning of Bingham JV’s basketball game, headed out with Alli (the teacher who covered for me and then I will take over for her) for grocery shopping (which may or may not include some off-roading… TIA.) and then dinner back at her place with her two adorable little boys (injera).

Friday: Started off with a trip to the Foreign Ministry of something or other to do the next part of the license process, then on to the Ministry of Transport to finish it off and got my Ethiopian drivers license! (now to work up the nerve to actually drive here). So grateful to have Ethiopian experts to get me through the journey of it all. Back to Bingham and got to skype my parents for the first time! Meeting with the principal to figure out my responsibilities here… and then headed to dinner with old friends tonight.

Deep breath.

Oh, and did I mention that I am going on a trip next week? Yep, headed to the mountains with two male teachers, eleven tenth graders, and some sheep. (Apparently, that’s the food we’re supposed to purchase, but I think we’ll actually buy them there. For reals.)

Now this seems like a lot… and I may have left our proper punctuation for effect… but I have to say I can’t imagine a better welcome to Ethiopia. I figure let’s start the adventures from the beginning and fit in as many as we can! :) 

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Today is the Day

I can still remember our farewell party from Fairview in 2001 and their presentation of a signature-filled copy of Dr. Seuss' Oh the Places You'll Go. This book is often seen at graduation parties, farewells, and other such send-offs before someone's big adventure. It usually inspires a smile or two at the childish pictures and wisdom beyond the years of its readers. At that point, my little eleven year old self could not understand the mountains that were ahead, the adventures that were to be had. Oh the joy and the fun that were lying in a place unknown.





But today... today is a whole new day. That eleven year old girl has grown up and is ready to encounter the world with new eyes. This will be an adventure to add to my story, a place to discover a new part of myself- changing, molding, shaping, teaching- learning.

With the grace of God, I will embrace this adventure with open arms.  I will learn to enjoy the highs and lows, the mountains and the valleys. I will follow his plan and continue to be molded and shaped by his hands and will for me.


Together, oh the places we will go.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Changing of the Seasons

Currently listening: Newsies Original Broadway Cast Soundtrack (on repeat... whoops).

Hello friends!! I apologize that it's been so long~ it's been a little crazy around here these last few weeks: temp jobs, engagements and parties, birthday celebrations, job offers and new positions, starting to think about packing :)

Update: at this point, my visa has been processed and we're in the midst of booking a ticket. I'm planning on leaving next Mon. Oct 1 or Tues. Oct 2, so it's all coming up pretty fast! Thank you all for your prayers and support as this journey has been moving along!

As many of you know, I was hoping to leave for Ethiopia around August 1, but a lot has happened in that time and I am grateful for the chance to have these last couple weeks here at home, especially as the fall season has begun. As I think of my siblings in Texas and friends in Africa that miss out on the changing of seasons, I am thankful to experience the leaves begin to change and fall, the weather turning a little crisper...
One of my favorite pictures of fall: Letchworth State Park

I have actually begun to try to fit as many aspects of fall in as possible before I leave: apple cider and dumplings, Messiah soccer games, hoodies and skinny jeans, bonfires and smores... the list continues. With fall being my favorite season, there's a certain amount of bidding the summer farewell and also anticipating the adventures of the next- pretty much the story of my life right now.
Enjoying a Messiah soccer game this last weekend

I know sunshine and community awaits me across the ocean and I am psyched to start the next phase there~ but for this week, I'm watching the leaves fall and working on saying goodbye to this one.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Exciting News!!


God is amazing! My support has reached 100%! Praise God for his provision and thank you to all of you who have joined in this ministry with me! I'm excited to move through this stage of raising support and start the next one! 

I have a departure date! The visa and ticketing process have begun and I have a departure date of October 1. I'm thrilled to start sorting, packing, and wrapping up my life here in Pennsylvania so that I can get to Ethiopia and continue this ministry at Bingham Academy! 




Ethiopia, here I come!! 




For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths.     Proverbs 5:21 








Thank you for your continued prayers! I'll keep you posted as I begin this next chapter of my life. 


Monday, August 27, 2012

The Days March On...

Currently listening: Can't Stop Thinking about You by Steve Moakler

It's been a while since I've updated and a lot of things have happened since then~

I am a year older... and wiser? I celebrated a birthday last week which was full of friends and family. Water-skiing, a bonfire, ice cream cake- it's hard to ask for a better day.

Funfetti with friends... the best!


Started to say goodbye... As that time of year rolls around and school starts up again, I've started to say farewell to various friends. Some have gone off to grad school, others leaving for a year or two in Hong Kong~ I thought I was going to be the first one leaving and now it's hard to be on the other side.

Long's Park in Lancaster with old and new friends~ delightful. 

Bingham started school... Last Tuesday marked the start of the new school year for Bingham Academy and while I wish I was there, I am so grateful for those that can cover my classes till then. And now I can be reading the content and preparing lessons before I leave!

Support continues to come in... God is so faithful and keeps bringing it in slow and steady. I'm at 83% with some budget adjustments, so things keep moving along! No tickets purchased, so no departure date at this point, but I will be sure to let you know when that happens! Thank you so much to all of you who have joined with me in this ministry!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Support Update!



Thank you for your interest in this ministry! May it glorify God and impact the world for his kingdom!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

OBX


As this week marks the twenty-third year that our family has vacationed here, I decided to dedicate a post to the wonder that is the Outer Banks.


1.       The Beaches: Smooth sand, cool water, and very few people. Perfection.

2.       Relaxation: After the first ten years, our family has been to all the lighthouses, putt-putt golf courses, and other attractions. So now, we go to the beach, we go out to eat... and that’s about it.

3.       Family Time: Each evening is spent reminiscing about family memories, playing group Solitaire, Dutch Blitz, or Rummikub, and watching a movie.

4.       Traditions: eating at Miller’s and Owen’s on Tuesday and Thursday night respectively. Birthday shopping trip. Going out to a movie one of the nights; sometimes split into a chick flick group and an action group, or like this year, the latest blockbuster  (can we give a shout out to The Dark Knight Rises??)

5.       Widow’s Peak: a small porch at the peak of the house: historically, it was a place for wives to watch for the ships that carried their husbands. Over the last 10 years or so, it’s become my favorite part about this vacation- to venture up on my own, gaze at the ocean/stars (depending what time I go up there), and have some quiet time of worship.


Thank you Outer Banks, North Carolina for the many memories you hold for me. 

Friday, August 3, 2012

Impacting the world for the glory of God!

I wanted to post this again for those that may have missed it the first time. This is a great snapshot of what Bingham Academy is at a school and who it reaches.



Feeling inspired?? We still need teachers! 
If you would like to check out more information about Bingham Academy, check it out


Support update:
Monthly  55%

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Legacy.

Currently: freezing! Sitting in front the air conditioner will do that.... unfortunately, it's either sit here or be toasty warm in the rest of the house. 

This last Sunday, I had the opportunity to share a little bit about my new adventure at Pittsgrove Baptist Church in South Jersey. This place holds a lot of history for my family as my great-grandparents grew up attending and serving in this congregation. In that same tradition, my grandmother grew up here, my father grew up here... even I remember running up the back stairs to the best seat in the house (the sound loft) since about age 5. (My favorite part was helping my grandpa erase the cassette tapes so that they could be used again for another service... and playing with the broken golf ball he had up there.) For those of you that know my family, you can see God has not broken the mold from one generation to the next...

I attempted to showcase a bit of this history at the beginning of my presentation by the showing of this picture (circa 1971). 


Unfortunately, it didn't show up well Sunday night, so I figured I would display it here as well :) 

I show this photo to slightly embarrass the people in it, but also to connect to my place in the family history. This was a time that my dad was very into scouts, CEF,  and anticipating youth group in another couple years. When I was 11, I was experiencing new cultures as a missionary kid in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.


And it was that experience that has led to this new adventure at Bingham Academy. But none of it would be possible without the legacy that has been passed down from the generations above: a legacy of dedicating our lives in service to our God. 




Saturday, July 28, 2012

Advice from the Wise... and a game of Twister.

Currently watching: the OLYMPICS!! (love this time every four years!) 

Just finished up my two week orientation in Charlotte, NC and  truly enjoyed it! On one hand, SIMGo (because SIM is sending us to go :)  is full of information, policies, and RDM strategy and I hope to remember and use these things that I've learned. On the other hand, and more importantly, SIMGo was full of people... not only the people that are also being sent to many parts of the world to respond to need, proclaim the gospel, and equip the church, but it was full of wise and seasoned missionaries teaching, praying, and equipping us as we seek to serve our God.

Tuesday night showcased this vital relationship as we had ladies' night out :) A mixed group of single and married women, at various stages of life, went to a missionary's home (who works in the home office of SIM USA after many years on different mission fields) and had some fruit, fun, and lovely fellowship. All the women shared stories: how they fell in love with their husbands, first experiences on the mission field, and other special tidbits.

The best part of this evening: the advice the veteran missionaries passed on to us. After we had heard about all of the joys and the hardships on the field, Ruth, in her voice of experience, told us to: above all, seek the Lord. What a powerful message to send us off into all parts of the world. 


Thank you to these women and the wonderful home staff at SIM USA who cared, prayed, and equipped us to take the love of Jesus all across the globe! 



source

Oh, and did I mention that we also played Twister? There's nothing like getting sat on multiple times to really bond people :) 

Sunday, July 22, 2012

A Weekend at the Beach

Currently reading: Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry


Finishing up the first week of SIMGo brought a much-needed break. Not to say that it hasn't been a great time here- it has! But having some time to process everything is definitely a necessary part of the experience and I had the privilege to do so at the beach :)

Through a mutual connection, I was invited to come hang out at the beach with one of my future Bingham colleagues~ more specifically, my fellow English teacher, Alyssa! She was so gracious to invite me to be a part of her family vacation, which meant I not only met her kind husband and sweet boys, but a caring Nana, Aunt, Uncle and cousins too! It was so nice to have the chance to talk about Bingham and what it looks like now, the changes in Addis that have occurred in the past number of years, the experience of TCKs on and off the mission field- not to mention, finding some time to relax as well. 

Holden Beach, NC


We fought the wind and  the waves at the beach, stuffed our faces with Mexican food for lunch, and attempted to eat our ice cream in spite of the fierce wind. The boys and I wanted to have our ice cream on the porch of the quaint ocean-front store. Unfortunately, the wind was blowing so hard that it proceeded to melt the ice cream all over our arms and faces. Thus, though the view wasn't nearly the same, we enjoyed the ice cream much better inside the store. 
I spent some time hearing about Bingham from current fourth and eighth graders, heard some family stories from their loving Nana, talked curriculum and support raising- we almost covered every topic! The best parts were hearing the earnest bedtime prayers, worshipping together by song and thanksgiving, and enjoying the new friendships formed. 


 I was so blessed by this family and their hospitality and grateful to them for taking me in! I am so looking forward to serving in Ethiopia together :)

Monday, July 16, 2012

SIMGo!

Currently reading: The Giver  (...still reading middle school lit)

This past weekend was rather full: a trip to (Friday) and from Massachusetts (Saturday) for the beautiful wedding of my friends, Evan and Kathryn, and then driving down to Charlotte, North Carolina (Sunday) for SIMGo... needless to say, I was pretty grateful to get out of the car.

But now I'm here and have hit the road running! As one of my fellow SIMGo-ers described it today at dinner, it's a bit like trying to drink from a fire hydrant with lots of information coming our way. Plus, I get to kick things off with being the first one to give my testimony tomorrow... oh boy. But my roommates were gracious enough to listen to it and give some positive feedback, so hoping it goes well!

Speaking of my roommates, I have been blessed to be rooming with future Bingham teachers! We're all in the middle of a pretty similar journey right now: just graduated college in May, raising our support this summer, and hoping to be at Bingham in the next couple weeks! It's been a great chance to chat with people who are in the same boat and feeling the same stress and excitement!

Future Kindergarten, English, and French teachers at Bingham Academy!!

Friday, July 13, 2012

Sing Praises!

Currently: packing (again). Massachusetts for a wedding then on to Charlotte for SIMGo!

Clap your hands all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth!


I have been saying to various people these last couple weeks that "it's never a good idea to raise your support in six weeks." It seems to put everything under a pressure cooker- me, the people I have been talking to, God. And who am I to put a time limit on God?!
But then He shows up and I am amazed again by his faithfulness! I am so excited to announce that through the power of God and the obedience of his people, my first goal has been met! The amount for one-time support has been surpassed over and above.

Thank you so much to all of you that have given! Thank you for joining with this ministry and blessing it in such a significant way! And most of all, thanks to the Lord most High for furthering your kingdom on earth.

God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises!                     Psalm 47: 1-2, 5-6


The work is not complete! I still need to meet my monthly goal and it's only at 25% at this point. Please pray  for those who God is calling to join in this ministry!



Monday, July 9, 2012

On a Seesaw

Currently reading: Holes (woot for preparing to teach Middle School English!!) 

limbo: an intermediate, transitional, or midway state or place

On one hand, I would love to get on a plane tomorrow (well... I haven't said all my goodbyes yet, so let's say next week instead). I'm excited to get there and get started! Figure out what I should be teaching this next year, how to teach it, meet my future colleagues, and begin to acclimate myself (back) to Ethiopia.

On the other hand, there's this niggling doubt in the back of my mind that says "Hold on! The money isn't in yet. You don't have a ticket in hand. You may not be there by the first week of August!" And these things are all true. 

I feel like I'm on a seesaw: anticipation on one side but reality on the other. I find myself trying to balance between the two as the future seems so close and yet just out of reach.

When I think of seesaws, I immediately picture the ones at MHC  with the metal  bar connecting them, paint peeling,... this was the closest I could find. 

But then I stop and realize: 
1. I hate seesaws. Even as a child, I didn't like them because I was always anticipating that horrid cherry bomb- just waiting for the other person to jump off and let me hit the ground super hard.
2. I'm not doing this alone.

I don't have to balance it all on my own. I don't have to worry about a cherry bomb coming. Because God is holding me in his hand. He won't let me hit the ground because he has promised me He will never leave me or forsake me.

And then he reminds me "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear, [or who will send money in to support you]... Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? ...But seek his kingdom and these things [food, clothes ...support] will be given to you as well. " (Luke 12: 22, 25-26, 31)

Thanks, Lord. You take care of it and I'll be here seeking Your kingdom! 

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Learning from my Grandparents

Currently: enjoying figuring out all the fun stuff on my new computer!!

Hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July! I had a wonderful time in South Jersey experiencing good ol' small town USA with a parade in the morning and a family reunion/cookout in the afternoon. There's not too many places that you can experience fire trucks, VBS floats, Boy Scouts, and Elvis all in one place, but the Woodstown parade was definitely up to par.

This delightful toasty day concluded a fabulous couple of days of hanging out in South Jersey with my grandparents! Not only did I get to tell various people about my upcoming ministry in Ethiopia, but I also got to go on a shopping trip with Grandmom, aunts, and cousins, go to a church dinner, meet my grandparents' classmates from high school, and enjoy multiple lovely meals and conversations on the deck under the shady trees. Overall, it was a great time experiencing some of my roots in a way I never have had before.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to hang out with both sets of grandparents within a month and it has been so interesting to not only hear some stories of the past but also to see how their lives impact mine every day. Whether its through the character traits passed on or the prayers with which they cover me, I am blessed to come from a strong Godly heritage and I can only pray that I carry the torch  for future generations.

Thank you to both sets of grandparents for hosting me and teaching me so much about myself, my family, and the God whom we all serve.


Support Update
One-time: 92%
Monthly: 14%

Praise the Lord!!

Saturday, June 30, 2012

God's Faithfulness Once Again!

Currently: packing (3rd road trip of the summer: South Jersey!)

Friday night, I had the opportunity to share a little bit about my journey and upcoming ministry at Carlisle BIC. It was an intimate group which afforded me the chance to not only speak in front of everyone, but also chat a little bit afterwards as well. I truly enjoyed being able to share my full story with various people that have had an impact on my own life. And once again, God showed up and proved his faithfulness through the obedience of his people. I am so blessed to have people in my life that love me and want to support me! 

I look forward to continue to share my story this next week in South Jersey!

At this point my support thus raised (by God!)
One-time needs: 55%
Monthly: 12%


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Impact Ethiopia


I have the privilege of speaking at Carlisle BIC this Friday night and I would love to see you there!! It's going to be a casual get-together with desserts and some time for me to share a little bit more about my journey so far and my ministry in Ethiopia.



         Impact Ethiopia

Come hear about this new adventure in Danielle’s life at Bingham Academy!
When: Friday June 29 at 7pm
Where: Carlisle BIC (Multi-purpose Room)
1155 Walnut Bottom Rd Carlisle PA



Hope to see you there!!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Blessings in Ohio

Currently watching: soccer (football) with my grandparents :)

I came to Ohio this week to hang out with my grandparents, work a little at the store, and see people from the past- it's been all that and more. I've had the chance to reconnect with old friends, go to my favorite Chinese restaurant, (Lee's is the best. Hands down.) spend a day shopping with my grandma, learn how to make my favorite pie from the pro, (woot zucchini pie!) work in the store, talk at a local church... and it's only Wednesday!

Tonight, I had the privilege to speak at Pleasant Hill BIC at their Wednesday Night Live dinner. They graciously allowed me to share a little bit about my journey to this point and the ministry of Bingham Academy, not to mention how excited I am to be serving there soon. The beginning of the talk was a little emotional, because just before I started, they handed me a check- with a significant contribution to my support. I am astonished, grateful, baffled, and blessed beyond words. To see God's faithfulness even in my first foray into speaking in churches is a testament to not only the blessing of his people who choose to obey him but especially the amazing power of God. 


Speaking at Pleasant Hill BIC

I know this is not the norm- I do not expect it to happen every time. But I do know that the God I serve has the ability to make this happen again and again and I will follow and rejoice in the journey ahead. 




Saturday, June 16, 2012

Happy Father's Day!!

Need to: pack! Second road trip of the summer: Ohio!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the fathers out there!! I want to say a special thank you to my father- who has provided such an example of love and service throughout my lifetime. Without his model, I would not be the person I am today- love you Daddy!!


There's some matching rosy cheeks. 

Who knew we had a similar head tilt... 

And may we always remember our Heavenly Father and the unconditional love he gives us- which covers over a multitude of blessings in every moment of our lives. May we never forget his son, Jesus Christ and may our actions strive to emulate his perfect example in everything that we do.

I believe my (earthly) father's life verse sums it up nicely: John 3: 30 He must become greater, I must become less. 

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Lasting relationships

Currently reading: Ninth Witness by Bodie and Brock Thoene (part of the AD Chronicles series- I highly recommend them!)

This last week I have had the privilege of observing first-hand the impact of lasting relationships. First, my mom had two life-long friends come to visit for the weekend. And I truly mean life-long- they met when they were four, walked to school together every day from K-12, and still remain best friends today. The sheer amount of history represented in the decades they have known each other amazes me. The fact that they know family members, friendships, and so much about the lives of one another- even as they have spent the last couple decades living hundreds of miles away from each other.

Having moved a couple times as a kid, I have very few relationships that have lasted since childhood. However, I was privileged to have lunch this week with my friend, Brittney, whom I have known since I was two. Since that time, we haven't lived in the same town and now we don't even live in the same country. Still, I am blessed by the reality that no matter the time or distance we've spent apart, we can pick up where we left off and share in one another's lives. It's such a blessing to have that sort of history- someone who has been a life-long friend.

I consider this now, because I hope that even though I will be only in Ethiopia for two years (at least to start), I look forward to building these kinds of friendships. Whether with colleagues or students, to find someone that you can consider a friend for many years to come- no matter the time or distance you spend apart.

Friday, June 8, 2012

One Step at a Time

Currently listening: Adventures in Odyssey- so many childhood memories wrapped up in these stories.

First, CONGRATULATIONS to all my LD grads (and all the other class of 2012 grads)!! I was so proud to watch you all walk across the stage last night to receive your diplomas. I wish you all the best and God's blessings as you move into this next stage of life!

Second, thank you to my fabulous family for hosting me in VA Beach this last week~ always fun to hang out and do life together- plus I think I even learned a thing or two about pools! It is the first of the goodbyes, but a wonderful time to spend together before this next step.

*deep breath* Attempting to leave the country in three months, with support raised and preparations made, seems like a lofty goal. Some may call it crunch time, some may call it impossible- I call it an opportunity for God to work.
However, as I'm sitting at home and thinking of all the things on my to-do list, it seems a tad overwhelming.
I think back to one of the sessions we had at our first orientation at SIM- the speaker was commenting on this moment (of being overwhelmed) and reminded us of a simple phrase.

One step at a time.

As I think about the visa paperwork, the ever-growing reading list, the money to be raised- I just have to remember, it's one step at a time.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?"        Psalm 27:1-2

All right Lord, let's go.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Bingham Academy

Currently eating: Cap'n Crunch. (Still trying to make up for the foods I lost out on due to my corn allergy consumed childhood).

As I have already announced, I am in process of raising support so that I can teach at Bingham Academy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this fall. While I could go on and on with my stories, I wanted to share with you a newly produced video that gives a fabulous (and much more concise) picture of what Bingham looks like, the students it impacts, and a snapshot of the community there. Enjoy!



Impacting the world for God's glory!!

Friday, June 1, 2012

TCKs represent!

Senior year of college... one might think this would be a time of looking to the future, trying to figure out what the rest of your life is going to look like. For me, it was slightly different. This past (school) year became a time of finding myself- not like I went on an epic journey to far off places to do this- although that would have been awesome! Instead, even in the little hamlet of Grantham, these last couple months have been a time of self-discovery.

Fall: Enter Senior English Seminar. Although a literature-based class, it's claim to fame is the twenty to thirty page paper one has to write by the end of the semester. Thankfully, it's a topic of your choice- because if you're going to write thirty pages about something, it should at least be something you're interested in. For my topic, I picked TCKs. For those that don't know the lingo, a Third Culture Kid is someone who has grown up in a culture different from their parent's/home culture. This means they have the privilege of experiencing various cultures at a young age and can become excellent "bridges" between various cultures- among many other fantastic qualities.

Fabulous example: A Teacher, A Cultural Translator -Cassie Vergel http://www.denizenmag.com/2012/06/a-teacher-a-cultural-translator/

Being a TCK can also lead to various struggles, especially throughout a transition from one's adopted culture to one's "home" culture. The feeling of being thrust into a culture in which you are expected to know the various social cues and supposed to know the pop culture that you have missed out on- these can be trying times as one attempts to adjust in order to fit in.

These are just a few tidbits I learned as I was writing my paper- now some of you may be sitting there and thinking to yourselves- "Danielle, you lived in Ethiopia. That would mean you're a TCK right? How did you just now learn what a TCK was?" You know what?! That's a great question!
But, alas, it's true. It was not until this fall and this massive paper (thank you CD!) that I truly learned what a TCK was- and how much I am a TCK- and how that has affected my life in so many ways. (For example, if I haven't been on a plane in six months- there's a problem. Rootlessness/restlessness sound familiar my fellow TCKs?)

Why do I tell you all this? Because I am proud of my TCK-ness. I am grateful for the gifts it has given me. I am even grateful for the struggles it has put me through. Though my heart still hurts at the thought of them, I have learned so much about myself, about my culture, and about other cultures.
And now, I have the exciting privilege to teach fellow TCKs! As I look forward to my students in Ethiopia, I am excited to share in life with them- their joys and their struggles of life as a TCK- because I have been there. Our stories may look slightly different, but they boil down to the same truths. Here's to being a Third Culture Kid!

Hey, any fellow TCKs or people working with TCKs~ if you're looking for a great resource, Van Reken and Pollock's book: Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds - it's also known as the bible of TCKs. 

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Steady Rock.

Need: to go pack. First road trip of the summer: VA Beach!

As I begin to move through the steps of this process (like writing my first prayer letter... yikes), it's hard to not get overwhelmed at times. It seems like there is just so much to do and accomplish in such a short amount of time- not to mention the myriad of decisions that seem to come my way.
This is not to say that I am not ecstatic to be going- believe I am. This is my dream job and I'm getting to do it right out of college?! How much more excited can I be?! But the fear that seems to creep in at times does have a way of tempering that excitement.
But it's in moments like these that I am reminded of God and his faithfulness. He's not scared by the to-do lists, the decisions, or the reality that I am soon leaving to move halfway around the world by myself. He's the steady rock, unchanging even as the winds of life begin to blow. And that is why I can just keep going (thank you Lord... and Dory).

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Ethiopia, here I come!

Currently reading: Funding Your Ministry by Scott Morton
Feeling: hungry. Second day of post-wisdom teeth and I have only had things I can slurp down at this point. 

I am so blessed and excited to announce that I am officially a member of SIM and looking to serve as an English teacher at Bingham Academy in the fall!! 

Some of you have been a part of this journey with me and some are joining now, but I want to provide the full story on this blog for those that don't know itFor now: a brief snapshot of my life right now.

This spring consisted of a fabulous and learning-filled semester of student teaching at Lower Dauphin High School and all the joys that come with it. Once, I finished that at the beginning of May- it was a whirlwind of fun senior week activities that culminated in a toasty, and thankfully breezy, commencement ceremony at Messiah College on May 12. I walked across the stage, shook Kimmy P's hand, and received my diploma (cover). This meant that I graduated with a degree in English with Teaching Certification, which I have always hoped to use overseas.

My dreams have come true as I head to teach overseas in the fall! To make this happen, I have now officially become a member of  SIM (an inter-denominational mission based out of Charlotte, NC). This is the same mission that my parents served with in the 80s and my brother and I joined the tradition when we all went to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2001-2004. I have been appointed after a long weekend in Charlotte, attending SIMStart. This was a blessed weekend as I saw the motto "By Prayer" being lived out in all that we did- such an affirmation from the Lord that I was in the right place and moving forward in his will. But more on that later...

After this past weekend and other steps in the process, I have been approved to serve as an English teacher at Bingham Academy! This is the school that we served at when we were in Ethiopia previously, and I am STOKED to be going back! I know it will be very different from the last time I was there (um, hello? I was 11.) but I'm excited to see the changes there and how I've changed since I was there before as well. As far as I know, I will have a couple middle school and a couple high school classes to teach- then again, things always change once on the field :) 

What does this mean right now? I am now moving forward through the next steps- raising support, going through training(s), and trusting God that he has it all figured out :) I plan to use this blog to not only keep people updated on the process, but also share thoughts I've had about this new time in my life as well as all the goings-on once I get to Ethiopia!