the beginning

What am I doing?

That’s a really great question.

I’ll say what I know. On January 20^th, I’ll be heading south to Bolivia. It’s a teaching position with Misión Evangélica Mennonita, a mission organization working among the Mennonite people in Bolivia. One of the things that has made this opportunity absolutely perfect is the subjects I’ll be teaching; Physical Education and Music, two things which I love and have been involved with a lot throughout my life. There also might be a chance to be teaching adult English classes in the evenings. The school is in Villa Nueva, which is in the Santa Cruz area, with about 150 children attending from K-12. The school year typically runs from February to November, but I’m told “This is Bolivia” meaning it could go into December. This specific school is taught mostly in Spanish, with some Low German and English courses. With me not being able to speak either of those languages, their gym and music programs will also be taught in English.
To be honest, I don’t know what it will all look like yet because it’s all come up very quickly! I’m really REALLY excited about this next year, I think the way God has made me with my specific set of gifts and passions is just a beautiful fit for this job. I am eager to see what will all come about, the relationships to be built, and witnessing the very unique way that God will work in my life and the others around me.
I’m hoping to keep some sort of regular updates on here, as well as just how my day is going or whatever I want to write, we’ll see how that’ll go. Please feel free to talk to me, email or facebook is perfectly safe. Also, I would greatly welcome prayer. Right now my concerns are getting all the last minute details done in the next 3 days; that I could be culturally sensitive and at the same time not be timid or retreat by myself; that I will be willing to fill the needs there to the best of my abilities and not just bring my North American thought process and think it’s the only way. I am extremely grateful to our Father for how different friends, family, and church family have come together and  purchased things I need to go, helped me pack up and move furniture/household stuff (something I struggle with so much!), straight up given me money, covered fees, and helped me make decisions when my brain has reached the end. I’m also thankful for how supportive everyone is. It is quite affirming to have so many people be so excited and on board with what I’m doing, without a question or a doubt that God is clearly conducting this choir.
For now, I’m finishing up my last weekend in Canada playing at a youth retreat with my worship team. It’s been a crisp -35C for the last few days and it is beautiful out on the lake.
Goodnight all