Wow! So much has happened since the last time I sat on this comfy couch of mine beside my candle, engulfing the room with the aroma of water blossoms. Every time I place my hands upon the keys of my laptop, ready to tell the story of how POWERFUL and AWESOME God is, I feel so energized and overloaded with His grace! I don’t even know where to begin.
Let’s start with two weekends ago. We welcomed the weekend with a staff game night. God is so incredible! He brought about fifteen of us together on Friday night for two hours of non-stop laughter as we surrounded ourselves in the games of “Two Truths and a Lie”, “The Paper Game”, and “Short Bus”. God blessed us with members of the Work and Witness team joining in on the fun…and bringing candy…and blessing me with a new book to add to my collection entitled, "More Team-Building Activities For Every Group". It was such a good night, and I now have an overload of brownies in my freezer, left over. BUT- I’m okay with that, and so is my sweet tooth.
Saturday was relaxing, as I spent the day baking more brownies with Vanessa for the rescue mission in Holbrook, organizing and prepping in my classroom, and ending it all by watching “Napolean Dynamite” with the other teachers. It was productive and restful all at the same time.
On Sunday I tried out a new Baptist church in Winslow. I attended a women’s Sunday school class, followed by the main service. I felt that I needed to sit in a certain section, so I led the other two teachers that way. During meet ‘n greet, I turned around, only to meet Ricky. He asked us out to lunch with his family after church. Since then, Ricky has been wonderful- encouraging me in my teaching and interactions with the children. He took me to the creek this past Sunday and has been sweeter than I deserve. God has brought him into my life and I’m excited to get to know him more.
Last Sunday when I returned from Winslow, Greg, the older boy’s dorm parent, confronted me, informing me that he had purchased some brownie mix for me at Cosco while he was in the valley. He stated that he saw it and thought of me. I had just finished off my last batch from Sam’s Club with the rescue mission- a 4-pack box of double chocolate Ghirardelli. Greg gave me with a 6-pack of TRIPLE chocolate Ghirardelli! Okay people- seriously think about this. God can and will give you more when you are willing to give what you have to others. It was such a cool thing!
As far as the students go, this past week has been challenging. They are beginning to become more frustrated, as they struggle to even read simple sentences. A slight rivalry has developed between the third and fourth graders (as I teach both) and negative words are being tossed around. We made a classroom prayer list this morning for the first time. I discovered parents who are alcoholics, brothers who are in jail, cousins who smoke things that are definitely not legal, sisters who are pregnant at young ages, and family members who are unemployed. I had no idea! I was completely blind to the fact that my children have to deal with this at home! (And they’re only 9 and 10 years old!) Please pray for unity in my class, as I am doing all within my power to lift these children up, both academically and spiritually. I know God can work wonders, if only we ask.
This past weekend was one of the best yet. Jessica (another teacher) and I went to the younger girl’s dorm on Friday night for an evening at the spa! I provided the young girls with pedicures, and she did the manicures. It was so cool to have them soak their feet, and be able to rub lotion into them. Many of the girls would squirm, as their feet were ticklish, and I would laugh. I followed the lotion with a little clip, nail polish application, and sparkle. Ice cream came along with the night, as did many of the men on campus- who received their fair share of pampering from the girls- both through nails and hair. Ray received a Mohawk and both Steve and Bud left with colorful nails. Near the end of the fun, one little second grader was sad because her sister would not play with her. I was able to sit on the couch and embrace her for a long while. I knew that all she needed was a long hug and to know she is loved. God is seriously working wonders in that dorm and Holly is such a super-woman to be a mother of fourteen right now! (And still encouraging and filled with energy!) She is one of the ladies here on campus who I feel I can share anything with- and I admire her greatly. Once again- God provides.
On Saturday, a group of us went down to Pinetop-Lakeside where we spent the day in the White Mountains. We wandered nine miles through the forest (and even heard a rattlesnake!). We then went out to lunch and got our eyebrows waxed. Hey- being in the middle of nowhere does NOT take away my femininity. I have to look good for the rattlesnakes and bunnies!
As previously stated, Ricky took me out on Sunday. We went about seventy miles south of Winslow to Barber Shop point, where we spent the afternoon swimming in the creek and driving along the rim above Payson. He even took me to Winslow High (where he teaches Biology and Anatomy and coaches basketball and baseball), and we set off the alarm. Luckily, his code worked, so all was well. Oh the adventures in my life. Once again, a relaxing day that filled me with energy for a new week.
Michelangelo (my turtle) and Shadrach (my beta) are both doing well. We are a family of three enjoying the good life out here. Please continually be in prayer for Sun Valley and all that God is doing. He is calling new people here each and every day. I love this place and am forever grateful that God considered me worthy to serve Him here.
Finances are tight, but God will provide. Please prayerfully consider joining our “Faithful 5,000”. This is a group of individuals committed to donating a mere $10 a month to Sun Valley. When we hit 5,000, our basic expenses will be covered. That’s only $2.50 a week- less than a coffee. Your blessing would be greatly appreciated, even if only for a year.
If you feel God calling you in that direction, please send me (via facebook/ e-mail/ phone/ chasing me down) your address and I will have the office send you more information.
God is great and I pray that you continue to see His great works in your life as well.
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