This girl is movin' down South!

It has been a L-O-N-G time since I blogged and A L-O-T has happened.

In a nutshell I have gone from the girl waiting on a plan, to a girl with a plan (well sort of plan,). It has become very common that when I say I have a plan, people in my life begin to laugh and then wait patiently as I explain whatever extravagant plan has been created in my head. But this plan is not just my crazy idea, and I have a crap-ton of confidence that God is going to surprise me around every corner!

I am moving to North Carolina this summer. I will be a 1^st grade teacher.

Charlotte, North Carolina. Who saw this one coming? I mean really. Through the crazy two-week (yes, two-week) process, God showed me a faithfulness that I have never experienced before. He threw strangers into my life that encouraged the gifts I have, share the dreams I anticipate, and celebrated my accomplishments with me.  I think I am going to interview full time. When they go well, man talk about a confidence boost!

I have a huge reason to celebrate. I am celebrating! I am singing with joy and am filled with excitement about the future God has provided for me.

But (yes I know, the depressing but.), my heart was torn this week.

Tonight, we had one of the two elementary “End-of the Year Programs”. My kids perform tomorrow, lots of prayers are needed please! J

Tonight, my director was getting ready to announce which teachers would not be coming back next school year.  As I headed up to take my place on the stage, I made eye-contact with one of my students. This girl is one of the coolest kids I have ever had the privilege of being around. She is bright and confident and so outrageously creative I wish I could bottle it up and share it with other kids and adults.  The girl has my heart. She started to cry when she saw me. To say my heart broke is an understatement. After praying, I went down and knelt with her on the floor. Holding her tightly in my arms, starting to cry with her. Her mom came over and also joined in the cry fest. I kept thinking, how am I supposed to leave her? How am I supposed to say goodbye? Tomorrow is her last day at school; to say I will be a hott mess is an understatement. I am not excited about that part of tomorrow. But, I am trusting that God will take care of her. That He will bring incredible people in her life to shape and encourage and love her for who she is. Please pray for her with me.

I also am feeling that same heartache with people who have become my family here. I am going to have to say goodbye to girls who have become more then sisters to me. Girls, who I have fought with, cried, with,  laughed with, adventured with and lived awesome life together with.  People I am leaving behind, and yet am so hopeful will be a part of my life for a long time. Man that sucks. If I have ever experienced anything bittersweet, this time would be it!

So, I need your help. Please pray for this transition. Please pray that as I say goodbye to students, teachers, and family that I will also be able to celebrate the joy and the promise of what is next.

Please pray for my move to the south (still makes me giggle). A lot of things are still pending such as an apartment, church, community. You know, easy things. Pray that they will be revealed when need be and I do not get caught up in the process, but am able to celebrate the good things!

Please pray for financial resources. Surprise, surprise, starting over in the States is not cheap. If you would like to continue to support me financially you can do so through NICS until August 31^st.  Any donations after that date will be returned and not processed. If you would like to donate in another way please let me know.

Thank you for your support in my crazy dreams and adventures!

Love,

Sara