So there's been a lot going on these past few weeks... commissioning, orientation, farewells, and trying to get ready to leave, so it's been just a little busy! My commissioning service at Chelten was 2 Sundays ago and was really special. The whole family was there, along with some of my friends from Penn State, to pray for me and stand with me as the church commissioned me as a missionary. It was really special to say the least, especially with my dad standing in front of the church praying for me. I could not possibly be more blessed to have so much support and prayer from family and friends at home.
The day after the commissioning service I left and actually just got back from 2 weeks down in Mississippi (with Amy Keyser) for pre-field orientation with all the other new NICS teachers. When we weren't eating lots of fried chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, casseroles, and sweet tea, we were sitting in seminars to prepare us for what we're all about to go through. We talked about transitioning into a new country, going through culture shock, and what we can anticipate in this new ministry at an international Christian school. It was a little overwhelming to get so much information at once, but I do feel at least a little more prepared to start my first year of teaching and to move to a new country! But let's face it, I can't possibly be prepared for everything so I'm ready to just jump in and laugh at myself as I try to stumble through their culture! You can look forward to some humorous stories I'm sure.
But I have to say, reality has set in during these last 2 weeks. Leaving home, family, and friends is going to be even more difficult than I anticipated. I am definitely feeling all sorts of emotions.. excited and nervous to get there, start teaching, and experience the culture, but also really sad to leave. I could definitely use prayer during this whole transition because I am already feeling the ups and downs that are probably going to become pretty normal from now until Christmas. But it was a huge blessing and really exciting to get to know so many people who will be spread all over the world in just a few weeks, plus I got to meet all the other new teachers going to Peru! That was probably the best part.. meeting the other 12 soon-to-be teachers at the International Christian School of Lima. I also got to find out about my living situation, which was definitely an answer to prayer! I will be living with 2 other teachers, Amanda and Eden, in the house of a missionary family who are home in the States for this year. It will be about a 15 minute bus ride from the school. I'm really excited because my roommates are both awesome! So here are a few pictures from my time down south...
All the new teachers and our Principal down in the right-hand corner
Out to dinner in Memphis, TN with Rebekah (the new kindergarten teacher) and Jessica (who will be teaching all different subjects for middle school)
Jessica, me, Jared (middle & high school math teacher), and Rebekah in Memphis
Kate on the left is going to Kenya with Amy Keyser, and the other 2 girls are Claire and Debbie, who are going to Peru.
This is my soon-to-be roommate, Amanda! 
This was my small group.. pretty soon we'll all be spread out in Peru, Brazil, Korea, & Singapore! Crazy, huh?
And of course, Amy, who first told me about NICS.. which means she's to blame for me moving out of the country!
4 comments:
laur, thanks for the update even tho i am seeing you everyday right now. It is such a blessing and encouragement to see the teachers who will be your "new family" away from home. What a comfort it is to me as your mom to know you will have this Godly source of support there in Peru.
Enjoyed the update Lauren and the pictures too! I never realized that NICS teachers went through this orientation. Course I didn't go to one of these schools either, but am familiar with them. I do remember having 'short term' teachers come down for a year or two at a time and they're a significant and memorable part of a child's life! I think I mentioned before that I'm still in touch with a teacher who came down and taught us in a one room school house when I was in 5th and 6th (?)I think. Well I was 10 and 11... I was always impressed that she was ALWAYS in a good mood (at least it sure seemed like it). It's funny because I just assumed her life revolved around us and never thought about her going through what you're going through now!
Anyway, Lord bless!
Thanks for the update...I thoroughly enjoyed it. Amy K...what a sweetie pie. I remember having her in youth group. yikes! i'm old. Sounds like you have a good grip on what's to come and will be well prepared for the ups and downs of change...remember that first year in college? Each trial is a testimony of God's faithfulness to us. It helps to build our faith and gives us reason to continue to put our faith and trust in Him. He is always there for us. I have every confidence that you will take your troubles and burden to Him and that you will also glorify Him in your work in Peru. You're amazing.
Thanks for so much encouragement, all 3 of you :) Debbie, that's crazy to think about how my students could remember me when they're all grown up! I hope I can have that kind of impact, even in just a couple years (or more.. who knows).
Aunt Lisa.. i remember all of that like it was yesterday, and i know for sure that God built my faith up during that time to give me the assurance now that He will carry me through once again. Isn't it crazy that it was almost 4 years ago when I was calling you in my dorm room?! crazy. I'm even starting to feel old!
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