Following the King: Packing up my classroom!

Today as I packed up my classroom there was this overwhelming sense of what that truly meant. When God led me to teach Science...it was this task that I really was excited about until I stepped into the middle school classroom. Since beginning this journey nearly 2 years ago, I think the Lord has managed to allow me to let go of every single thought that I had about what it meant to be a teacher and even more what it means to be a Follower of Christ. For I have been put into a situation of being stretched beyond what I ever thought was possible. The test that you go through when you are working with middle school students on a daily basis is just this heart-wrenching, but amazing experience. I pray and hope by God's grace that seeds were planted this year. I may never know what work God did this year and continues to do in these lives, but I know that He is touching lives, for what better way to know then when you see the enemy trying to get a hold.

I am not sure that I did such a great job this year, but as I look at the empty classroom filled with books that need to be moved to the next teacher, I just think you know it isn't about me anyways. Whatever I did or didn't do it is about God and His glory. I know there were times that I let my flesh take over, that I got upset by a parent email, or a student's lack of responsibility, but that is part of it isn't it? Part of growing and learning and living His life.

I came to Thailand 2 years ago, thinking that when the 2 years was up I would be moving on. Here I am moving on, but not in the way that I thought. I am moving to a

new grade, a new classroom a new apartment, but still in the same place. Just like the empty hallways that will be filled once again in the fall with different students. My life is filled each and everyday with people. I can't help but wonder how God is going to use this summer and next year to stretch me and grow me. I am a little sad to say good-bye to this hallway and these students for they have taught me so much about myself, about who God has called me to be and where I need to grow. I can't say enough how perfect it is when you are in the middle of God's will. Never have I been at such peace. Sure I wonder where He will take me next and what I will encounter but you know what? I am content with what He has me doing for now! I am excited to be teaching next year and learning so much about fourth graders.

I guess the real point of this blog is to say that I am not the same person I was when I came to Thailand two years ago. I feel like I had no idea what a real relationship with God was all about, or at least I was just beginning to understand. In these past two years I have had more ups and downs than I really ever care to have again, but you know what it has been totally worth it! I have learned that God's purposes and ways are higher and bigger than mine and all I need to do is trust Him!

So...good-bye to Middle School.....I enjoyed this time, it taught me A LOT and showed me how God gives grace, because really if I didn't have that I wouldn't have made it!