Party and Packing

This last Saturday I was joined by family and friends to celebrate my graduation and to say a "goodbye" before I leave to serve in Germany for the next 2 years. I feel so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life who care so much about me and who I will certainly miss dearly! A big "thank you" to those of you who were able to join me on this special day. We had around 50 people stop by for food and fun! You all mean so much to me and I am so thankful for you!

Friends from Bangor, PA

Grove City Friends (+Brian)

It was so fun to have family and friends from different parts of my life all come together in one place. High School friends, college friends, family from different areas, and church friends all in the same place. It was a great way to spend some of my last days here in America!

Family eating and hanging out on the deck

After spending two weeks at Mont Lawn Camp in Bushkill, PA, planning a Graduation/ Farewell party, and speaking at various churches every Sunday it is hard to believe that I am just a couple weeks away from leaving for Germany! (exact leaving date to be announced...) I am now at the point where I am moving into the packing phase of my preparations to leave. I am beginning to think more about what should stay and what should go and making those final preparations to move to a new country. I have been dreading picking which children's books should stay and go and how to pack, but the time has come! However through it all I am reminded again and again that the Lord has been and is continuing to guide all my preparations. The verse that I repeat and love to share with others as I look towards the future is 1 Corinthians 15:58. It says, "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." Whether I am packing or serving Jesus miles from home, He has called us to serve enthusiastically and with joy knowing that He is faithful to bless our efforts for His name.

I also shared this last Sunday at Kochenderfer UMC near Lebanon, PA!
Thank you so much for your love and support!

Thank you everyone for all your prayers!
God has certainly blessed me far beyond what I could imagine or deserve.

If you want to see more pictures from the party check out this Smilebox created by Maureen Brown! I love it!

Continue Sharing

I am less than a month away from the time that I will be in Germany and starting my orientation at Black Forest Academy. I feel like I say it again and again but it is so true: "I'm excited!" I am really looking forward to being able to serve, teach, and love the students at Black Forest Academy. I know there are many new and challenging experiences to come, but I am certainly excited.


Chelsea and Sarah wearing their Germany shirts!
These friends keep me excited and encouraged.

I have had the opportunity to continue to share with others about the work I will be doing teaching 2nd grade to missionary children and local children in Kandern, Germany. I feel so blessed by the many people who are interested in the mission of the school and who have been so encouraging and supportive. I am continuing to share with friends, family and churches to ask for prayer and financial partners. I appreciate the prayers of many faithful believers who know the difference prayer can make. In addition, I appreciate the financial support of so many who are making an investment in the Kingdom by supporting the work of missionaries around the world. Would you be interested in joining me in this mission of serving missionary children? Would you continue to share with others about the work that God is doing through Black Forest Academy and TeachBeyond? I have less than a month to finish raising my support and appreciate your prayer and financial partnerships!
God is so faithful!

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:5




Sharing with members of the congregation at First Church Lancaster



This woman was speaking in Germany to me! (I understood!)




TeachBeyond Orientation

This last week I had the chance to travel to Minneapolis, MN for orientation with my mission organizationTeachBeyond held at Bethel University. The week was a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow missionaries and teachers traveling to Black Forest Academy in Germany and to 17 other countries abroad. I feel so blessed to form so many great relationships with people going out to serve and teach around the world.

In addition to meeting lots of wonderful people I was also really encouraged and challenged by the many sessions we attended. I learned a lot about the amazing vision of my mission organization TeachBeyond and for the transforming power of Christ at work through education. We also learned about topics such as cross-cultural adaptaion and sensitivity, preparing for transitions, working with Third Culture Kids, and so much more. I feel more equipped and prepared for the changes and work ahead.

Finally, I am so excited for the journey ahead of me! It is less than 40 days until I will be beginning my time serving and teaching 2nd grade in Germany at Black Forest Academy. I am really looking forward to the many exciting changes and challenges that are ahead and know that the Lord is certainly preparing me to be used by Him in amazing ways. I am continuing to ask others to join with me through prayer and financial partnerships. If you are interested in joining me please feel free to download a pledge form here and send it to TeachBeyond. Another option is to donate quick and easy online. I am so grateful for the prayers and support of so many and know that the Lord is working in wonderful ways.

More to come!