The Blessed Gospel

^{Romans 3: 19-20
19} Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. ²⁰ Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

Nearly two weeks ago, I had two young men come to my gate asking if they could share some special news with me. I let them in (well, not in, but we went to the porch). This is a rarity for me. I actually have a deep heart for people who are within their faith, and every time I see them, they run away from me because I approach them!

I extended as much hospitality as I could, sat down, and they started asking me what I knew about their beliefs. I told them that in NYS we teach part of their history because it's a part of NYS history. They were pretty impressed (though, I was not) with my knowledge and even jokingly offered me their badge saying that I would make a good missionary because I knew everything that they're trained to talk about.

We had a good conversation, and some terms were clearly defined. I used Scripture to show the differences. They asked what would stop me from believing what they believe. I simply stated Revelation 22:18 and Deuteronomy 4:2. I spoke on the authority of the Word of God, and how our terms of "gospel," "salvation," etc were very different.

I was able to give my personal testimony about how I came to know Jesus Christ and the testimony of what He is taking me through now.

My testimony reminded one of a story in his book. He gave me a copy and asked me to read it and pray about. He asked me to ask "god" to reveal truth. And so I did...

I prayed for these two young men all week. I tried to be like the Bereans and study out the scriptures to see if what they said was true, but I already knew...I began to look up their doctrine, using specific references from their books and compared it to key Scripture passages in the Bible. I wanted to make sure I had a clear understanding of what they were talking about, using their references.

We met this afternoon again. The same two came back (also very rare)!. I walked out of my house with my Bible and several handwritten pages. One made a comment saying that I had a lot of papers. I told him that I did what he had asked. Not only did I pray about it, but I studied it out and compared it to the highest authority, the Word of God! Both young men were a bit shocked.

I jumped right to my final points, not going through the inconsitancies. God allowed me to speak about our inability to be perfect at this very point in time, how it's only through Jesus Christ is perfection imputed. I posed the questions about what must we do to be at peace with God? And are we relying on our self-rightousness or soley in the righteousness of Jesus Christ? I spoke about God's moral law and our inability to meet the high standards that Jesus places on us in Matthew 5:48 -- Be perfect as the Father is perfect. Unobtainable without Christ!! The reality of our failure to meet God's perfect standard is "outer darkness." This was shocking to them!

I pleaded with them. I expressed my broken heart for them. "You look perfect and self-rightous, but it must be eating you up from the inside! I can't imagine the stress that this system causes you to undergo!" It's only through Christ Jesus that you are set free from the bound of the moral law. They both sat speechless.

After this, they asked to go point-by-point through my chart. I did. I told them that their doctrine is not found in the Bible. (One also asked me what specific doctrine, I was refering to. I said the most important piece: Jesus is God. You should have seen his face drop, as if it was the most horrific thing a person could say). They admitted that they didn't know the Bible very well and had to look up the verses on the spot. I told them, if I am wrong at any point in regards to their doctrine, stop and correct me. They didn't. Again, they both sat speechless. In the end, the one young man asked if he could copy the scriptures down that I gave him. I told him he could have the chart (along with my moral law/perfection questions). He seemed grateful.

I told them I had nothing else to say other than we can be sincere about our faiths, but if we are sincerely wrong, we are in trouble. If they are right, I'm not in too much danger. My morals pretty much match up with theirs, and I'll be okay in the afterlife. However, if they are wrong and I'm right, they are going to "outer darkness." I told them that should concern you and scare you.

They have never heard anyone speak like this. They thanked me for my willingness to study things out and to invite them back. They spoke about how most people will not let them back. They asked if they could call again. I told them yes, but that I am letting you know that every time you call or want to meet, I will continually point you to Jesus Christ, as that's all I can do. Point you to the Christ who has come to redeem you back to the Father. It's all about Him!

They, then, asked if I would take their phone number; I did. Perhaps, I will check up on their studies in a week or so. I left them with this thought: If God honors His Word above all things, including His name, how should we view the Bible? Either the Bible IS the Word of God, and we take it at face value, or it is not.

Please continue to pray for these young men. I really hope they call. I hope they see the truth of the Gospel and come to faith in Christ Jesus alone.

I really thank God that I'm "stuck" in Suriname for the Christmas break again. I miss frequent witnessing opportunities. I miss being able to sit down with strangers and pour over the Scriptures with them leading them to the Cross of Christ...Let the Gospel go forth for His glory...

Diggin' in the Word

So, my cat, Judah, has taken up a new "hobby:" diggin' in the Word of God. Some how he manages to find my Bible, no matter where I leave it, open it up and start laying and rubbing his face on the pages. He does this at all hours of the day or night. He won't do it with other books, just the Bible. Yesterday, I finally caught him on camera. He was opened to Isaiah 40 which talks about the greatness of God. I love Isaiah 40! It seems also fitting that Isaiah 40 is prophecy concerning Judah and God's comfort of His people.

I don't read much into this. I'm more amused by it than anything. Hope you are, too.

Puffy Apple Omelet

So, many of you might have heard about my inability to choose what to make for Christmas brunch. I decided on a puffy apple omelet. This thing was so good, I'm sharing the recipe with you from Taste of Home. It's a bit deceiving, though. It tastes more like cake to me but yummy nonetheless. (I also increased the recipe 6x...It normally doesn't make this much...)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt, optional
• 2 eggs, separated
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 
  TOPPING:
• 1 large tart apple, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt if
• desired. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks, milk and lemon juice.
• Stir into dry ingredients and mix well; set aside.

• In another small bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft
• peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon as a time, on high
• until stiff peaks form. Fold into yolk mixture.

• Pour into a shallow 1-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray.
• Arrange apple slices on top. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle
• over apples.

• Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 18-20 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve immediately. Yield:2 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (prepared with fat-free milk and without salt) equals 252 calories, 5 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 213 mg cholesterol, 126 mg sodium, 44 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 9 g protein.

Lessons Learned through Suffering

It’s been a while since my last blog, and since I’m finally on yet another vacation, this might be the prime opportunity to give an update! (Insert cheers here).

I made it back to Suriname last week. I really have missed my friends and my students here. God has truly blessed me with some phenomenal brothers and sisters in the faith. It’s been tough transitioning back after being going for 2.5 months. Although, I will say, it’s nice be in 90+ degree weather again!! The past week was filled with a lot of cleaning, work, Christmas parties, cooking, writing midterms, grading (which I haven’t finished yet), and rehearsals. Clifton called me a week ago to help sing for the church musical which goes on tomorrow. I’m not confident in the song and keep screwing up. Pray for me.

This past Sunday I was able to share my testimony about what God has done with and through me over the past few months. Since I did not write it out for church, I will attempt to address all the points that I made during service.

I sincerely thank all of you that have carried me in your prayers. There have been so many times over the past 4 months that I did not even have the strength to vocally cry out to God. I appreciate each and every one of you who did so on my behalf.

While I was back in New York, it seemed like the question of the century (although, I know this not to be true), was which person in the Bible do you identify with? Most of my friends would say, “I identify with Paul,” or “I identify with Moses.” You know, I identify with Job. Not because I feel like, “Oh, woe is me!” But because of how God humbled Job at the end of the book that bears his name.

In the Book of Job, Job looses everything he owned and suffered from a terrible sickness. His friends insisted that Job was suffering as punishment for his sin. However, throughout, Job still confessed his love for God.

Over the past few months I’ve been sick, people tried to rationalize my situation just like Job’s friends did. I can’t explain why these things have happened, and I know that I have complained to God about them, too. But I also know that God is too great and wonderful for me to understand (this is actually the conclusion that I’ve come to).

I’ve been pouring over the last few chapters of Job, over and over again. God is silent through the whole book, until chapter 38. He comes in a storm, and poses these questions (that, of course, He doesn’t need the answers to) to Job. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely, you know!...Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn Its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it?...Do you send the lightening bolts on their way?...Do you know when the mountain goats give birth?...Do you give the horse his strength or clothe his neck with a flowing mane?” God continues to ask these types of questions to Job for about four chapters.

I love Job’s response in chapter 42. Throughout this journey, it has become my response. ‘I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, “Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears have heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”

I read these chapters and feel utterly crushed under the weight of God Almighty! (That’s not a bad thing). I have no response other than silence in His presence because of WHO He is!

Who am I that I should question His wisdom and justice? Who? Tell me? When compared to the Holy One, I’m nothing, nothing, but a speck of dust in time. He will has been and will always remain the Eternal God!

When there is no rational or even theological explanation for the situations we face, we must trust God! We have no clue as to what His plans are for our individual lives. Even if we lose everything we have in this life, it is worth it to follow Christ. If God chooses never to give us another blessing, it's still worth it to follow Him. In all of our circumstances, we must come to a point where we praise God for WHO He is, and not what He give us.

We have an advantage over others because we have hope in a hopeless world. Whatever our situations may be, our hope lies in Christ Jesus. It’s not found in our family, our friends, our money, our looks, but it’s only found in Jesus Christ through His redeeming act of death upon the cross as payment for our sin.

I pray that you will remember this fact this Christmas season. It’s not about anything BUT Jesus Christ, God who came down to Earth in the flesh to redeem us to Himself.

I truly love you all and desire for you to know Christ, not as a baby laying in the manger, but as your Lord and Savior. To God be the glory in all that we do.

Steppin'

From Lecrae's song, "Background." Off the "Rehab" album

I had a dream that I was captain of my soul.

I was master of my fate, lost control, and then I sank.

So I don't want to take the lead

Cuz I'm prone to make mistakes.

All these folks that follow me gon' end up in the wrong place.

So, just let me shadow you. And just let me trace your lines.

Matter fact just take my pen.

Here, you create my rhymes.

Cuz if I do this by myself I'm scared that I'll succeed.

And no longer trust in You, cuz I only trust in me.

And see, that's how you end up headed to destruction.

Paving a road to nowhere. Pour your life out for nothing.

You pulled my card, I'm bluffing

You know what's in my hand.

Me I just roll to trust you to cause the dice to land.

I'm in control of nothing. Follow you at any cost.

Some call it sovereign will, all I know is you the boss.

And man I'm so at ease. I'm so content.

I play the background like it's an instrument.

This song has really ministered to me over the past month. It really is evident that no matter what we try to do, He is still in control. However, when we choose to obey, and not fight, He opens up amazing doors!!

Oswald Chambers wrote, "We only realize the power of the moral law when it comes with an "if." God never coerces us. In one mood we wish He would make us do the thing, and in another mood we wish He would leave us alone. Whenever God's will is in the ascendant, all compulsion is gone. When we choose deliberately to obey Him, then He will tax the remotest star and the last grain of sand to assist us with all His almighty power."

I'm going to step aside...

One Month Mark

The Lord has been doing wonderful things in and through me. Wow! I'm finally at the point where I'm okay with being back in New York. I haven't thought about school in almost 2 weeks. Sometimes, you just gotta let go, and let God.

On Nov 18th, I return to the doctor. I will be able to discuss a return date then! :)

I've been thinking a lot about a few things. The Lord has been taking me through some stuff. My pastor was talking about how it's in our suffering that God works to conform us more to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. I pray that my life would not only be a sacrificial offering unto the Lord, but that when people meet me, they would see Jesus, and not me. I have a long way to go. I need Him to do a might work!

I've also been thinking a lot about Psalm 138:2: "You have exalted your Word above all your name." I don't know what this really means and why, but God honors his Word (Scripture) even more than His name. That blows my mind away!! That tells me that we (well, I) need to be in the Word even more. If God thinks that His Word is higher than His name, how should we view it?

The Hospital Post

I’m writing this on the last full day at the hospital in Suriname. I’m going to give you a recap about the first few days. I stopped taking notes after that because I just got so frustrated with the fact that I had to stay a total of 10 days when I was told 2 days. Plus, daily life in the Suriname hospital is so redundant. I’m just writing about the interesting things.
I would like to thank all those from my school, church, and community who came to visit me in the hospital. Your presence was the highlight of all my days!! For those who could not make it, but were praying or thinking about me, thank you. I know that the Lord hears the prayers of the saints. He has heard, and He has done great things!

Disclaimer: In no way does this post reflect my feelings about Suriname. I love Suriname. Please take this blog with a bit of humor. One must find humor in the situation. I attempted to include the drama that was playing out in my head. (Example: I would never scream "aahh!" at being woken up at 4:30 am...I'm just thinking it). I am forever grateful to the doctors who diagnosed me immediately and treated it aggressively. In the States, I would not have received the same treatment. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you, God for having me in Suriname at this time!

Day 1
I was at the hospital visiting the eye doctor and neurologist from 0630 to 1400. I was given the news: Pseudo-tumor cerebi. Can you just imagine hearing only the word “tumor?” Yeah, that was me! I have a what? And it’s fake? Huh? After careful examinations and explanations I understood. I understood that I had to go into the hospital for 2 days to have a lumbar puncture to measure the welling inside the cranium. How does this happen? No one knows. After the neurologist makes some phone calls, I’m told to report at 5 to check-in.

So, nothing went right. Well, let me rephrase that. Nothing went according to how it was explained to me. Check-in at 5? Yeah, try 8 pm. Three hours of sitting there. No one helped us to the fourth floor. I looked fine, but didn’t feel well. Apparently, looking fine gets you different treatment. Finally, made it to the right floor with the aid of ICU nurses. Checked in for the floor. Dropped off at a room with a bed. Is this my room? Am I supposed to wait? What do I do? I guess this is my room! YAY! It’s private. Ah, the joys of being the “American Princess.” Wait, they must think I have money…haha

So, I’m sitting there with no ID on my wrist, bed, or door. Karen, under the direct instruction of my mom, writes my name in pen on my wrist and on a piece of paper. She tacks the paper to the door with a band-aid.

Later on, this funny guy comes in. He calls himself “Easy” in Dutch. I’m not sure what to make of this. He told me he felt the Holy Spirit in the room. He wanted me to sing and play hymns on piano (he saw my hymn book). He was funny. Little English. Missing Front Teeth. Fun.
Was told the Spinal Tap would be tonight, but it’s well after 9 pm. Met the resident neurologist and freaked him about how I was told him it was going to be today. That didn’t work.
If you are in the hospital in Suriname, you must bring everything with you, including your own toilet paper!
(View from the hospital room)

Day 2 – Spinal Tap Morning

0430…”Goedemogren! Can you wash your body?” I rub my eyes very hard and look around. It’s 4:30 am!!! What has possessed you to wake me up at 4:30 am?!? I suck it up and obey. I’m not sure if this is an offer, request, or an order. I take a shower and go back to bed. 0630 another lady comes to my room with tea. This is nice, but it’s still 0630!!! I don’t know about all this. Waited impatiently for the results of my blood test. I couldn’t have the tap without a blood test. The doctor convinced the nurse to draw the blood last night and put a rush on it. As I wait, who should walk in? My friend, Donovan! Donovan is from my church. He is an intern at this hospital, and he just got transferred to this floor two days prior. He always makes me smile. Maybe this won’t be so bad.

After Donovan left, I met another nurse, who is a Christian. I translated some paper from a medicine package for her from Italian to English…If felt good to be helpful, and it felt even better to actually remember all those Italian words!

Time for Spinal Tap – SCARED!!! Doctor freaked me out. Talking about paralysis, etc. Why is he telling me this? I have to lay on my side in the fetal position. I’m so scared that I can barely get myself in a good position. A nurse comes to squeeze my body together. It hurts more. It’s mostly from the pressure in my head. I pray to God that my friend would show up. Within a few minutes he does, and he tells the nurse he’ll take over. He’s more gently, patting my head and holding my hand. I’m probably breaking his. As soon as the doctor says there is no anesthetic, I start crying. Why not? The logic is that I will then get two shots and will feel one. Yeah, but the first won’t go in as far!

The Spinal Tap – extremely painful. Cried throughout the entire procedure. Had to stay still for 10 minutes like that with the needle in my back. It felt like forever. Doctor tried to talk to me to calm me down, but it didn’t work. At least I was still. Just crying a lot. The interns were all impressed. Ha ha.

I had to lie still for 2 hours without moving a muscle after the procedure. This is because the fluid has to be redistributed. If you move, you can end up with a headache that is worse than what you came in with. After 2 hours, an intern comes in and does a physical. I can get up. He tells me how he admires me for my bravery. He has seen grown men scream, holler, and move around and it’s difficult to do the spinal tap. He finally asked me if it hurt. Can you imagine what I was thinking when he asked that???

After all the tests, we got into a very special conversation. I had the privilege to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with this man. He has lived in Suriname his whole life, but has never heard it. He is not sure if he believes that any god exists. He relies on science. However, he said he would consider our conversation. Please pray for him.

Friends from school came today. Happy, but I feel sad that I can’t go home. Brought me some Readers’ Digest! Woohoo. Read them all 3 times through. I don’t like it here much. Why can’t I just take my medicine at home?

Have I told you about the food? Breakfast: 4 slices of bread and butter and tea…some cheese or bologna. Lunch: Rice, a small piece of meat and a vegetable. Dinner: 4 slices of bread and butter and cheese or bologna, if I’m lucky, an egg.


How to jump-start a low-carb diet:
1. Get youself admitted to a hospital for approximately one week. 10 days is better, preferably in Suriname.
2. Make sure the hospital staff feeds you at least twice a day: 4 slices of bread at a time.
3. Eat it all! Remember, you’re in the hospital for a reason….and “you need your strength,” as mother would say.
4. Either escape from the hospital (see escape plan) or get discharged.
5. Resume life.
6. When you come into contact with bread or bread products, you will instantly run away from them quickly!!! Thus, beginning your low-carb diet!!
(Post-Spinal Tap....WOW!!)

Day 3
Three hours of sleep. 0425 “Can you wash your body?” AAAHHHH!!! I want to sleep. I don’t care if I smell. I’m down with that. She tells me to shower. I walk in and there are two naked men!!! They didn’t close the doors! I turn with such embarrassment! They two men think it’s funny. I don’t.

Not feeling so great today. The fluid in my brain is redistributing. Small headache. Not getting all my medicine. Donovan said they might do a second spinal tap. Max and Linda came to visit! YAY! People! Doctor came and said I have to stay another day for more tests. Tomorrow I’ll find out if I can go home. Don’t know if surgery is needed.

Read 300 pages of a book today. My friends and board members came to visit and pray with me. Felt so encouraged! I love working with a Christian organization. If this had happened at one of my old jobs the thing people would have cared about is “are you able to work.”
In the end, God is in control. His will be done…

Made friends with a Muslim police officer tonight. He kept asking me to marry him (I had a total of 3 proposals). You step to me and you don’t love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, then I hope you’re prepared to meet the Lord, Jesus Christ! Again, God granted me the privilege to share the beautiful, glorious Gospel of the Lord, Jesus Christ!! For 3 hours, I spoke with this officer about our sin problem, our debt to God, and how God has shown us grace, mercy, and love through His remedy: the cross of Christ.

I liked this guy (not in the way that you might think, so stop). He actually listened. I was just pouring through Scripture with him. He thought I was a pastor. I told him I was not. I’m not anything. I’m someone who has been forgiven by the grace of God, when I did not deserve it. He brought up some different issues, and I told him that I would NOT kill for the Word of God, but I would willingly die for the Word of God. He was so taken by that. He could not understand why.
If God has caused me to have this condition, just in order to bring the Gospel to these people, then thank you, Lord, for my affliction. May the truth of who you are be known to these people and my they run and fall at your feet in worship.

Days 4-8
Same old stuff. No one wakes me up at 0430. Woohoo! Been sleeping until about 7.
My “roommate” is very needy. She wanted me to feed her through her tube. I tried to explain to her that I am not qualified or comfortable to do so. She keeps telling her visitors that no one feeds her. It’s not true.

Got a new doctor. He’s about my age. He’s Chinese-Surinamese, but he speaks Haaka, not Mandarin. I still talk to him in Mandarin. It’s fun. I think he understands.

Very antsy to get out of here. More church friends came! YAY! I tried to escape from the hospital, but my plan was foiled! Boo to that nurse.

I missed Canadian Thanksgiving, but my friends were faithful to feed me REAL food!!!! I ate EVERYTHING they sent, except for the bread...sorry! :)

It has been decided that I will return to New York City for follow-ups. Hmmm…yay?

Day 9
2nd Spinal Tap. No anesthetic, but this time, I don’t cry!!! It did not hurt as much! Opening Pressure was 16 cm!! Woohoo!! Medicine working!! LOVE IT!

Leaving tomorrow. Can’t wait. Do not like hospital, but LOVE the opportunities that God has given me. Thank you.

Day 10
Release day!!! YAY!! Wait, what? You won’t let me go? You want $8,000 USD?!?! My insurance said they were taking care of it! The paper is missing and your office is closing…NO! Get me out!!
Thanks to mom, who came to Suriname to get me, she took care of the insurance issue. God bless the insurance company for working everything out. Thank you, God , for being my strong tower, my refuge, my provider, my deliverer from all fears. You are God; there is no one like You!

Making my way to New York City tonight.

Love!

Live TV

Last night I had the privilege of attending Suriname Got Talent. This show is huge in Suriname and is broadcast live in the Netherlands as well.

My friend has a cousin who is participating in this show. I had the chance to give them some vocal coaching before their next performance. I had a lot of fun with these teenagers. They sing well and take instructions well. They are very promising, not only as performers, but as young adults.

They gave me a VIP ticket for Tuesday night's show. I've been to TV show tapings before. I even went to some living shows back in the day, primarily talk shows. However, this experience was so different! It was exciting and nerve-racking.

I got to sit in the front row because of the VIP ticket. We were right next to the judges. I got to meet this famous cinematographer in Surname. He was holding his camera. I told my friend that he should take a picture of me. Well, a few minutes later, he points it our way and I told him to take my picture, which he did!!
After the show, I walked up to him and asked for a picture with him; he obliged.

I couldn't wait for my new friends from SGL to perform. I sat with anticipation! When they finally came on stage, I was quite impressed. First, and foremost, because these kids have class! You can't fake that. If for nothing else, they looked great on stage! The kids from most of the other schools were dressed like they belonged on the street corner, gyrating with their partners on live TV. The students from SGL just looked and acted classy. True performers with integrity!! Way to go and not compromise!

After their performance, most of the SGL members were waving to me in the audience...way to give props to people!!! Acknowledging those who care about you is another class act!!

The most nerve-racking part of the evening was at the end when they cut two school. Mind you, everything's in Dutch, so it's even worse for me! SGL did not get cut! I was so excited. After, I went up on the stage, and they thanked me for my help!!

They have to take part in the acting competition next week. I wish them the best of luck! They have worked hard.

I really enjoyed coaching them. It took me back to my Tainan, Taiwan, city-wide competition in which I trained five 6th graders who couldn't sing or dance...In the end, they won best stage presence!!

Suriname Got Talent

Even Suriname has cashed in on the action!! We have our own American Idol/America's Got Talent show, too!!

I had the privilege of helping some of the contestants today. They are so precious and really do have talent!

I will be going on Tuesday night to the show to watch them sing. I'll be in the front row, VIP, baby!!

How cool is that?

Maybe next year, I could be a judge! :)

The First Day of the 2010-2011 School Year

...went so well!!

I only feel a tad bit overwhelmed. Teaching here is so different from the States. In the States I would have only one grade level (ex. 8th grade) and teach 5 or 6 sections of the same class, two classes maximum. Here, I have 3 grade levels for social studies, 2 for English, and one high school music class. I'm really hoping this will make me a better teacher in terms of organization and preparation. I do well in those areas, but I think this will keep me on my toes even more!

I'm still the 7th grade homeroom teacher. My students are soooo tiny this year!!! They're just so cute! I have never had such small 7th graders before. I'm really looking forward to this year.

My 8th graders have really grown up!! Although it's only been two days, I can see that they have not lost some of the things I taught them last year. I'm so proud of them!!

The 9th graders (last year's 8th grade) make me laugh so much!!! They keep comparing their new English teacher to me. The English teacher told me today that I should be made a saint (well, I'm already one, you know...right, saints?) She told me how they keep saying I said to do this and not that in their writing!!


And, I start running club again...well, I'll be walking.

Now, if I could just get up at 5 am without feeling like I want to hide from the world, life would be grand!


Good times!

Summer has Come to an End

YAY! Now it's back to "real" work.
The past few weeks have been so hectic. I've been planning for all my classes. During teacher work week, I'll be able to continue and be ahead this year! I'm teaching 3 1/2 new classes:
6th Grade: Ancient Civ
7th Grade: Medieval and Early Modern History (with a focus on reading)
8th Grade: Not new, but restructuring the history curriculum with a focus on writing
High School: Music Theory and Appreciation

I had my house repainted and had to move out for two weeks. My cats came with. We did not like it. They hated it more. Locking them out of the room broke my heart. They usually take comfort and sleep on the end of the bed. But, we are back home now. Cleaning up after painters is a pain. Why can't they clean up their own messes? Oh, well.

Here are some random pictures from the last two weeks:






Oh, and a huge congratulations to my habibti, Brooke!!! Or, should I say Mrs. Brooke Pletcher! Love you!

7th Grade Aztec Title Art

We made these for our unit on the Aztecs. Mine is Montezuma's Headdress. Our art was on display for the Family Art and Science Night in May.

IAS FEST

Just trying to catch up on posting pictures...

This was the American-style carnival my students and I put together as a Yearbook fundraiser.

The End of My First Year

I've tried to write this post a few times. This is a copy of a letter I wrote to some friends and family. I hope it suffices.


Brothers and Sisters in Christ!

I wish I could be here personally to give this update, but please know that my heart is with you all.

The past year has been disappointing, frustrating, hurtful, and stressful. You could probably add any other negative adjective here, and it would fit.

I don’t think I have ever experienced the underhandedness of satan before. (Information removed).

However, through it all this has been the most amazing year I have ever experienced!! To see our Lord at work in the midst of all the trials and tribulations, and to see His mighty hand controlling every last detail has not only blessed me immensely, but has taught (or reaffirmed to) me some very valuable lessons:

#1 Relax. God is in control!

Once I finally came to this realization, a huge weight was lifted. I know that I constantly hear, “Trust God. Rely on God.” We hear all this Christian-ese in the church, but what does it mean to truly surrender everything to Him and let go? Psalm 94:18-19 says, “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” I believe that one of the marks trusting in the Lord is allowing the Lord to sustain your soul in joy though everything around you is crumbling apart. Am I allowing the Lord to love me and comfort me through these trials thereby bringing uncontainable joy? Or am I looking for comfort from some other area?

#2 satan seeks to destroy!

This one seems so elementary. When the adversary comes against the work of the Lord, and things seem not to go “right,” it’s so easy to become disheartened. We, well, I, am quick to become discouraged. However, if we come to terms with the fact that there will be persecution for the Gospel, then it will be so much easier to be encouraged when trials come! Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (1 Peter 5:8-9). I know that I am learning not even to give him an opportunity to inch his way in. I must stay in the Word of God. I must, daily, put on the armor of God in order to withstand all that comes against the ministry.

#3 Be humble and submit yourself to God.

Be humble. Be humble. Be humble. WOW! It’s hard! But when we are full of pride, we are easy targets for the devil. I pray that our Lord would humble me more and more. We also must stay submitted to God and constantly draw closer to Him. The nearer we are to Him the harder it is for the adversary to attack. Repentance and purification of our hearts are keys. (James 4:6-8)

I’ve learned so much more than this, but I just wanted to share a bit with you. I think I have a small understanding of what it was like for Paul when he wrote to brothers and sisters in various cities.

(Information removed).

I pray that God will bless you over the summer months, and I look forward to seeing you all again!

School Year is Over!!

The school year is official over....not!! I'm teaching summer classes for some students for the next um, 4 to 5 weeks.

Things have been much better since my last post. I really needed to vent. I haven't even thought about it since then...

God is good, always.

Will post more soon.

The Gum Poem

I wrote this poem today. It was inspired by my student. They are not allowed to chew gum in my room. He tried to put it in his mouth right before class. My response came out in rhyme! Enjoy.

The Gum Poem

Do not bother putting that in your mouth.
I will just make you throw it out
Into the trash, not on the floor,
Not under the desk or stuck to the door.

Now it ended up in your hair
When you blew it into the air.
And there it will stay forevermore
Perhaps for ten years or four score
Or until you cut it out.

I told you not to put that gum in your mouth!!

Random Pictures

Christmas and Easter Goodies!

Avery caught this iguana at school.

Students torture me!

King Judah!

Spa Day!

I put together a yearbook fundraiser. Spa Day took place on March 6, 2010, and it was very successful. I'm so grateful for all the teachers and staff that helped out. I could not have done it without them! The students did a really good job with hospitality and serving! I was so proud of them.

Images from the Past Few Months

The Red Team!!!!!

8th Graders teaching 4th Grade about how geography affected the outcome of certain battles of the American Revolution.

The Battle of Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill

Sorting clothing for the orphanage.

At the Butterfly Farm....They have more than just butterflies!

This butterfly would not leave my face...It was sucking the salt from my skin.

April Update

I know it's been a long time since I updated. My computer has been in the shop since February, and I still have not received it back. The technician did the work on the computer without my permission, and I don't have the money to pay for it.
Thank God I didn't sell my little notebook last year, but it's hard to type on it; it's so small! :)

Things have been good, but I miss home a lot. I think I just have a huge case of "cabin fever." I can't leave Suriname because of visa issues. We are on break and I've spent every day at school or home. There's nothing...nothing at all...to do! :)

I'm currently working on a class and learning how to connect families and the community to the school. It's really interesting, and I'll begin implementing some of these ideas next week!

Spring break is almost over...Summer is almost here...June 11. Staying in Suriname, but hopefully, mom will finally make it!

Orphanage Update

Had a meeting with high school students and 13 of them signed up. Please continue to pray as I begin interviewing students...

Disappointment

Please pray for the continuation of our orphanage outreach. I have to revamp the program due to my students' behavior while at the orphanage. I had been warning them for months about the things they do. Monday was a disaster. I'm so disappointed with with their behavior, and I have never been so embarrassed in all my life.

Please pray for my students and that God will change their behavior, especially in the area of gratitude and remorse, of which they show none (in multiple situations).

As a result of certain events, my 7th grade class will no longer go to the orphanage (which was 100% my call). I am opening it up to high school students as an after-school "student ministry" project. My 7th graders will do all the fund raising, and high school students will go to minister.

Please pray that God will provide 6 dedicated, hard-working, loving students to minister to the orphans.

Images from Christmas Break

Jana made me yummy monkey cupcakes for my half birthday! YAY! (Sorry, I can't get the picture to rotate...Oh well...)
The buurvrouwen...
My Emperor Qin Castle...
Kitties...

Sleepless Nights

It's 5 am on Monday morning...I'm at school...sitting in the dark on the floor with my pink pillows and fleece blanket. The whole ant thing has kept me up all night. Given me some time to think and pray. I wish I could communicate with you how honored I feel to serve my Lord Jesus Christ in Suriname, but I feel that my vocabulary in any language is inadequate. My words would never convey what my heart feels. Sometimes, I try to pour my heart out to the Lord and it just doesn't come out right. I am thankful for times where I can just sit before him silently and know that He is God.

Over the past year, the Lord has taught me what it means to "be still and to know that He is God." What an amazing thing it is, to be still.

When we're still before Him, our storms will have to cease because He brings peace.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him." Psalm 28:7

Oh, and just in case you wanted to know...January 3rd is my kitten's (Levi's) birthday...I thank God for giving me something to cuddle with! :) What a blessing.

Ants!

Have taken over my bedroom. Flying ants. Huge ginormous ants. Ants with huge heads. Ants that will eat me alive...are all coming out of my ceiling...They seem to have found a nice nesting spot in my lamp...They like to crawl down my wall into my bed.

I have moved to my classroom for tonight until I can notify someone at my school at a decent hour.

Gross!

Happy New Year's

The Lord has blessed me with such a wonderful gift: great friends and sweet fellowship. I feel so honored that I get to share time and space with people who are wholly devoted and run after our Lord and Savior. The past week has been so good that my sadness over mom not coming to Suriname was removed (Sorry, mom!). I didn't even have one of those "I wish I were home" moments. God is good.

En wij weten, dat dengenen, die God liefhebben, alle dingen medewerken ten goede, namelijk dengenen, die naar Zijn voornemen geroepen zijn. -Romans 8:28