English

Today begins the second week of Hope English Camp. I am loving teaching my four groups. The groups range in age from 6-15 so there is quite an age gap. I have always loved the younger ages hence my career but this past week I have enjoyed immensely my middle schoolers. I never thought the day would come where I would enjoy this age group but I do. Tonight, for my oldest group, Gam has sponsored a pizza party. I look forward to strengthened relationships with the preteens.

Flyin' First Class, Livin' The Life

Gam and I left DFW airport with minor delays due to storms but made our connecting flight to Vienna just in time. While standing in line, an attendant dressed in red from head to toe including red hose and red high heeled shoes asked for our boarding passes and escorted us out of line. We, of course, had no idea what was going on but we follow directions well. She took us to the desk and printed us new boarding passes. Gam asked, "What is going on?" My reply, "I have no idea." She then took us to another boarding door that let us onto the plane cutting in front of at least 100 people. We walked onto the plane wandering where our new seats were. My new seat 7H and hers 7G. As we boarded, we were greeted with Austrian smiles and accents. I then noticed first class with its grassy green colored carpet, light baby powder blue walls, and purple chairs with an unbelievable amount of leg room. Then I noticed row 6 and seats 6H and 6G. Hmmm....After teaching Kindergarten, I know exactly what number comes after 6. 7! No....we must have the seats directly behind the curtained heaven I thought. Nope...we were upgraded to reclining chairs (I could actually lay down) with blankets and pillows and 5 course meals and wine and anything else my heart desired. I sat down but refused to buckle or put my things away in fear that at any moment the red clad flight attendants would escort me to my real seat. But no....so I buckled, settled in, and took off in complete amazement. Then I began to think after overhearing the two teenage girls in front of me. My first thought was spoiled rotten. They were barking orders to the attendants and wanting this and that and expecting it immediately. I, on the other hand, sat comfortably and wondered if these goodies had an extra price tag. The girls had clearly never flown coach. Heavens NO! Then I began to think some more. I did nothing different than the other 100 people in line or the 200 some odd people behind me. I did nothing to be sitting in my little "heaven." I know it is a stretch to compare my salvation with first class but go with it. I then realized how often I act like the girls in front of me. I ask God for things that I want and expect them immediately. I focus on my comfort, my needs, what I think is best, and my timing. Notice a pattern? ME! ME! ME! Why can't I stand before God like I sit in first class? Completely stunned by the things presented before me feeling grateful and unworthy.

Ohh...and did I mention the personal chef?

AHHHHH!

I have taken a break from packing and have entered the online blogging world. I am deciding how to fit 6 weeks of my "junk" into a plenty big enough suitcase. I will need to downsize. Why do I think I need so much stuff?

Back to business - My grandmother, Gam, and I leave for Gorazde, Bosnia on Tuesday, June 17th and arrive back July 31st. I will be teaching English for 2 weeks to students ages 6-12. We will then have a week of relaxation (which I think will be humanitarian aid) followed by 2 weeks of Adventure Camp which includes hiking, camping, kayaking, and swimming for teenagers (ages 13-17).

I am feeling a range of mixed emotions as I prepare to leave i.e. the picture above. (I know it isn't the most flattering picture but it is fitting) During this time, I hope to only focus on why I am doing what I am doing. Why am I going? Why am I sacrificing my summer? Why am I shoving games I have created into my suitcase? The sole reason is to make the Word of the Lord known and to do all things for His glory. Why is He using me? A lowly sinner who just can't seem to learn? By His grace and mercy are the only answers I can give. I reread through my journal last week and I found an entry dating back to January 2005. I began to pray then that the Lord would provide the opportunity for me to spend a summer in Bosnia with my aunt. The timing is now right (3 years later) and the Lord has orchestrated this trip. I thank the Lord for this opportunity to serve with my grandmother and my aunt in this special way. I am grateful for Gam and her loving, self sacrificing, servant heart that has encouraged me to follow the Lord and made this trip possible.

Prayer Requests for our trip:

-The long trip will be strenuous on Gam so please pray she will not be in too much pain and she will be in good health.

-That we will enjoy doing the Lord's work and not become stressed, bogged down or discouraged. Especially with me teaching English for two weeks. That we will remember why we are doing what we are doing?

-That the relationships with me, Teresa, and Gam will be strengthened as well as the relationships with visiting teams and the Bosnian people.

-The Lord will be glorified in everything we do and it will be evident.