One of THOSE days...

Computer problems!  Numerous computers, numerous problems even.  The last blog did not get posted on Facebook Sunday night because I could not figure out how it was done the last time.  Somewhere I clicked on a FB symbol and it popped up on my Timeline, not this time.  Meanwhile, with all that is going on, I did not post it on e-mail either.  However, after another TeachBeyond person suggested a way to do it, I tried to do that, but when I went to log on...wrong password. :(

By the way his is a new computer, about a week old--not even all the files have even been transferred from the former one.  In fact the ones transferred are about three months old because the burned discs could not be read.  Adjusting and getting help with this new computer has just been another factor amid all the stress of moving, packing, house plans, etc. 

So when I went Blogspot to do this post, I could not remember the password because it was an automatic on the former computer.  What would any logical person do...go to the older one to find out the automatic information.  Guess what.  Yep, since yesterday, it has ceased to work!!!  How is that possible?  It is only six month old?  And I've only used it for three months...new computers and I do not make friends easily as you can tell.

Well, now what do I do?  I'm able to get to the writing page of Blogspot, but not the place where former posts and data are available.  What you are reading will attempt to be posted, and then you can scroll down and read the former blog that never was posted!  But be forewarned, I just may have to redo the site entirely unless this is remedied.

The prayer requests are obvious:  first, that I would become more adept at using computers (one would never guess I've been using them for years rather successfully).  Next is that the former computer would revive--not only so I can get the untransferred files and information...but because it was going to my daughter who is moving so we could Skype while I'm overseas!  In addition, even though the boxes are now ready for shipping and most packing is done, there is much remaining to be done with the house and business matters.  Every day has one appointment, but often two or three items in addition to working on the house.  Thank you for partnering with me; you just didn't know you would be needed so early in the process, did you?

Chaos

Moving on from the pleasure of a coffee break to being in the trenches, and from there to last week's post, "Aftermath," it is possible to vicariously experience some the roller coaster periods of transition in this journey.  This week chaos reigns.  The scripture says, "God is not the author of confusion," but I seem to be!  Boxes to the right of me, boxes to the left of me, clutter afoot, and piles of stuff on the bed and tables...and this says nothing of Ruth's records, derby skates, and other paraphernalia she is trying to sell before leaving.

However, progress is being made.  Now there are six medium sized packing boxes, three of mine and three of the Joneses.  Tomorrow I take them to North Fort Myers for the shipping container offered earlier.  What a life saver.  (Though we are permitted to check three suitcases, who wants to keep up with that in the airport.) Then the stacks of clothing going to new homes will leave.  Next comes cleaning closets, shelves, and cabinets, also the tables, desks, drawers, and anything else that may be in the way of having someone stay here as a house sitter.  Even though the furniture remains,  there is much remaining on the "to do" list for these last days.

This last week is also full of appointments, again.  Some are delightful...seeing friends from art or PRMS or my sister-in-law, but some are just necessary.  Everyday something will take me away from the fun of playing in they mess. :(  Ruth wants to have a garage sale Saturday--that only says "work" to me, but she can do it if she desires.  Monday my son comes down with a van or trailer to pack some items and Ruth's things to head up to his place once I leave on Tuesday.  Ruth will stay there a couple of weeks finishing up selling on eBay before she heads on to her final destination.

A week and a day before leaving, so much to do, yet with all the obstacles overcome thus far, these too will become a matter of record.

The trenches

The coffee breaks (the last post) we all enjoy, but the trenches we don't.  Many of us headed out in missions for the first time are experiencing difficulty right now.  The form varies by person--for some it is financial matters that are not yet settled and for others personal matters; it goes with the territory.  Today in church BFA's  director's wife said they found that the last thirty days prior to leaving (all the planning and packing pressure) and the first thirty days in the new place are the most difficult; that matches with some of the information at orientation.  Right now I can definitely attest to the first part. 

Visualize a father walking with his toddler over some exceptionally rough, uneven ground.  Though his pace has slowed to match her needs, she still frequently stumbles with the uncertain terrain.  Because he is holding her hand on the journey, she never really falls completely.  She may get scared, but she is safe even if she isn't aware of it.  That is exactly the picture that came to mind for me yesterday when I read Psalm 37:23-24: "If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the lord upholds him with his hand." 

I wish I could say today was better; it wasn't.  However, yesterday He did answer directly some specific concerns and providing an answer and peace on one matter.  Today, however, other information arose that created aother question, but even more important, a simmering area of concern rose it's head to attack.  A friend earlier wisely reminded me this is a spiritual battle:  we wrestle not with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers of darkness.  That statement and remembering his previous interventions helped me take pause and look for His answers. Though the answers are still elusive, through friends he provided comfort and assurance that he is aware and is working behind the scenes in these matters. I may be involved in a battle, but the victory is his.

When the blog began I promised candor, not creative.  This is a picture of the trenches you may not often get because people do not talk about them. Use this to know how to pray, and let it help you remember that even when things have been going well, issues arise or a battle may be looming.  So, when someone comes to mind, lift their name to Jesus, directing his power to their needs.  At the same time, also remember to thank him for what is going well in your life presently.  Yes, this is a real part of the journey, but it is never alone or without hope and assurance.

Coffee breaks, compliments of God

     You know, coffee breaks, those few moments to relax an recharge we crave.  Amid all that is going on, God took the time to give me just that, reminders that He's there watching out after me; it's not up to me.  Yesterday, while reading Dale's blog, another person headed to Germany, I noticed he had video clips embedded in his site that I really wished my friends could see when on my site.  Long story short, after messaging back an forth about his blog an other topics, he graciously offered to remotely place them my blog! (Can you tell one of his jobs over there is tech related!) Thanks to him you can now see more about what is going on.  My special favorite--Missionary Kids: in their own words.
     Then today, out of the clear blue--oops, check that...out of the grey, ominous, and stormy summer skies here in south Florida-- I had a call from another person headed to Germany who lives in the area.  His family is shipping items to Germany, and the container they need will end up with extra room. (An aside: In case you were unaware, if renting an apartment or house there it is customary not only to need your furniture but also the kitchen appliances, maybe the kitchen cabinets, and since there are no closets, also a wardrobe.  Imagine how expensive setting up housekeeping is.  I was overwhelmed when I first heard about that.)  Anyway, I'm renting a furnished apartment this year, but this will make it much easier to transport my watercolor supplies, bulky winter clothes, an probably a printer for my laptop.  What a gift, an unexpected boon.
     It is amazing how a 20 minute nap or a 15 minute coffee break can refresh.  Well, these two surprises provided the respite needed to continue. 
     This was your treat, Father, thank you
.  

Resting...not always, but often

When I checked e-mail this morning, there waiting was note from a dear friend expressing her concern and prayer about the remaining preparations--after over 30 years of friendship she knows me.  Again this afternoon another friend called and did the same.  These are blessings from above to remind me of His care.
   While others with Teach Beyond are mainly concerned about raising support, my biggest concerns lie in a different area--getting prepared to leave.  This huge move involves more than just my preparation; my daughter needs to relocate, too.  She needs the funds to do so, and selling her car and other possessions is part of her plan...a huge SNAG there at this point.  The maroon 2003 Honda Civic graces our circular drive as I write. Then she needs to determine where she will live, difficult when step #1 is hanging in the balance.  After that getting her things together and actually doing it is yet another matter.
    Meanwhile, I'm on my own track.  Part of my preparation is obviously dependent upon her.  (My goal was to have two weeks to myself to finish, but that doesn't look like my deadline will be met--note whose deadline we're missing.)  In addition are many business details and health appointments that need tending  (the calendar is dotted most every day with appointments for the next two weeks), culling of unnecessary things in the house and personal items for someone else to use the space, and then making decisions about what I'm actually taking to Germany.  The unfamiliar weather, housing, and work situation makes it difficult for me to know how to decisively plan packing.  All of this make me like the proverbial deer in the headlights, paralyzed.
     None of you have ever done this, so let me tell you--with insurmountable tasks in mind, it is very easy for me to find even more to do (important things like a e-mail and this blog) to avoid what has to be done.  Then when I am actually doing them, the chores grow, getting bigGER.  Discouragement sets in as clutter abounds with all the "progress." 
    Thankfully, morning devotions renew me, putting things in perspective.  Sometimes like in the National Treasure movies where secret codes are illuminated in an otherwise concealed text, He speaks to me in his Word.  Today when I read Ps 46:1 these words stood out:   "God is our refuge and STRENGTH, a very PRESENT help in trouble."  Never before had I focused on His "present" help.  Then later on FB a fellow TBer posted John 15:16, "You did not choose me, but I chose you, appointed you that you should to and bear fruit and your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you"~Jesus.  Just like everything else in this journey, I just have to do what I'm supposed to do; the rest is up to Him.  He will see that the job gets done to His glory.  I rest in that...usually.

Buttressment--a new word for support or encouragement?

While reading Oswald Chambers this morning, I was reminded of you.
The focus of his devotion was our wills.  Wisely he stated, "I cannot give up my will--I must exercise it, putting it into action," and under scores that with Joshua 24:15, "...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...."  He goes on to say that when the Lord places in front of us some rather large proposals and plans, we choose to act or not act.    In that process of choice he acknowledges a fact of life, we can allow the opinions of others around us or the perceptions we have of those opinions deter us from acting.  It is here that He brought you to mind.   I did not have those hindrances.  When the first seeds of this time in Germany were planted (His present proposal for me), you watered and nurtured.  When many would say this seems outlandish due to my age, or giving up such a good, comfortable life to go back to work with many challenges and no salary, you have been His provision, His reinforcement, for support, for encouragement in acting on His prompting.  Not a single individual has tried to dissuade or discourage.

The word picture of you that first came to mind were the braces or buttresses we see here in Florida with newly planted palm trees especially.  There the tree stands tall to the eyes of distant observers, but once they get closer, it becomes obvious that this tree could not stand on its own.  It needs these supports to take root and  thrive.  You are most appreciated. Thank you for being you; you are His gift to  me now and in the days ahead.

They Spoke in Tongues,  but not Me:

You are my "great cloud of witnesses" observing as this journey unfolds. Because of your presence you encourage me.  Thank you.

However, you want "real," correct?  Believe me when I say not all days have been glorious, but then again, that's life.  Actually today was really good, except for a small segment.  I have already told some of you that God has a keen sense of humor.  He has the last laugh in two places at least with this venture.  I'm a South Florida native (yes, they had hospitals down here even then).  Well, my thin southern blood is going to freeze up there in Kandern.  Who in their right mind would trade the warm winters in Naples for cold, gloomy, dreary, damp, rainy winter days in Germany?  Me.  That's the first joke.

     The second has a little history that goes back to high school.  I took two years of Spanish with Mr. McAvoy (good romance language name, right!).  He was o.k., but studying language was not.  In fact, even thought my grades were satisfactory, I disliked it so much that at Florida State University one of the criteria for selecting my major was that it NOT require  a foreign language. Well, I succeeded then, but look at me now.  I'm voluntarily working at learning German!  I'll bet He has a wry smile on His face listening and watching me mangle my tongue trying to say some of these sounds.  Not only does my mouth and throat not want to contort the right way to produce the correct utterances, I can't even remember which words to use.   They have a different pronoun for the subject form from the indirect object, or the direct object, and maybe even the object of the preposition PLUS its gender depending upon the word that follows it in some places and the word that precedes it in others!  Now try keeping all of that straight at the beginning.  Guess what small segment of this day was the exception to it being a good day.

   In addition to trying to learn German, I'm still working on "homework" for ACSI certification before leaving, awaiting the outcome of Ruth's relocation efforts as it affects how I proceed, finishing up business matters and routine health appointments, and have yet to begin preparing the house for leaving and packing.   The list is long and the time is short.  Thank you for praying for me in these matters.  ("I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me." and "Faithful is He who calls you who also will do it." are good daily reminders.)

Grits.  Of all the things on my "to do" list, this one item peaks through every other line in my mind.  I made them with eggs on Sunday...an easy quick meal. Even in Publix on Monday, I made a special trip to the breakfast isle and checked out the various sized packaging--the five pound bag is much less per ounce than the smaller cylinder I have a home...No more fresh, cloth bagged, stone-ground white corn grits from Logan Turnpike Mill in Blairesville, GA, anymore either.  Now, it's not only the size to be considered, but also the shape and the "packability."  Why?  Because I'm not supposed to.  Just like kids:  tell them not to do something, you can guarantee they will try.  Well, being a kid has nothing to do with age.  In one of the practical orientation sessions we covered "What Not to Bring."  One person, after reviewing her own experience, peanut butter in this case, concluded it is just best to learn to adapt and eat the diet of the area.  That did it.  Now I can't get grits out of my mind.  I'm sure they don't have those in Germany.  (Do I dare post this?)

Let the BLOG Begin:

THE journey...well, maybe not THE journey of all people and times, but certainly THE one for me.

This journey began long ago when He directed my steps on this path.  However, this segment started in December when Scott Jones presented the teaching need at Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany.  Though most of you are familiar with the specifics, I write them now as a memorial for when times become difficult or discouraging.  How clearly did the thoughts come:  your are single now, Bill and Ruth are not married, no grandchildren or elderly parents need attention, currently my health is good, and I have been given the education and experience that fit this exactly.  As if to underscore these thoughts, Ruth said, "Mom, you should do that!" as we walked out of church that morning.

After informally meeting with Scott, the multifaceted application process began with both BFA, the school, and TeachBeyond, the mission or sending organization.  "Thorough" would describe the vetting system:  applications, documents, references, personality assessments, training books that required responses, etc.  Though accepted provisionally by TB, they needed to hear about a specific position at BFA being offered to finalize.  That came just before May, in time for CBS to dismiss (which was discouraging because of missing the opportunity to have specific details to share with them) and our long-awaited trip to Israel began.  By the time we returned physically and my brain returned mentally, it was about a week before June.  At that point the new onslaught of work began, plus summer vacations were starting for the people to whom I wished to speak, another disappointment and delay.  I had begun the new, required reading, but between letter writing, raising support  and pre-orientation assignments due by June 15th, I felt like daylight came and went quickly, but the roller coaster of emotions and stress remained.

 Finally, last week, on the 24th, orientation time arrived--with the day starting a 3:20 a..m. for the flight to MN...yuck, and think about the poor people who drove me to the airport!   In total contrast, this turned into a special, awesome week--an exciting, humbling, thanking, thinking, greeting, and learning time. The continual work and the discouragements were placed in perspective.  I'll have to post those orientation updates sent via e-mail as a separate "memorial'  blog because the details were too important for me to forget.

Now that I'm back home, I'm waiting on closure on several fronts before leaving for Germany...only a month away!  Though some support remains to be raised, the BIG issues now are Ruth's relocation (the biggest--pray), many business details need addressing (pray that I remember them all), finishing the house preparation, and finally the packing.  To me this is another mountain to cross and I'm only standing at its base.  How can all of this fall in place in such a short time?  I don't know.  He does. Watch with me to see how. As if to reinforce this, today I received an e-mail from one of the presenters at the conference, Norm, telling of his harrowing experience of having lost his passport and boarding pass for the return flight to Germany.  Through prayer and persistence, each dead end and delay--a cab driver who didn't know where the hotel was that he was to use as he did the work to replace the items, closed lost and found offices, treks up and down stairs to visit and revisit offices, thwarted  attempts on every hand--revealed a door cracked open to the next ray of hope.  Long story short, he is now in Germany, maybe a little more tired, but he's there.  I will get there, too.

If you've read this far, thank you for bearing with me, especially if you've heard most of this before.  At present this blog is rather like the first days of school  (BORing...as the students and I would think) when the background is laid, but it is foundational for leading into what we share in the future: the ups and downs, the joys, the delays, and the anticipations that await.  I'm grateful that you are journeying with me.


The ORIENTATION MEMORIAL:  

TeachBeyond Orientation Updates

SUNDAY MAY 24th

Starting a BLOG is not as easy as one would think.  Eventually, that will give me a chance to give you more information (especially to those not on Facebook), but staying up later tonight to do that is not wise.

After waking at 3:25 a.m., Pat and Ralph picked me up about 3:50 to go to the airport (brave, kind souls who were also going to church later in the day!).  The flights were uneventful, but you CPCC people, would you believe I saw Mike Ruganis while transferring flights in Atlanta!!! What a small world. 

Those on Facebook may have seen the brief statement that there are 18 countries represented among these 87 new people going on the field.  How exciting to meet people with the same desires and goals.  Who would believe at my age I would be back on a college campus, walking no less to dinners and meetings.  That will be just what I'll be doing in Germany, so it is good practice.  (Can't say that is a favorite thing to do, but my body needs it.)

We have meetings all day and into each evening, but much of the information is needed.  My suite-mates are a good match.  Maureen, a lively, upbeat individual, and Pat, who is more my age and headed for Black Forest Academy as well.

Anyway, I really want to let you be as much a part of this as you would like, an important goal to me as you are invested in this, too.

Maybe tomorrow a blog will appear?  Then I'll need a ghost blogger to make in interesting. 

Thank you for being you, Ginger

TUESDAY MAY 27^th

Just a quick note to tell you how amazing this time has been.  We are on the go from 7:30 a.m. until we return about 9:15 p.m., and then we roommates talk until even later.  I can't believe it's just like the college dorm with so much to chat about.

Yesterday so many things were said that just reaffirmed this is exactly what I should be doing.  The devotion yesterday talked about this "journey" He is leading us on...just as I have described it to many of you.  Then later the devotional from Oswald Chamber's I shared with some of you came up.  I think it was May 23 from My Utmost for His Highest where he says the good is the enemy of the best.  That was so clearly meant for me then and yesterday.  My life in Naples is truly  blessed and delightful by the friends and relationships he has grown.  Having to lean on Him so much more than ever before since Bill has been gone, He has taught me much about Himself, growing my faith.  This journey overseas will require an even greater dependence than even these last two years.  This means He will show me even more of Himself as I trust Him for everyday things that could be done here with ease.  It will require concentrated effort to do every day things like  talking with people ( and learn the language),  measurements, transactions with business, shopping, in addition to now working full-time, pressures of the job and the  preparation itself, etc.  His closeness during this is "the best" and remaining here would be only the "good."  

Seeing such a collection of young adults devoting themselves to a life committed to His service (and some not so young...even older than I) is so inspiring.  Each person's story is unique as we share testimonies each night.  Another  blessing is having the opportunity to see people here who have only been names on the bottom of e-mails up to this point.  What an inspiring group of people with TeachBeyond. 

In fact,  I am more and more impressed about this opportunity to minister and serve in this capacity more than ever from some of the things we learned today.  I knew that going here would allow missionaries to stay on the field in many different areas, but I did not realize educational issues were the #1 preventable reason that missionaries leave the field.  Another fact was these students (called TCKs--third culture kids) have unique skills from having lived in more than one culture.  (A whole book explains this idea, but their flexibility and adaptability from this experience, the ability to speak two or more languages fluently, the understanding of cultural nuances, etc.)  These traits make them highly sought after in recruiting for international corporations, state departments, and intelligence organizations.  Imagine, we are helping put Christians in these very crucial areas with such schools as BFA.  In addition, about 50% of every graduating class returns to the mission field in some capacity.  Can you imagine the impact year after year with this! There is so much more, but this astounded me and encouraged me greatly.  I can help do this, and you are too by being involved. Thank you again.  I hope you are as excited as I am to see what He is doing for furthering His purposes.

THURSDAY May 28th

All of you who are free Friday night at 7:30 p.m., please feel free to stop buy Bethel College in St. Paul, MN, for the TeachBeyond deputation service!

As facetious as that is, I do want to thank you for being a part of this experience.  This week has been far better than anticipated.  In addition to the other things written, I am more impressed with TeachBeyond as the days and classes continue.  They are doing everything to address concerns and provide preparation with the information given.  The organization has a heart for reaching the world with the message of Jesus and with a quality team.  They have covered acculturation--the things to expect when adjusting to a new culture, finances, the need for personal purity (and addressing matters of sexual purity and the temptations that can easily ruin a future), pull out sessions for individual ministries like house parents, teacher both new and experienced, residence  counselors, etc.  They have been so professional in their approach, and careful to meet our needs. TB even has Member Care individuals to monitor our well-being as we transition and work.  The leaders, many of whom we were able to meet, are dynamic and radiate the love of God as they show concern for our success to His glory.  This has truly been special. 

As you can tell, the days have been long.  Another special time is each evening's testimony time.  The ages represented reflect a wide range, and I'm not the oldest, and there are several mature adults in their 50's.  However, the largest number are young people in their 20s or early 30s.  What a blessing to hear how God has worked in their lives and to see them dedicated to living in a close relationship with Him.  Two young couples going to Vietnam, a couple who had to leave Mali during the coup, young people who have stood up to the pressures of the world far better than many adults we know are just some examples. 

SUNDAY JUNE1st  FB entry

How to summarize this past week? Excellent, proactive information to prepare us for cultural transition expectations and foibles, moving advice, financial suggestions, pull-out sessions to discuss individual areas in which we will live and one for our individual jobs in these areas, opportunities to meet with those with whom we'll work, and an insight as to the shepherding care our organization of TeachBeyond provides. My small understanding of working at a single school has been replaced by a much larger, global vision of impacting the world with education. What a privilege this is...now to keep warm in winter so I can do it. :)