As Sheryl Crow sings, "I think a change will do you good," there are a few changes that have happened recently and it is time to share. :) Nervous yet...?????
Change 1: I turned one year older. As I creep closer to 30 my life is not exactly where I thought it would be but I am SO GLAD about the lessons God has taught me over the years. I am grateful I am not the same person I was 10 years ago. I know my college friends and roommates were introduced to a dramatic basket case that (hopefully) has mellowed out some! I have wanted to live overseas for about 15 years and I am overjoyed that in God's timing and provision it has happened when and how it did. I celebrated my 29th birthday surrounded with students I adore and co-workers/friends that love and encourage me daily. I have included some pictures of the fun day. Some friends and I went to The Optimist (an Italian restaurant) for my birthday dinner. It felt a little like Olive Garden minus the breadsticks and salad, but it was tasty! I hadn't been there yet so it was neat to try something new. The weekend following my birthday we had a joint birthday party - Suriname meets 1920's. It was fun to get dressed up and play Taboo. Our crew would be LOST without that game. I was introduced to balloon volleyball which involved flailing on the bed and lots of laughs. It is definitely a new fave of mine. My birthday well wishes almost made me a little homesick. My love tank was so full I wanted to hug everyone and cry because I missed them! I am so grateful for the friendships I have had over the years that have encouraged me in countless ways. I am excited to see what happens in my 29th year of life. :)
Change 2: The Mission House roommates (Carmen, Steph, and I) had to move. So our party Saturday night was surrounded with moving boxes and the weekend was spent cleaning and packing. The way our living situation worked out I moved into my friends' house (Sherry and Shelby) and Carmen/Steph found a house down the street from me. My new house is closer to the school and stores I frequent. I do miss my roommates, but my new ones have been so kind to me. I am one blessed girl. I miss my old house - so much space - but I did get luck again and my new digs have a dryer. :)
Change 3: I have lost two students to their home countries and I going to lose another student in a week and half. If you have been keeping track of my student count that puts me down to four students again. Of course I am sad to see the students go and it does change the classroom's dynamic but I am glad I had the opportunity to meet them. They have blessed my life so much even if they were part of my world for what seems like the blink of an eye. Prayers are appreciated as we transition from all the kiddos leaving. It is not the easiest thing I have gone through but God is good.
Change 4: (Probably the biggest development...) Without boring the world with all the details, I will not be returning to Suriname next year to teach. My contract was for two years, but because of a separation between the local school board and the organization (NICS) all contracts are void at the end of the school year. The news of the separation came in November and following that I was forced to make a decision about what I wanted to do. The separation felt as if my parents were divorcing....I just got here....This wasn't supposed to happen....I just sold my belongings...What does this mean....What is my life going to look like...Who is the board.....A confusion of emotions and rationale came like a wave over me. When I signed my contract I didn't foresee making this decision for another year. But the situation is what it is. I have spent time seeking Godly counsel and prayed about it and reached a decision to leave. With all that being said, I wanted to stay with the NICS organization and a position was available at another NICS school in South America. God opened the doors and I am SO EXCITED to share that I will be teaching 2nd grade at the NICS Lima, Peru school for the next two years. When I interviewed for the Suriname job I also interviewed with the Lima school. I really liked the school and country but didn't have a peace about moving there. I had an indescribable peace about moving to Suriname. I don't regret moving my life to Suriname. I have met incredible people. I have learned and grown so much. I believe God is the Potter and I am the clay. This pot is not done being molded. I will take so much from my Suriname experience.
So my geographical location may change but I am still journeying. Let's enjoy this wild ride together.
You are loved,
Megan
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