Created for a Purpose!

 One of the lessons taught from the primary school grade 4 curriculum, is the identification of the 4 types of mangrove trees.   Though similar, each one exhibits their own unique design for identification and more importantly the role they play in the mangrove ecosystem.  Have you stopped long enough to consider that for your own life?   That YOU were created unique and for a purpose?  I can say with confidence, that God has used me for His purposes for this time and season at the Adventure Learning Centre; first, to walk in relationship with Him and to point others toward Jesus my Savior.

Recently, I walked the beach for the first time for the calendar year!  What???? Yes...sad but true.  Sometimes I have taken for granted, the beauty that surrounds me, allowing life and yes even ministry to consume and rob me of quality time spent with the Lord in His creation, and walking and talking with Him.  But when I do, I find it so refreshing and filling for my soul! Overlooking the vast clear turquoise ocean all around me and reflecting upon the purpose for which God has created me, I was comforted by a very familiar passage from Jeremiah.

 I know the plans that I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper, not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.   Jeremiah 29:11-12

I am thank ful that in the midst of change and many unknowns, that the Lord KNOWS the plans that HE has for me.  The Bible says that man plans his way, but it is the Lord who directs his steps.  In case some of you hadn't read or heard, before Christmas, I had announced my resignation at the Adventure Learning Centre with hopes that a new person would be found to train before my departure sometime in June.  That was my plan!  But as we all know, our plans are not God's plans and our ways are not His ways.   The Lord has directed next steps in the form of raising up senior staff to take my place.  For the time being, my role as Program Director has been split into two parts:

  Tika Penn, one of my longest standing friends and colleagues, has taken on the role of Education Team Lead.  Tika is a enthusiastic and passionate leader with a love for the Lord, for people, and for nature and the environment.  I am pleased that she has willingly embraced the responsibility and we've been often sitting after hours talking through the necessary information of leading the education team, managing their work schedules,  and working through the logistical details of daily programming.  She has already grown so much in the organizational aspects of the job.  Tika is a relational leader and will continue to lead as well coordinate the events and fundraisers.  Pray for her!  She has a lot on her plate!

Hope Hall (right) has taken all of the administrative area that my role required.  She communicates with teachers and principals, books field trips, and coordinates bus needs with the camp managers when there are groups requiring bus services.  Hope is a go getter and a fast learner.  She has taken this on even when she had her own plans for what she came to do.  She has also jumped in to serve in various other ways as we have had the need.  It is uncertain how long either Tika or Hope will fill these roles, but it is my prayer that I can mentor and train them, so that when the time comes for them to pass the baton, they will be equipped to do so.

 

I LOVE teaching and so I am still outside with the children when needed.  I do have some projects that I am working on between now and June.  As you've already read, mentoring staff is one.  Another that I am exploring at this point is developing a training video module that could be used for staff training in the future.  This is in the very early stages of planning so I hope to have more info about that to share in my next update.  The third project is least priority but I'll make an effort as time allows.  That project requires time and research both of which I have little of; but, I will get done what I can and be satisfied that I've done my best. 

In addition to mentoring Tika and Hope, I continue to do some ongoing training and mentoring of the education team.  Annie, is our rookie education facilitator. Teaching is new to her however, she has a teachable spirit, a servant heart and a fun sense of humor that will help her to connect with students.

 

I mentor, but am also BEING mentored!  After 6 years living in the Bahamas and enjoying all the goodness in many ways,  the food is something I can take back with me!  And I am finally taking action to ACTUALLY learn how to do some of the native Bahamian dishes.  First lesson finished, Bahamian Peas and Rice!  The picture on the left is a process known as "washing the rice"  A technique done to drain excess starch from the rice.  It was all new to me!  If it's done in the states than that shows you how much I cooked rice!  :)  In Bahamian dialect, " Dis ain't just any rice!  Dis Bahamian peas n rice!"  Get ready Denver folks!  Bahamian night a comin!  

  

Still getting opportunities to take Adventure to the Schools.  In February, we were invited to set up a booth at a local Junior High School for Career Fair Day.  I represented the Education team and

the animal department led by Jesse Keizer and Shay Hudson were there to share with students the "why" behind their desire to pursue a particular career.  A great opportunity to have some one on one conversations about purpose and gifting/talents God has given them to consider using in a career one day.

Got to make some time for fun!  It's been a little while, but we have started getting out once a week with the staff to bat a few balls around!  A great morale boost and release of the stressors that life brings.

Two weekends in a row participated in a 5K Fun Run/Walk.  I walked. :)  More of a social engagement than exercise to be perfectly honest!

One of the weekends was sponsored by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.  Since we often benefit from their services for security and traffic control for our public events and fundraisers, we have traditionally given back by setting up a booth with animals for people to interact with after the fun run/walk is over.

Other weekends have been full with Birthday celebrations!  Tika in February, Annie and Kenny in March!

Other weekends just a good tall conch salad!  

Time is moving quickly so I am savoring all that I can and enjoying every moment!   The food is one thing, but its the people that will forever be imprinted in my heart.    Still have no definitive departure date but it will be likely middle to end of June.  As for what's next, I am praying about a couple of options but again nothing definitive.  

Thanks to each of you who've played a role in my journey over these years, whether in prayer, financial, practical, spiritual, or emotional support.  I have much to be thank ful for and I ask for your continued support and prayer that I would cast my care upon the Lord for the future.

Blessings to you

Together for Christ

Jen

Praise

• Praise for provision of Hope and Tika as my replacements.
• Praise for the opportunities to speak into students lives.
• Praise for fun, laughter, tennis, birthdays, and making of memories
• Praise that God already has a plan for my future!

Prayer:

• Pray for leading in the mentoring process for Tika, Hope, and the education team.
• Pray for the last week of March and all of April leading into the annual Easter Fun Day- much preparation ahead.
• Pray for the planning and production of the video training module.  
• Pray for many more times of laughter and fun before I go.
• Pray for discerment to hear the voice of the Lord as to what HE wants for me next.