THE  HOMESTRETCH

TODAY, June 9th marks 6 years serving at Adventure Learning Centre and Camp. I am now in the homestretch.  My last day at Adventure Learning Centre is June 21st with a departure date from the Bahamas sometime during the week of July 8th.   I DO plan on communicating through the summer months via blog updates so that you can be updated on what is next.

 

The Video Training Module project is still going strong!  Much of the planning and script modifications were done long before the filming began.  We've done on camera filming 4 days spread out over two weeks.  The project consists of 30 short videos ranging from 2-10 minutes in length that talk about a "typical day at ALC, early childhood development, learning styles, teaching strategies, and techniques followed by some samples on how to introduce a topic or interweaving christian principles into the teaching. The first day was uncomfortable and overwhelming.   Thankfully Trevor has been patient and calm.   We have about 2 more on camera days before we are finished with that portion of the project.    Trevor will have many hours throughout the summer of editing and putting it all together before the final product is at completion in time for staff training.  

For those that may be reading about this project for the first time, Trevor is doing all of this voluntarily.  For more info about the heart behind this project as well as ways that you can support, see my last blog update labeled "What is your Story?"   Many of you have already contributed a thank you gift toward this project, and for that I am grateful.  Thank you!  This really is my last push to leave a training resource for future staff like those that you see in this next picture. 

This was our instructional team for the months of January-June.  I am Thank ful for each one, and for the relationships built as we served together.  Other key support staff not pictured but contribute equally include those in the office booking programs, the kitchen cooking, as well as the guys in maintenance repairing broken and aging pipes, buildings, buses etc.   I look forward to keeping in touch with and hearing all about what the Lord will do in each of their lives in the coming years. 

We ended another term of Adventure Club, our discipleship after school program, with an afternoon party at the centre.   This party was given as a reward for consistent attendance and commitment to the club.  This year our theme was "Kings Kids"  The lessons and activities this term centered around how we become "Kings Kids" followed by character traits that represent a child of God and how to live life with those things in mind.  It has been a joy to build relationships with 5th and 6th graders over the past 6 years and my prayer is that they will be equipped to face the pressures of junior high and high school and beyond. 

Some other things that happened in the month of May:

My Bahamian cooking lessons have continued. This particular night the group number increased as we gathered together for some food and games.

Many of us came together to see off our brother Jesse.  

I ran into Dr. Karen St. Cyr.  She was one of the Education directors from the Ministry of Education that had been so gracious back in 2013 to look through the curriculum that had been written to give feedback and advice.  We reflected with laughter upon some of the stories that we share from that time and I am so grateful for herself and her team that helped to educate me on Bahamian culture my first year here in Nassau!

Went to see Kenny, one of our educators, perform in a community theatre play.  A man talented in many ways.

 

I have begun to start the process of goodbyes.  The picture on the left is of a friend and her kids.  We went to church together followed by lunch.  The picture on the right is of Mark Wallace and his family.  Mark is another fellow missionary who has served at ALC since 2001.  His passion and love for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ is compelling and I commit to praying for him and the rest of the staff at ALC that they would be faithful to deliver the truth of the message of Jesus.

Spent 1/2 of a day with Anna and Josiah Sanner, a couple that I hadn't seen in 13 years.  They came to the centre one day during their vacation wondering if they would know anyone there.  We went for a visit to the Primeval forest, and some snorkeling out at the beach.  It was nice to catch up and to be refreshed in God's creation.

  

This has been an ADVENTURE!  And I know there is more to come....... just don't know what or where.  My plan is to go back to Denver for the summer months, rest, reflect, have some time to transition back to American culture, and plan some intentional retreat time for seeking the Lord for what is next.  Of course I can plan my ways, but I DO believe that God is the one who directs every step so I could use the prayers to take one step at a time and rest in knowing all is in His hands.

During this transition, there will be some financial need such as purchasing a car for moving around and contributing to living expenses while I am in search for what is next.  If you are willing to continue supporting in a financial way, Shepherd's Staff, my missions facilitator, WILL continue to receive donations on my behalf through September 30, 2019.    Thanks again for your prayerful consideration in helping in this transition.  

Praises:

• Thank the Lord for his continued provisions for the video project
• Thank ful for ALL of my Bahamas family.  I love you!

Prayers:

• Continue to lift Adventure Learning Centre and Camp ministry, that God would be glorified.
• Pray for Executive Director, Kenneth Romer and the board of directors for wisdom and direction as they meet in July for a board meeting.
• Pray for completion of video project and for Trevor with the hours of editing and finalizing the product.
• Pray for my transition back to Denver or wherever the Lord would lead me- for peace, and for my heart to take courage as I wait upon the Lord.

 Thank you again for all of your support and prayers.

Together for Christ

Jen