LONGING FOR WHAT IS AHEAD.....BUT WAITING

Nearly 3 years ago, I took a sabbatical, and spent some of that time at a ministry center in Divide, Colorado considering what the Lord had for me after that season of rest.  One of the many enriching experiences, was walking along a prayer trail that brought me to various benches strategically placed throughout the property. One of the benches dropped deep into a valley; another sat amongst a grove of aspen trees; and some overlooked the mountain that stood so majestic in front of me.    At one of those benches, I considered in depth the longings of my soul; sitting in the silence and praying through the various areas of life where I longed for something.  Direction for the future;  a dream that has yet to become reality;  a miracle of healing and reconciliation that seemed impossible; and a man to share life with in a marriage relationship, just to name a few. What I learned through that time of  solitude was that much of the transforming begins deep within my soul. This transformation, or sanctification process, takes a lifetime! 

   It's been three months since having returned from Nassau.  I continue to journey along with these longings and desires while being reminded to release my grip and hand them over to the Lord in surrender to whatever it is that HE wants for me.  I still believe that He wants to give me the desires of my heart, but the lesson in it, is letting Him align my desires with His desires for my life.  

I promised I would keep you informed about my transition back to the states, so let me start with the most recent.  In late September, I had someone offer me a part time job, 15 hours a week, working field trips at a local farm for the month of October.  Funny enough, it is in the very town that I grew up in.  Berry Patch Farms does morning field trips for pre-school through grade 2.  I see it as provision and the kindness of the Lord to give me something to do that is right up my alley.  Teaching in the outdoors!

And as my Bahamian friends woulds say.......chil......you movin up!  You's went from drivin da school bus n da train to a tractor!  :)

Students make a little pumpkin necklace,

go on a tractor hay ride,

play in a hay maze,

find their pumpkin,

and up until last week, were able to pick berries.

They also see a short pumpkin movie and do an activity that teaches about the honey bee and their importance for the pumpkins and other crops that grow on the farm.

Due to the restrictions with the public schools, we are unable to openly give the credit to our creator as I had the priviledge of doing in Nassau, however, there are always opportunities! One day, when teaching about the honey bee dieing after it stings, I was able to make the connection with important community workers that often risk their lives to protect the people.  When asking the students what kind of jobs in our community protect us from harm, one student replied, "Jesus".  And to that I quickly replied, "that's right!  I agree with you!  People believe different things but I believe what you said is true!"  I later thought about all of the ways I could have been more bold in that situation to stand up for what I believe.  Perhaps all of the time in Nassau was preparation for me to boldly share the truth here in Denver regardless of what the culture says is right.

 

When I am not working, I have been filling my time with serving others, supporting my nephew in his fun run at school, attending a womans Bible study, and looking for jobs.

October 10, 2019 Denver got its first snow and with it a 64 degree drop in temperature. (Brrr!)

24 hours before, I was up on a ladder helping a friend pick as many apples from their tree as we could get.  

The next day I was out scraping my car, and dressing like a snow man to stay warm at the farm.  A much different kind of work uniform!  Gone are the days of slipping into my chacos and jumping into the car to go without needing to let it warm up!

 But I will admit, the beauty of the snow capped mountains is pretty amazing too! Colorado can often experience 4 seasons in 1 day! Just blink and there the sun is, melting everything!   And that is exactly what happened the day after the storm.

Speaking of scraping my car, it sits outside as I am currently living with my parents.  The Lord has been very good to provide a car and a place to live for the time being. Thanks to many of your donations, I was able to purchase this 2001 Subaru Outback- nick name, the Colorado car, known to be practical and very good in the snow.  It has served me well thus far, so thank you kindly!

One of the practical ways the car has served me, was to haul personal items from my storage unit to where I am currently storing things.  This unit kept my belongings for the 6 years that I was in Nassau.  Again, thank you for those that contributed financially those years which made it possible to safely store those items.

In late September, I spent a week in the mountains for a spiritual retreat and some post ministry debrief.  Being in God's creation has always been so refreshing and this was no different; it was a wonderful time of rest, silence, solitude, and sitting with the Lord in His presence.  I spent an hour each of those days with my debriefing counselor reflecting upon the treasures to be celebrated from my time in Nassau, working through the feelings of loss, healing from heartaches that I left behind with the ministry, and looking ahead to the changes that are before me.

The sunsets were absolultely breathtaking!  The pictures here were taken right outside of the door to where I was staying.  Night # 1 and #2.

The picture with my feet was a spot that I found 5 minutes from the place I stayed for the week.  After climbing up onto an area of flat rock, the 360 degree view of the mountains was incredible!  Night # 3 and #4 I climbed up there and sat to observe the sky change from gold to pink to purple until darkness set in. 

 

 Each day I went out on little day hikes,

 
finding a spot to sit and spend time in prayer and the reading of God's word.

One day, I read a devotion from "Our Daily Bread" that  God used to impress upon my heart a confirmation from Him that Im still going in the direction of teacing about God's creation.  You see, I believe this "direction" change that I have been in process for more than 2 years, is only a change in context.    I just don't know where the next assignment is quite yet but am believing God for his provision.  Read above, about how two plants found in the Bahamas lay out the message of the gospel of saving grace.  Amazing!  I have no doubt that He has created me to do this! 

 I spent a week in August and September serving at a Bible Camp in Woodland Park, Colorado.  They had a heavy fall guest group season and needed some help in the kitchen.  My mom and I served together one week,

and the other week I helped lead the team challenge course.  I enjoyed my time, but was reminded again of the fact that full time camping ministry is definitely a "calling".  

September 1st-3rd 2019 Hurricane Dorian devastated two islands of the Bahamas with catestrophic damage and significant loss of life.  The islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama are the two islands about 90-100 miles north / northwest of New Providence (Nassau) where the Adventure Learning Centre is located.  The centre sustained some flooding and winds from the outer bands but nothing in comparison to what happened just to the north.  Thousands of evacuees from Abaco and Grand Bahama were taken to Nassau.  The capital city will be walking through the aftermath of all of this for months and years to come.Thank the Lord that all of my friends that I contacted received news of their loved ones being safe but many of them have taken in family members who lost everything.   Please continue to pray for all of the Bahamas as this will have lasting affects. 

In September, I was asked to speak to a 6th grade social studies class about Bahamian culture,  

and celebrated family birthdays.

For my birthday, I spent the day hiking with friends,

and went out to dinner at a yummy place in downtown Denver.

The rest of August was spent doing summer activity like hiking with my sister and neice,

hiking with friends from near and far,

 horseback riding,

 paddle boarding,

and a Rockies game!

Thank you again to the many who have supported me both prayerfully and financially.  It has been a pleasure partnering together these 6 years.  I will continue this blog to give updates as I have them.  But until then, I would ask that you give God thanks for the praise reports and continue to pray for the things below: 

PRAISE REPORTS:

• Thankful for rest, recharge, and grace to walk through this transition and re-entry back to American culture.
• Thankful for little and big provisions both seen and those yet unseen.
• Thankful for friends and family near and far who live out "community" 

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Please continue to pray for ALC & C, the staff, Kenneth Romer (executive director) and the board of directors for wisdom and God honoring decisions to be made.
• Pray for the people of the Bahamas as they recover and rebuild their lives.
• Continue to pray for my transition to life back in the United States.
• Pray for my desires to align with God's plan for my life.
• Pray for open doors and guidance to walk through the one He provides.

Thank you once again for your faithful interest in my life and ministry. Have a blessed day!

Together for Christ,

Jen