Church Planting Life So Far

Planting a church is a ton of work.  It’s not that the work is difficult, but man is it selfless.  One of my biggest struggles thus far with this whole process has been giving up my personal time to intentionally be around other people.  I knew this would be a struggle so I began praying about it before we even moved here.  What is amazing is that now, after living this intentional life, I have seen the Holy Spirit working in those we have built relationships with, and it makes every minute of this worth it!

Our church that we have planted runs a little bit differently than any other church I have been in.  The most significant structural difference is a church service.  We don’t have one.  When I invite people to church, I don’t invite them to church.  They are invited to a weekly Bible study that we have, or into a disciple group.  The Bible study consists of our two church planting families, and a new middle school student.  Our disciple groups consist of neighbors or co-workers who we read a large portion of scripture with.  We meet weekly and discuss how we are living by what we read.   

What I like the most about the set-up of our church is, I have to be intentional.  It is my job to make sure the people I am meeting with are shown the truth of God’s word.  If I truly want to show them Christ, I can’t rely on a pastor or church service to do it (Granted I do ask Dave a ton of questions!).  I have to not only act out my faith by showing love, but I also have to be up on my game when it comes to God’s word.   One of the greatest things about being part of a disciple group is that I am held accountable each week to read scripture. Sometimes that means the entire book of Isaiah in two weeks, or the book of James 5-7 times a week.  How can I expect to disciple someone and help them follow Christ and God’s word if I don’t know it! I certainly still don’t know all of it, and that’s why I have an amazing church family to help me and guide me, but I have learned so much through the amount of Scripture that I have been reading. 

I have been asked a couple of times by different people, “Don’t you miss singing and worshipping with other believers?”  The first time I got this question, it wasn’t something I had really thought about.  I do like singing with other believers, but I sing by myself all the time to God and just hadn’t noticed it.  The second time I got this question, my answer was, “No.”  To be honest, I don’t miss it.  I know I am exactly where God wants me to be.   I don’t feel like I need to sing with a crowd of other believers to be sustained or renewed.  It kind of shocked me when I came to this conclusion because I really do love singing with other people. I just don’t miss it, crave it, or feel like I need it. 

If it is Gods will, then one day, Sentral Church will have an actual service in an actual building, with a worship leader and a crowd of people singing to the Lord.  Until then, we have a primary focus of serving God by making disciples who follow Christ, study His Word and make other disciples who do the same.   We don’t need anything else right now.  

Month Two

My how the time has flown!  It seems like just yesterday we were unpacking the last box.  Our new married life has begun and is filled with 40 hour work weeks, meeting and building relationships with new neighbors, and trying to find the time to actually go out and explore OKC a little bit.  With those schedules and our new OK Driver Licenses, we definitely feel like this is home.  People told me Okies would be wierd, and I have been asked by many how the people are here.  So, after some quiet deliberation I can honestly say that either they are normal, or I am just as wierd with them.  I will say that when you tell an Okie that you will have Jolly Jumps at your block party, they look at you with a wondering expression of what on earth those could possibly be.  Other then that they're pretty normal.  

A conversation came on the radio the other day that got me thinking.  It was actually a few weeks ago and I thought, "I should write my next blog post on this topic."  Well, 3 weeks later, here it goes.  

I feel like I know more people who rededicate their life to God then those who become Christians for the first time (as if you can become Christian a second time).  As this thought occured to me, I had two main questions pop in my head.  The first: Why does becoming a Christian not always work the first time?  That lead me to the second question: If people become a Christian and truly follow Jesus then they wouldn't have to rededicate their lives again, so were the people rededicating their lives actually Christians?  I am sure some were (because I was), and it sure makes the case for discipling.


I have been at youth conferences where many students go up to the stage to rededicate their life to Christ and it's a victory, but then three days later, they are living exactly the same as they were before they came, saying the same types of words, and negative statements.  I feel  as humans, we have great intentions, but we are very set in our ways.  It is difficult to completely change your lifestyle after one decision.  

So, whether a person rededicates their life to Christ after falling away or chooses to follow Christ for the first time, discipling is very important.  It is what every member of our church chooses to do on a weekly basis.  It is an intregal part of who we are.  Not only do we teach and build each other up, but we are reading the Bible with people whose worlds are going to be turned upside down when they realize they are not following Jesus and choose to make the incredible decision to act out the faith they thought they had. When that happens (because it will) we will continue discipling them, then they can disciple others.  Slowly we can begin to wipe out the rededication aspect of Christianity where it will no longer be necessary!  I can't wait!

Week Two

I feel like we are home.  It is amazing to me, but I don't think I have very felt this way about any place that I have ever lived outside of Roswell.  I am very grateful to feel so comfortable because in 4 days I will be starting a new job, completing tasks I have never before attempted, and doing my best to trust that God will give me the knowledge and connections to get it all done.

When I moved to Scotland for my Masters degree, I remember having to completely change the way I spoke in my courses and writing.  The people I met there, primarily my professors and colleagues, spoke with a large academic vocabulary.  This is normal in classrooms, but in my mind and probably in reality, they spoke this way in their everyday lives.  Everyone was so knowledgeable.  I struggled to sound as knowledgable and well educated as they did.  Eventually my vocabulary began changing and I didn't feel quite as uneducated (even though I have had a great education).

Moving back to Roswell scared me.  Not everyone used the academic vocabulary I had grown accustomed to and I was afraid I would lose that as well as all the knowledge I had gained.  I felt like I was going to be dumbed down if I stayed too long.  I'm sorry.  I know that is a terrible thing to say, and I have such amazing, smart, respectable friends and family in Roswell, but it wasn't Edinburgh and I may have turned into a bit of a prude since I actually believed that.  I tried so hard to get out of Roswell, but God had other plans as all those who know me understand.  As those plans were taking shape and I was going to be staying in Roswell, God was shaping my heart towards his and kind of slapped me in the face.  Side note: God doesn't care how much your grieving, if you  need humbling, he will humble you.   That slap consisted of God reminding me that the amount of knowledge in my mind and the vocabulary I use do not make me who I am.  My identity is not found in my education, my vocabulary, or what I know.  My identity is found in Him.

I share this because I am beginning to go back into that world.  The world where vocabulary, specifically academic vocabulary, is important.  The world where I need to be able to understand the English language in all aspects.  I still have so much to learn.  The difference now, is that I understand that my identity is in Christ.  God has given me this position and I know that he will give me the knowledge and words I need to succeed.  I am so excited to be back in the world of international students and I can't wait to see how God will use all of this for His glory!!!

Week 1

Many people hate change.  Hate is a strong word.  Change is definitely hard, but it can also be exciting and renewing.  Change and I are very familiar. He visits me often lately and when he does, its always in a dramatic way.  To me, change is dramatic, and I do my best to live a drama free life.  Thankfully, his last visit was welcomed! David and I just got married, went on our honeymoon and are now unpacking our new apartment in OKC.   It was not easy leaving my friends in Roswell and moving even farther away from my parents.  However, this change needed to happen.  Now that we are in Oklahoma, I feel like I have lived here for a while; like it is home (despite the boxes I still need to unpack).  Now that I have begun this new chapter in life, I have never been more certain that this is where I am supposed to be.  I feel like everyday in OKC so far has been a constant reassurance of that.  I am so excited to begin my new job teaching ESL and meet so many new people. 

I have caught myself at more than one point feeling like I am a missionary.  What’s odd is that this is how I should have been feeling my entire Christian life.  My prayer for myself is that this responsible feeling will not go away.  I need to continue with this mindset for the rest of my life.  It definitely makes me aware that every moment is a missional moment and every person I meet may be someone that I can build a relationship with and lead to Christ.  That doesn’t mean that I have to tell them about Jesus right away, but it does mean that every word I say and action I make can impact their decision for Christ.   All this has really been heightened since most of the people we meet want to know why we moved here.  When we tell them that we moved here to help plant a church, we are already putting it out there that we are Christian and I personally feel a huge responsibility to not mess that up by saying or doing something stupid.  So, I would like to ask anyone who reads it to please pray that I don’t mess this up.  Its super easy to do which is why so many people dislike Christians.  I would love to meet those people and be someone who helps change their mindset. 

My soon to be ending blessing

After John died, my goal was to get out of Roswell, NM.  Neither of us ever wanted to come back here to live and here I was.  Although I knew John had nothing to do with it, I would get mad at him often after he died because I didn't want to be here and he was the reason I was here.  If he wouldn't have died, I wouldn't have to be in Roswell.  Obviously it was many one-sided conversations I had to work through during the grieving process.  Even in the midst of those one-sided conversations I could picture him smiling and saying, "If only you knew what God is doing..."  I don't know if people in Heaven can see and know their loved ones future, I don't even know if they care, but it was a comforting idea that I would allow to briefly come to me in those moments.

What I didn't see was that God had other plans for me that I never in my life would think I would even enjoy.  Those plans turned out to be the biggest blessings of them all.

As I was able to talk to my students today about religion and faith, I may have made a mistake in telling them that I never wanted to work All Saints.  The statement, or rather answer, came up after we had a pretty in-depth discussion about faith.  The conversation took place after I placed a pretty condescending comment about Christianity up on the board and told them to read it, then write down points to help them defend their faith.  My goal in doing this was to get them to a point where they can stand up and defend what they believe and why they believe it.  I also told them that they may not be able to convince anyone that they are correct, but they at least need to get to a point where they can say what they believe and why they believe it.  The conversation that followed became very much a question and answer session where we discussed Catholic views vs my views.  My students soon learned that I do not believe in Pergatory, that works can get them into heaven, that Christians can go to Hell and that baptism does not save them.  I won't go in to all the details, but I really enjoyed that conversation.  After all was said and done, one student asked me, "Ms. Hale, if you don't believe all this stuff, why do you work here?" That was when I answered, "Well, to be honest, I didn't really want to work here, it was basically the only job I could get. "  Of course many, "Well, thanks Ms. Hale's" followed.  Thankfully the conversation didn't stop there.  I was able to tell them that since John died, this school and each of those kids has been one of the biggest blessings in my life since John died.  They then felt better.

It is very true.  As I looked today at my mostly empty classroom, it is a plethora of bittersweet feelings.  I am so excited to leave and follow God's next plan for my life.  I have no reservations about that whatsoever.  At the same time, that classroom was not only my first classroom, but those kids I have known for over 2 years and while we have had our up and down moments,  they are my kids.  The people at that school are some of the greatest people I have known and it is still strange to me to think that John will never know them.  However, David has gotten to know them and has heard many stories about each of those kids.  It is all part of a new chapter, a new plan, and new beginnings for us all.  I look forward to seeing and hearing what God has in store for all of those amazing kids and can't wait to see them again and tell them what God is doing in Oklahoma!

So long yet so much to say...

I have to admit that I absolutely dislike speaking publicly! And as much as I like the idea of blogging, once I get behind the keyboard, I begin to feel the same way about writing publicly.  I don't know if it's because I feel like I don't sound educated enough or that I don't like sharing my life with people unless they ask first.  I almost feel intrusive, like I am putting myself out there assuming that what I have to say is worth reading or hearing.

That said, so much has happened since the last blog I published on this site.  God gave me the strength to make it through the greiving and the loss of a husband.  Moments still tend to creep into my life at the weirdest possible times, but I don't let them get me down.  I have too many blessings to be thankful for.  In less than a month I will be getting married to a wonderful man who I absolutely adore and who adores me as well!  Within our first weeks of marriage we will be moving to Oklahoma City to help plant Sentral Church.  With all of these things going on, how can I not want to be a part of it and of what God is doing in my life.

This will be a short blog, because there is not a whole lot I want to say for tonight.  I have to start off slowly into this whole blogging thing if I am going to keep it up.  When I try to say to much I get overwhelmed and end up saving my post for another day. (I have about 7 that have been saved and probably won't be posted ever).

More to come who knows when...

One Year!

Today marks one year.  It is hard to imagine that I ever would have gotten to this point.  I know this day is supposed to be very emotional, and believe me, this past month I have had my fair share of emotions, but today it is different.  Today almost feels like a victory. 

Thanks to God and the strength that only he can give, I have spent this past year achieving little goals that I have set for myself.   Exactly one year ago, my only goal was to make it back to NM.  I achieved it.  My next goal became to make it through John’s memorial service.  I achieved it.  My next goal was to finish my dissertation so I could complete my Masters degree.  I achieved it.  My next goal was to get a job.  I achieved it.  There was one underlying goal through all of this and that was to make it through the first year. 

I never saw how I could live without John.  I have always considered myself to be a pretty independent person, but when I was forced into total independence this last year, I was second guessing myself.  I did not see how I would be able to live.  Needless to say, I have overcome.  God has given me the strength and the knowledge to do the things that need to be done, and what I can’t do, he has provided people in my life to help me.   Interestingly enough, one of my biggest challenges has been cooking for one.  Thankfully, between having friends to cook with and needing lunches during the week, I still don’t really have to cook for one! 

I give God absolutely 100% of the credit for making it through this past year.  Everything that I have achieved has been through Him by his strength.   I know just because I have made it one year does not mean this next year won’t be difficult, but I know that if I can make it through the first year, I can make it through the second. 

God has also put amazing people in my life to encourage me and help me through this difficult year.  These family and friends are spread out all across the country and all over the world.  I can’t imagine my life without them.  Each one has been such a blessing from God and I constantly thank Him for those blessings.  

There is a hymn called, “Victory in Jesus.”  As I write this blog, that song keeps popping into my head.  Obviously one year is not necessarily a victory, but one year has passed and I am not an empty shell. I consider that a victory.  God has given me small, yet significant goals to reach for and He has helped me reach them.  Through all of this I have felt His comfort and peace.  I have no idea what is next in my life, but I feel confident that with His help, I can do it!

A Hopeful New Year

I have never looked forward to a new year as much as I have looked forward to this year.  I have so much hope for it which I am so grateful for.  It has occurred to me that I have not been fulfilling my blogging duties and keeping you all up on what is going on in my life.  So here it goes.  I am still in Roswell and am the new 7th and 8th grade teacher at All Saints Catholic School.  I am currently teaching all subjects (it is a small school) so  I am unbelievably busy all the time, but I absolutely love teaching!

God has revealed himself to me in so many ways these past 8 months, and He hasn't stopped now that I am back on my feet.  For instance, if there is one age group I never wanted to teach it was middle school and the subject I never wanted to teach was math.  However, God had other plans when in December I got hired as the 7th and 8th grade Math and Science teacher at All Saints.  I only became full time in January when the Language Arts and Social Studies teacher retired.

What is interesting about all of this is that I can see God's hand in this.  I love my job which I never thought I would love teaching middle schoolers, not to mention He has put me in a teaching community with wonderful Christian teachers who all like each other and are willing to help each other.  I know I have this job until May.  After May I have no idea where God will take me, if it means staying in Roswell then I'll be here. If it means going somewhere else, then I'm there.   As many of you knew, 3 months ago and before, I couldn't wait to get out of Roswell.  I wanted to be anywhere but here, but now all I care about is being where God wants me.  I absolutely believe that He knows what is best for me and he has proven that to me.  I am actually very happy with my life, and I think it's because my focus is on serving Him and doing what He wants.  My goal is to continue that focus.

On another note, I listen to the radio all the time.  My favorite station is KLOVE (Sorry friends at the radio station...I love you too!).  I have always listened to it, but now it means so much more to me.  I listened to it online in Edinburgh the night I received the news about John and it is amazing how God can use music to give us hope and encouragement.  It seems like there is a song for each season/stage/whatever it is of grief that has just been such a blessing to me.  I will share them all with you in a future blog, but right now I want to share one with you that I really like right now.

What I'm Thankful For

It has been such a long time since I have posted and I apologize for that.  There are just some things that I have very little desire to do now, and for some reason writing this blog is one of them.  Not only that, but thinking of productive things to share with you has not been coming easy either.   This month great things have been happening in my life.

 The first one is the fact that I will officially be awarded my Masters Degree  on Thanksgiving Day.  I won't be at the graduation ceremony, but that is still the day!  I am so relieved that the hard work I have done, especially through the summer and fall paid off!  Speaking of Thanksgiving, I am not quite sure how hard it is going to be.  So, this leads me to talk about the other great things happening in my life.  This next part is truly great.  I have actually been able to think about my life and despite the fact that this has been the absolute worst year of my life, I have so many things to be thankful for.  I have actually started a list so that as the holidays come up I can look at that list and remind myself of God's greatness through all of the great people he put in my life and all the things he has done for me.  There are so many, but here are a couple.  I add to it every day.

1. I am thankful for my loving, supportive family.  They were all here for me when I needed them the most and still are.  All of the things we have faced this past year and a half have only made us stronger and I couldn't ask for better parents, a better sister, or a better uncle and aunts!
2. I am thankful for my amazing friends.  Before I was able to get back to Roswell in May, so many were here waiting and so many came right after.  I have heard horror stories about widows with friends who have stopped talking to them when their spouse died.  I am so thankful that I can't name one person that happened with.  Everyone has been so supportive and great and I could not ask for better friends!  Thank you all so much!
3. I am also so thankful for my dog.  Sammy is the best 4 legged friend a girl could have and he is such a comfort to have around.  They say pets are calming and it is so true!
4. Probably the most important, and the reason I can even begin to be this positive is my faith.  I am so thankful that when it came to making the decision to curl up in a ball and never move again, or trust in God that he will carry me through this, I chose God.  Together we have taken the past five and a half months day by day, sometimes hour by hour, but here I am.  All because I chose to put complete trust in God.  Putting complete trust in someone takes courage, but this choice was not hard because my alternative was to trust myself and like I said, I would just be in a ball.  At least with God I have hope, and that keeps me going.  The verse posted on my mirror in the bathroom is Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  This is just one of the many things in Scripture that keeps me going.  I am so thankful I have this mindset and the desire to look forward and follow in the path God has set for me.  

That is not my entire list, but it is just something to share.  I once again want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers that they continue to give. It still means so much and brings such a comfort.  Thank you!

A Big Week

Last week was  hard, exciting, relieving, and terrifying all at the same time.  All of that came when I turned in my dissertation on Wednesday, and then all but the exciting part came again when we buried John's ashes at his family's ranch.   I still am not able to describe my feelings about burying my husband.  All I can say is how hard it was to drive up there knowing what I was about to do.  Seeing family and friends definitely made it easier.   This whole experience these past four months has made me realize just how important friendships are.  I have had the same friends for a very long time.  I have also made new friends who are just amazing.  All of these people bring so much joy to my life and I never want to take advantage of that.

Last week I was pretty anxious about a lot of things.  One of the main ones being that I felt I couldn't adequately answer the question, "What now?"  I still can't really answer it,  but I was reminded today that God does know.   It is not that I want to move forward, but I have to move forward.  It is one of those things where I can choose to stay where I am, living in my parents house for longer with no job or income, and not trusting God to get me through this next part of my life.  Those are not good options to me.  Obviously grieving is still a process I am going through and will be going through for quite a while, but I will grieve while moving on.  I feel God is calling me to begin this next part of my life while holding out his hand telling me to trust him and go with him.   As a person who likes security, having an unknown future is quite terrifying.  Time has moved fast.  It is time to figure out what that unknown future is.  It is nice to know that I have a hand to hold all the way through it, and amazing friends and family who will be there for me if I need them.  

Finding the Joys

I have learned over this past month that when I have to tell people about John who haven't heard, I feel bad; not for myself, but for putting them in such an awkward conversation.  In fact, just the other day I was talking to an airline agent asking for a refund on John's ticket and after I told her why I needed it, she replied, "Oh no, that's terrible!"  to which I laughed and said, "yeah."  Who laughs, right?!  I'm pretty sure it is just a way to ease the tension as I try to end the awkardness for others.  It surprises me though each time I do it and makes me smile just thinking about the weirdness of it.

I can see how God has helped make this entire event as easy as possible for me and my family.  There are so many different ways John could have died and so many other factors that we would have had to consider when it happened.  Looking back at the events in my life that have led up to this point I can see how God has prepared me as well as my family for this event.  He has been extremely good to us.  Realizing this has made it easier to look at all of the good things going on in my life right now and there is a lot.  Granted I am counting even the little blessings like getting extra whipped cream on my  mocha coconut frappacinos, but who doesn't like extra whipped cream?!  So, if I laugh to get out of an awkward conversation, I'll take it!

Results

I know many of you have been waiting quite anxiously to find out what happened to John, so I can finally relieve that and tell you that after  two and a half months of waiting and wondering, the death certificates have finally arrived and with them John's cause of death.  The death certificate reads that John's cause of death was  cardiac arrhythmia of unknown etiology.   This does not mean a heart attack like I originally thought it did, but it is still pretty surprising.

I have told a few people what I just shared with you and all of them have asked the question, "How are you doing?"  I answer this as truthfully as I can.  Knowing what happened to John does not change anything for me.  I do not feel better, I do not feel worse.  I expected the results to come back inconclusive and while this almost is, we at least know it was something with his heart.  Oddly enough I have no more peace of mind about it than I did before and  I didn't think I would.  John is in Heaven. For whatever reason, he was called to go now.   He is happy and having the time of his life.  I am so thankful and happy for him that he no longer has to deal with all the negative stuff that goes on in this world.  I truly am happy for him.  I can give the credit for this only to God who has given me such a peace and comfort throughout this whole ordeal.

At This Point...

I would like to thank everyone again for all of the thoughts and prayers that you are throwing  my way.  God has been absolutely amazing through all of this and your prayers are still very much needed.   Last week was surprisingly the hardest week I have had, and I am sure much of it has to do with the fact that this new part of my life has begun and I have to move on.  The good news is this week has started off a lot better!

I was reminded twice yesterday in two different ways that God is with us through the low points of our life and when He brings us out,  He has something great and wonderful planned for us.  I have heard that a lot these past 2 months, but for some reason yesterday  when I heard it I felt so much better.  So, my outlook this week is much more optimistic because while I can't see anything in my future beyond the next 2 months, I at least know I have a future and I am trusting God that it will be great!  

Until We Meet Again

I find it hard to discuss what I feel and what I am going through right now to a computer.  It is not that it is too sad or too hard to explain, it is just that I feel people enjoy seeing pictures much more than reading someone's perspective on something which is essentially what blogs are all about.  In the past I have chosen to post only when I have pictures and something interesting to write about.  After I leave Edinburgh on Tuesday, I am not sure how many pictures I will be posting or how many interesting things I will have to write about, but I will do my best to continue posting and to keep you all involved on what is going on in my life.

It is no big secret when I say that Edinburgh is the most wonderful place I have ever lived and I am going to miss it very much.  It is always hard to move, especially in this case.   I have been struggling this past week in convincing myself that moving away from Edinburgh does not mean moving away from John.  A metaphor popped into my head that made me feel so much better.  If I think of my life as a book, this is definitely the end of a chapter.  Even Part II you may say (I'm not really sure how many parts there are).  John was a leading character in this Part of my life.  Just because he may no longer be a leading character, it does not mean he is out of the book.  He will always be a very important part of my life.   However strange that metaphor is, it has really helped me in preparing for this move.

As for my future plans... I will be moving back to Roswell for a couple of months.  I will finish my dissertation, earn my Master's degree and then figure out what to do with the rest of my life.   I have cancelled my contract to teach in Abu Dhabi this year.  I have done this not because I am afraid of going alone, but  because it would just be too much right now.  That is the extent of knowledge I have to answer the question, "What are you going to do now?"

I have made some amazing friends here in Edinburgh and I am going to miss them a lot.   So, I have decided that instead of saying, "Goodbye" I will say, "Until we meet again!"  So, to my amazing friends here as well as Edinburgh itself...until we meet again!

My last week or so in Edinburgh

This past week in Edinburgh has been an absolute roller coaster of emotions.   Thanks to some wonderful friends and beautiful city with so much to do, I will leave with some great memories.  We have everything packed up and thanks to a lovely pair of friends, what is not packed up has been taken to a charity shop!  Thanks Andy and Suzie! Here are some pictures of the highlights of my week!

We had a wonderful afternoon at the beach
in Musselburgh.

It's a disposable grill!  I don't think I've ever seen one until now

We also made our own sushi!

This is where we bought our fish! 

We had to cool off the rice.  It works!

Ashley's beautiful roll!

We did an amazing job!

This is the grand opening of the National Museum of Scotland.  Definitely worth waking up early for!

An animatronic T-Rex!

Just one of the awkward fairy people. 

Here is a video of the fairy people and Ashley! 

Dumplings

People have been asking me to keep them updated on what is going on in my life and how I am doing.  Since my life is currently on hold, I don't really have a lot of news or new adventures.  I have been taking each day as it comes, but I do have pictures to share with you.  Thanks to my wonderful friends here in Edinburgh along with a wonderful friend who I have been able to share this city with, I have actually had a good time.  Last Saturday I had dumplings for the very first time.

Dumplings Night!

A lot of work goes in to making dumplings.  It's a good thing there were six of us!

I think it's safe to say I became a excellent dough roller. 

Ashley became quite the dumpling filler.  

Yay Ashley!

Finally after all our hard work, it's time to eat. 

Thank You

I cannot express how grateful I am to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.  This is the absolute hardest time of my entire life.  I will tell you that your prayers did not go unanswered.  I have a strength that I did not expect to have in such a situation.  Each day I wake up and I thank God that I can get out of bed and actually enjoy this time with family and friends that I have not seen in so long.  While my entire world has crashed down on me, it has not broken me.  I love John so much, and right now my trust and faith in God has provided a sturdy arm that I can lean against.  While I am extremely sad, I feel so comforted.  I can actually feel God with me and know that he has no intention of leaving.  The verse Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."  I have heard this verse before and I have always believed it, but now I am actually living it.  Every move I have made these past 3 weeks has been from the strength of God and God alone.  I've always believed that God will not allow us to go through anything that we cannot handle with His help.  How true it is.    I have no idea how I am going to live the rest of my life without John right there next to me, but at least with Jesus by my side I know that I can.  I wanted to write this thanking everyone for your support and to let you know that I can actually feel your prayers.  I don't know how to express my gratitude, but please know that I am so grateful for your prayers and support.  Thank you so much.

Abu Dhabi Answers

It has been a while since we have posted anything and people are starting to ask about it.  So, I have decided to take a break from writing my dissertation and write something less academic.  Actually, I have been taking many breaks from my dissertation as I inform myself more about our next adventure to Abu Dhabi.  I have been finding many interesting things both from the forums I have been in as well as on my own.  Since I have no pictures to post, I have decided to answer the most popular questions I have been receiving about Abu Dhabi living.  Obviously I don't live there yet, so the answers will be more precise once we move, but for now I will do what I can.

Allow me to ease some minds out there and let you know that we will not be living in a compound.  Apparently there are some places in the Middle East where teachers live in compounds and are supposed to stay in certain areas.   This is not the case in the UAE.  If it was, we would have some serious re-thinking to do as we quite enjoy exploring.  If you would like to see how teachers live in Abu Dhabi, there are numerous videos on youtube.com.  All you have to do is type in 'Apartments in Abu Dhabi' and many videos will pop up.  Not all are from teachers, but most are from Westerners or ex-pats.

I also found a link on the UAE Embassy in Washington which discusses the UAE relationship with the US throughout the years.  http://www.uae-embassy.org/uae-us-relations/uae-us-timeline  I found it pretty interesting.

Another interesting fact is that weekends in the UAE fall on Friday and Saturday as opposed to Saturday and Sunday.  That should be fun to get used to.

Finally, the clothes.  This will also be helpful for those who decide to visit us!  We can wear what we wear now!  Although it may be a bit hot, so we will actually be wearing shorter garments.  It is basically important that we dress modestly...no short shorts, no revealing shirts and probably no bare sholders. We could wear those, but I think we would get a lot of stares, especially John.  Short sleeves, capris, and definitly shorts for guys are good to go!  As for teaching, it all depends on the school, but most likely my legs and arms will need to be covered.

When are we moving you ask....August.  That is about all I can say right now as thats about what I know.  The interesting part is, our tickets could arrive from 1 week to 1 day before we are expected to leave.  Talk about an interesting adventure!  Its a good thing we don't have a lot of stuff to pack as we moved here in 4 suitcases and will probably move again with 4 suitcases!  

Our Next Move

Our eighth month in Edinburgh is coming to a close and we have news!  Brandlyn has been offered a two year contract in the Middle East teaching English to primary students.  We have decided to accept the offer, so it is now official that we will be moving to Abu Dhabi in the UAE in August.  We are excited about our next move to the  center of the "ring of fire".   Although many countries around the UAE are currently in unrest, the UAE itself has a thriving economy and is investing in their people as well as their infrastructure.   Our time in Scotland has been amazing and we will enjoy our next few months here to the fullest!

John is very excited to begin his career in Camel Racing. 

7 Months In

We are in our 7th month here in Edinburgh and are enjoying it more and more each day.  Spring has arrived and it is beautiful.  Thought we should share some pics with you!

A sunny day in East Princes St. Gardens

These flowers are everywhere!

This weekend is the IATEFL Conference in Brighton.  Brandlyn will be going, so there will be more pictures to come.  However, you don't need to go to Brighton to find beaches!

On a sunny day you can find people swimming even when it is 50 degrees!

We were not those people

More posts and pictures  to come soon and hopefully regularly!