Sweet Birthday Surprises

Wow. I am simply blown away.

I've known for months now that this birthday was going to be hard. It's the first day of school for Black Forest Academy and the first time in five years that I am not there. Last year 70 middle school students sang happy birthday to me and those words echoed in the hallways all day. I loved getting to share my birthday with those staff and students. Birthdays are a big deal at the middle school!

(pictures from last year) 

Just over a week ago I started getting birthday cards from all over the world. I couldn't figure out how these dear friends of mine had gotten my new address though...!?! I hadn't posted it anywhere... and then it came to me. Someone had planned this. I got fun birthday surprises from Ontario, Ohio, Vatican City, Alberta, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, and Germany! Thank you to everyone who helped make my birthday sweeter this year! And to my sneaky friend... I can't wait to celebrate with you very soon!

Welcome to my #crazynewlife!

Thank you to those of you who have been praying for me in my transition back to Canada! At times it all feels a bit like a dream. Nearly every time I go outside I see or hear an airplane nearby. I only live about 15 minutes from Toronto Pearson Airport so seeing airplanes is fairly normal. However, it doesn't feel normal that I am not leaving on one as I usually do at this time of year. Things are starting up again at Black Forest Academy right now and it feels weird to not be a part of the new year preparations. It's hard to believe that school will begin for them in just over a week! Please keep the staff and students in your prayers as they travel, prepare, and seek God's direction for this coming year. 

I started my job at C&MA nearly a month ago now though, and things are going well! I have been warmly welcomed into the National Ministry Centre and I am thankful for their grace and patience as I learn my new role and process my transition. It has been neat (and sometimes a bit strange) to be on the other side of things. I see emails and prayer letters coming in daily from missionaries heading to the field or who are already there and deep into ministry. Last week we had a couple come into our Global Ministries office to pick up some paperwork. They were just days away from leaving for the field for the first time. It was an incredible experience to be able to pray with them and in a way send them off. My heart was filled with emotion as I heard them talk with excitement and sadness for the coming days. I have known those mixed emotions well in the last five years. While I feel torn that I am not heading back to Germany this fall, it is such an honour to be able to stand behind these fellow missionaries as they follow God's leading overseas. I don't know if that will be me again one day, but for now I rest in the assurance that this is where God wants me for now.

My new place of residence

 My desk in the Global Ministries office at C&MA 

#bfalove

Remembering & New Beginnings

Wow. Five years. Where has the time gone?! In less than 50 days I will be leaving this country that I have come to love and have known as home for the last five years. Since I arrived in Kandern, Germany, in August of 2010, I have met hundreds of missionary kids, made life-long friends, experienced different cultures, and have learned and grown so much. I am so thankful for the opportunity to live and serve in this place. For those of you who have supported, prayed for, and encouraged me through this whole process, thank you! Here are some highlight moments from the past five years.

Hosting five Thanksgiving dinners! 

Dressing up for countless MS events!

 High School Christmas Banquet!

 Spending three Christmases in Germany!

Fun with students outside of school!

 Small Group 2011-2012!

 Teaching Guitar Class!

 Helping with Operation Christmas Child!

Small Group 2012-2013!

 Celebrating students at our MS Awards Ceremony!

 Leading worship!

Taking students to the recording studio!

Chrysalis!

Sharing fun moments with students!

Fun Fact Mondays!

Co-leading chapel band! 

 MS Overnight!

Taking the MS History Trivia Team to Paris/Rome to compete!

BFA Middle School 2011-2015

It's bittersweet knowing that my time at Black Forest Academy is coming to a close. It's incredible to think back on the last five years and all that God has done in and through me. Thank you for partnering with me in this journey to Germany!

At the end of June, I will return to Southern Alberta for a few weeks to spend time with friends/family, get reacquainted with life in Canada, and pack as I begin to move forward with the next steps God has for me. I'm very excited to announce that at the end of July, I will begin working as the Secretary of Global Ministries in the Christian & Missionary Alliance Canada office in Toronto, Ontario! It brings me great joy to continue working in mission and administrative work. God has made it evident that this is where He is leading me, as He is already beginning to open so many doors in this process.

Please pray for me - that in the midst of looking ahead, I will also finish well in this place that I am leaving. The end of the year is quite busy for me, as I prepare for not only moving but also our MS awards ceremony, 8th grade dinner, Chrysalis final activities, and training my replacement. There is a lot to do, but my hope and prayer is that I will take time to have quality moments with friends and students in these last few weeks. May God bless you as you continue to walk with Him!

Chapel Band Series // #4

"Why should others join chapel band?"

Chapel Band Series // #3

"What are some of your favourite memories from chapel band?"

Chapel Band Series // #2

"How does chapel band make you a better musician?" 

Chapel Band Series // #1

A few weeks ago, when we didn't have Friday chapel to prepare for, we took some special videos of our chapel band girls to help promote chapel band in the future. Over the course of the next week or so, I will post some different videos to give you a glimpse into why these students chose to be a part of chapel band. I hope you enjoy!