Thankfulness Full-Circle

Colossians 3:15 says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

The verse above definitely describes this past Thanksgiving season for me here in Germany. Since Thanksgiving is an American holiday, Germany as a whole does not celebrate it -- but BFA definitely does. Looking back at these past couple of weeks I can honestly say that I am completely and utterly thankful for God:  who He is, how He sent His ONLY Son to pay for our sins, His love for all of us, His desire for our lives, and how He is continually there for us no matter what. We are not worthy. We, brothers and sisters, are NOT worthy. For this I am thankful.

During these last couple of weeks there have been many defining moments of my journey with our Lord Jesus Christ here in Germany. I have had the privilege of leading devotions for our middle school staff, represent Messiah College at the BFA College Fair Day for the high schoolers, attend THREE shows of BFA's fall musical:  Seussical the Musical, attend TWO Thanksgiving dinners: one at the middle school house/dorm and another at my apartment with 12 close friends from the BFA community, and attending the BFA High School Christmas Banquet. God continues to bless me week after week as I serve Him here, wanting to me more and more like Him in my actions and who I am. Day after day I fail, but I continue to strive to be like Him as He allows me to do so. 

My roommate playing the piano as we sang worship songs

Leading Devotions at school

It was my honor to have the opportunity to lead middle school staff devotions recently. Speaking on being courageous for Him, I was able to make a video that incorporated multiple pictures of God's people serving around the world. Some of my friends were gracious enough as to lend me some of their photos from when they served in Nicaragua, Haiti, Ghana, and Johannesburg, South Africa. I also included some of my pictures from Kandern, Germany here at Black Forest Academy. It brought me happiness to speak on something that has been so close to my heart. Using the words of Casting Crowns new song, "Courageous," I was able to pair the words of the song with the pictures for, what I think, was a dramatic affect of how we are here on this earth to be courageous for Him and His people. As 2 Corinthians 5:6 states, "Being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord -- for we walk by faith, not by sight..."

College Fair Day at the HS (where I hosted the "Messiah College" table)

Within the past couple of weeks I was asked to host the "Messiah College" table at Black Forest Academy so that those high school students currently attending Black Forest Academy would be able to learn more about the college, with the prospect of going there in the near future. Throughout the day it was a great mixture of freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors as they walked by the various tables, eager to learn more information about the institutions (and in some cases hoping to get some free goodies). :-) It was great to be a part of something that was held at the high school for the high schoolers. Being able to help out in that specific way was energizing and very fun!

Various characters from "Seussical the Musical", performed by BFA

"Seussical the Musical" performed by BFA

For this Fall's Musical at Black Forest Academy the students performed "Seussical the Musical." The Musical consisted of middle schoolers (most of which I teach math to) and high schoolers (some of which I lead in small group bible study). They performed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday -- I went on all three nights. Even though it seems crazy to have gone three times, it was great to see them grow and and improve in their performances as well as see my students and small group girls shine on stage. Way to go Stage and Crew for all of your hard work, it definitely paid off.

The delicious meal at our Cross Country gathering

Cross Country - end with a Bang

The Cross Country team, its coaches, and I were able to get together one last time this season in order to look back on all that we were able to accomplish and overcome. With the help of our Lord the team has made some great accomplishments and can, therefore, look back on a great season. We were able to spend one last time together in His fellowship as we consumed great food (Taco Salad, cake, and ice cream), presented awards, watched a short slide show presentation of the season, and played a few games. Overall it was a great time spent in company with one another and our Lord as we ended the season with one last BANG. :-)

Thanksgiving Dinner with my roommates and friends

This Thanksgiving season I was able to attend two different Thanksgiving meals. The first meal was held at the middle school house/dorm, where I previously subbed for a weekend. It was a time of great Thanksgiving and personal time with four of my students here at BFA. One moment in particular that still stands out to me was when one of my eighth graders took the time to thank her dorm parents (a young married couple) for all that they have done. She noted that all four students in the middle school house have never been away from their parents before, but that they (the dorm parents) had made it an easy transition. What brought joy, and some tears, to my eyes was when the dorm dad (what would seem like a tough fella) started shedding tears. That moment touched my heart and gave me joy this Thanksgiving.

Another Thanksgiving that I was able to participate in was one a little closer to home, literally. Having helped out with some decor and desserts, my roommates and I opened up our apartment to 10 lovely ladies from the community in order to glorify and praise our Lord for all that He has blessed us with, and who He is in our lives. We spent our Friday night being thankful for Him and who He is, worshipping Him as my roommates played the piano and operated the slide show of words, sharing verses of Thanksgiving out of the Bible, and emotional words in prayer during this Thanksgiving season. I am blessed for our Lord's provision over all of our lives and continue to be thankful for those amazing people He has put in my life since being here at BFA. Two of those people are my roommates - I continue to be thankful for them and thank God for the chance that He gave us to become closer and bond during the preparation of our Thanksgiving time with such close friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord God Almighty. 

Christmas Banquet with BFA friends and family

Just last night I was able to attend BFA's annual Christmas Banquet, filled with love, laughter, food and fun. The evening consisted of dinner, a talent show/program, dancing, dessert, and many, many, many pictures. During this event the eighth graders had the opportunity to "serve" as waiters and waitresses, providing drinks, salad, and busting the tables. It was such a joy to see some of my students as well as my small group bible study girls all in the same place at the same time, celebrating our Lord Jesus Christ and His birth. It was truly a night of fun, laughter, and great memories.

God in all His splendor

God knows exactly what we need and how to provide for us, before we even give it a thought. Today I was given the unique opportunity to listen to a recent sermon from my church online. After listening for a couple of minutes I stared to become overwhelmed with the message that God was showing me. Being a dear loved one at my church that I know quite well, I was touched as He became broken for the Lord and His call for our lives. The sermon specifically talked about how God constantly meets us where we are. Some key points that I take away from the sermon are as follows:  "I purchased you on the cross...I died for you...I live for you...you can't have a better plan for my church than I do...I will build my church, and nothing will stand against it. Not even Hell...God is in full control, He is sovereign..." Tears rolled down my face as I made personal connections with the sermon and applied them to my life. God truly continues to reach out to us, it is just our choice whether we listen or not. Thank you God for continuing to pursue me even if I do not always listen.

Missions while being a Missionary

Just this past week I found out that I will be one of the leaders on a missions trip to Brest, Belarus in April of 2012. After learning of this opportunity I was overjoyed in the various ways that I have been able to, and continue to be able to, serve our Lord here at BFA. A couple days ago I had the chance to meet with the Head on this missions trip, where we were able to brainstorm what we want this trip to look like for the six highs school students that will be in attendance with us. After deep conversation as to how we are going to raise funds, minister to the students, and exemplify a deep love of our Lord while in Belarus, I began to realize what a honor it is to have the love of our Lord, and the joy that comes with that when sharing the good news with others. If you would, please join me in prayer as I mentally, spiritually, and financially prepare myself and these students for our trip in April. As we work on team building please pray for our future bible studies, devotionals, and ministry opportunities together as one body united through Him.

Posters that my Algebra class created on simplifying equations

Prayer for others in their Service to Him

A couple days ago I received a letter from two very close friends back home in Pennsylvania. They, with God's direction and guidance, have answered a call to serve Him in Haiti this upcoming year. The first time I heard this news I was rushed with feeling of happiness and sorrow. Happy due to the fact that they are using their passion and desire for our Lord and His people to serve those whom they care about so deeply, but sad due to the fact that they will no longer be within a couple miles of my home in Pennsylvania. However, setting my selfish feelings aside I could not be happier for them in their journey with our Lord Jesus Christ. They have been such a huge influence on me in my journey as a missionary that I would not be able to be anything except the same for them. I am including their information below in case you would be interested in including them in your prayers and/or support as they continue on a faith journey with Him to Haiti. (echoesfromhaiti.blogspot.com; www.cten.org/benbeachy)

Thank you so much for your love and support as we head into this holiday season that celebrates the birth of the precious one:  Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Things to look forward to in this upcoming Month:

Small group Bible study Christmas Party

The first-time visit of my roommate's mother here in Germany

Meetings for our Brest, Belarus missions trip

Middle School open house for our German neighbors and BFA community

Our Last Small group Bible study before Christmas Break

Middle School Christmas Party and Holiday festivities

Christmas Party with other young missionaries here at BFA

Performance of the Drama class's Christmas Play (taught by my roommate and me)

Middle School and High School Exams before Christmas

Praises:  Personal time in the word, Time with great friends here at BFA, God's constant provision over our lives, wonderful roommates, the continual support of those back home -- I love you all so much!

Prayers:  For more personal/along time with My Lord, My mother's boss (she has Lung and Skin cancer), A friend's father who recently had a heart attack, one of my Best Friends who is having strong Braxton Hicks contractions, Safe travels for my roommate's mother, Spiritual growth for those on BFA missions trips, and my friends back home that are serving in Haiti in the near future.

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe..."

~Hebrews 12:28~

Putting my Feet into the Water...

Where did October go? It just seems like yesterday that I sat down to scribble some ideas down for my Blog and then before I knew it October was practically over.  Within these past couple of weeks there have been numerous events that have taken place: Middle School overnight, Pottery market, new staff gatherings, subbing at the Middle School dorm, Middle School fall party, Cross Country meets and finals, progressive dinner for small group bible study, parent teacher conferences, Herbstmesse, small group bible study sleepover…not to mention I learned how to drive stick-shift and am now teaching German.

While arriving in Kandern, Germany a couple months ago I just merely placed my feet in the water; however, as time passed and I was able to get more of a grip on what I was doing and who I was with I suddenly realized that my feet were fully immersed into the water. My hope is to give you a little glimpse of the community that I am now apart of, physically, mentally and spiritually.

 The middle school overnight was a great chance to get to know the middle schoolers a little bit better without the typical "school" setting that we are used to. I have to admit, working at BFA is unlike any other school I have encountered. The students are not afraid to be seen with their teachers, normally, and they quite enjoy spending time with them when possible. The middle school overnight was a great chance to grow alongside of them spiritually as well as socially. A great start to what seems like will be a wonderful year together.


Töpfermarkt is Kandern's annual pottery market that displays the multitude of talented potters from the surrounding areas. In order to sell your pottery at this specific market you have to prepare ahead of time and actually be "accepted" into it about a year in advance. I know, intense. Regardless, the pottery that you get to see AND buy is amazing. The detail that goes into every line, color, and detail amazes me and makes me appreciate the gifts that God has given those around me -- what a joy.

 Fall Party is another annual event that the middle school puts on, theme and all. This year the theme was Movies! Right up my alley. The girls to the left were from "Remember the Titans." All of the events that the middle school hosts are so much fun to be apart of because the kids go full-out with costumes, activities, etc. It was my privilege during this particular event to be a judge for, and announce, "Best Actor," "Best Actress," and "Best Motion Picture." It was fun to see the kids get so involved with the party, and to be a part of it myself. The party had different elements to it. Students were able to show off their costume, act out a scene (if they were in a movie with others), and also play some games (organized by student             council). Below you can see some of the various pictures taken that night.

Three minions (from Despicable Me)

Me (Barbie) with Heather

As a middle school staff we decided to be "Toy Story" -- great, I know!

(Pictured above: Coach Tebbe and the team getting ready to run, Anne and I calculating times, and one of our captains Josh -- it was his birthday that day. His present:  2 baked potatoes! His favorite! :-) )

Cross Country. It is hard to believe that Cross Country is over. Part of me walks away sad and part of me walks away happy. Sad that it has to end with such a short season (yet a great one), and happy due to the fact that I will have more time to relax and enjoy this beautiful season of colors that God has provided us with. Not having the regimented running schedule will definitely make it harder to run everyday, but with Him I can be strong and stick to my own schedule of running through these beautiful hills and be able to gasp at God’s breathtaking scenery. What an amazing God we have to bless us with such images.

I absolutely love each and every ONE of these people --
and will severely miss running with them each day! GO TEAM!

                  Herbstmesse is, yet, another annual event. Not only for BFA, but for Basel, Switzerland (where it is held). The town puts up a big Farris Wheel (that can be seen from miles away) and everyone comes out to join in the festivities. For BFA in particular the activity focused on is bumper cars. Yes, you heard me correctly, bumper cars. An event that even the teachers participate in, everyone gets geared up that day during school to have fun that night. Anticipation builds as the kids think about not only who they are going to ride with, but more importantly who they are going to “bump” into. In most cases the students go after the teachers (or it sure felt like that as I was driving around). Nonetheless, the event was incredibly fun and made for a great evening of getting to spend time with the kids outside of school. 

Below:  My roommates and me at Herbstmesse!

 

My Algebra class received a great surprise the one day during class as I presented them with Fall goodies that my mother sent them from the states! They were all very excited to get some candies that we are unable to get here in Germany such as Reese Peanut Butter cups and Tootsie Rolls. One student in particular wanted to thank my mother personally for sending the goodies in the mail; therefore, she wrote a little note on the board (seen below). It is such a great privilege to teach these kids and spend time with them each and everyday. They continue to bless me and bring me joy.

Thank you so much, once again, for being such a great support and encouragement in my life. I continue to pray for you as your names are on my calendar. Please let me know if there is anything specific that you want me to pray for. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Things to look forward to in these next couple of months:

Leading Devotions this upcoming week at school

College Fair Day at the HS (where I will be hosting the "Messiah College" table)

Seussical the Musical performed by BFA

Thanksgiving Dinner with my roommates and friends

Christmas Banquet with BFA friends and family

Praises:  Finding more of my place in the BFA community, wonderful roommates, a great Cross Country season, the love and undying encouragement from all of my friends and family back home! Thank you -- I would not be on this journey without you!!

Prayers:  Having personal alone time with him, my mother's boss (she may have cancer), a friend back home (her father recently passed), and the continual prayer of those serving (not only here but in ALL parts of the world). 

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" 

~ Matthew 28:19

How Great the Father's Love for Us

In John 7 verses 16 to 18 it states, "So Jesus answered them and said, 'My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself. He who speaks from Himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.'" We are here on this earth to glorify Him in all that we are and all that we do. My prayer over these past couple of weeks has been just that, not for just me but for all that know Him and are not ashamed to speak His name and the undying love that He has for us.

The ALPS!

 

Ever since the beginning of school life has been somewhat crazy. Between visitors, school, cross country, Budenfest (a festival in town), the Hillsong concert, and a teacher's retreat life has been somewhat go, go, go for the past couple of weeks. Being a "go-go" kinda person this somewhat seemed to fit my personality; however, every once and a while it is nice to be able to sit back and relax. On top of the fast-paced life these past couple of weeks it also seemed to be somewhat of an emotional one as well. Realizing that it will take me some time to call Germany "my home," I could not help but go through some rough patches.

Going up the hill to the concert

Driving along Lake Geneva to get to the concert

The past couple of weeks it was evident that I was missing my friends and family from back home in the states. Having had the chance to talk with some of them on the phone, skype, or in some cases even receive mail was honestly and truly a blessing. I think between the combination of not sleeping that much and not having my normal support system took somewhat of a toll on me. However, I am eternally thankful to say that God knows us better than we know ourselves and in some cases answered my prayers before I even spoke them. Holding strong to what Matthew 28:20 says God got me through this past month:  "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Being new here and not quite knowing where Megan fit in yet has been tough. Particularly last week I found myself wondering how I quite fit into God's plan over here in Germany. I found myself thinking quite often to myself: I used to be the thoughtful one:  writing messages, sending gifts, checking up on people, etc. It's almost as if I've been replaced, but in a good way. But where is my place? What is mine? Who am I? I know, quite deep thoughts for only being here for a little bit of time. I guess you could say that I thought I would walk into Germany knowing everyone, and vise versa -- them knowing me. Well, unfortunately that was not the case. After thinking about this for quite a bit I realized that it wasn't my role anymore to take on the world with no one else thinking the way that I do -- there was now a whole world that was just like me!" What a blessing, but at the same time an interesting predicament. What does this mean for me? I thought to myself. It is at that point that I began to pray. God, I realize that you have me here for a reason. Please help me to better understand your purpose for my life as I serve you here at BFA. It was not too long after that in which He answered that prayer of mine. (Keep reading!)

After experiencing so many interesting "lows" over the past month it was refreshing to reflect on the "high" points, realizing that even though circumstances may seem rough from time to time, God will always meet us exactly where we are. It is as He puts it in Hebrews 13:5, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." One particular night last week I remember finding out that I had received mail during the day. After getting really excited I proceeded to go into our "lounge room" and sit down. After noticing who it was from I began to smile, wanting to know what words I would find inside. After all of probably 2 seconds I began to cry from the words contained on the card. Not only was it from a close friend back home but they were writing to inform me of their monthly pledge to help me in my ministry while serving Him over here in Germany. My heart sank. I could not believe the commitment that they were making to support me in my ministry. I can remember thinking I am not worthy as the tears proceeded to stream down my face. That night God and I made a decision that I was going to live life for Him over here and He would slowly show me what it is that He has planned for me while I'm here. (Don't worry, I'm getting to the good stuff -- keep reading!)

The view from my window in Adelboden, Switzerland

This past Friday (Sept. 16th) was just like every other Friday except for one thing. THIS particular Friday I was to be leaving in order to head to the Teacher's Retreat in Adelboden, Switzerland. Over the past couple of weeks this decision was somewhat of a struggle because it fell on the same weekend as our first cross country meet. Not wanting to "ditch" the team I decided not to attend the retreat and instead would be heading to the cross country meet with the team; however, God had different plans. Over the course of a couple of days God made it possible for me to attend the teacher's retreat...and it was not until now that I know why. Looking back a couple days prior I thought about my questions again:  But where is my place? What is mine? Who am I? While away at the teacher's retreat I was reminded of my love for people, community, and His creation. With great conviction and emotion I walk away from this spiritually-fun-filled weekend with answers to my questions of longing:  While serving this year at BFA I have been privileged to be helping with the cross country team, small group bible study, and getting to know my co-workers and roommates better. I am a child of God whom He loves very much and will never leave nor forsake. He loves me whole-heardedly and would never want to hurt me or see me in pain. I am His and He is mine. I think this is a realization I am still trying to grasp as I head back to "normal" life away from the beautiful Alps setting; however, I walk away refreshed and renewed in God's life and purpose for my life.

The mountain that we CLIMBED

What a beautiful creation God has given us to admire

The falls on top of the mountain

While on the teacher's retreat in Switzerland I was able to spend some much needed connection time with fellow missionaries at BFA that I do not get to see that much. While there we were able to laugh, cry (due to laughing so much), and just enjoy the life that God has given us. On Saturday I was given the opportunity to travel with some wonderful people to a near-by waterfall streaming out of a mountain. Just imagine:  Fall weather is starting to kick into gear, you're heading to a waterfall that flows from a mountain, and to top it all off you're in the Alps. Yep, that basically describes this past Saturday for me. As we began to hike up the mountain, yes, I said hike...I began to take notice to God's amazing creation. It was almost impossible for me to walk 10 minutes straight without pausing to take a picture of the spectacular view of His creation that He was allowing me to see throughout my hour and a half hike up the mountain. After going through such an emotionally unstable week I was so completely in awe of what God was presenting to me. If God loves me enough that He can share this magnificent creation with me, then I should be willing enough to give my all to Him, even if sometimes I don't know where I'm headed or what I'm doing or where He has me. I just need to be still, just like these mountains, and know that He is my God. He has my back. 

Our Chateau in Switzerland

The lovely hiking companions

"I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God. I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you. I will increase the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field, so that you will no longer suffer disgrace among the nations because of famine."
~ Ezekiel 36: 25-30 ~


Praises:  Roommates, new friends, Provisions (clothes, shoes, food, hot water), School family (they always have my back and have been an extreme blessing), students (they have accepted me for the crazy teacher that I am)


Prayers:  That I am able to find my place here, to find more alone time with Him, to see Him in the big and little things, and that I am able to juggle everything I have committed to, and most importantly for my family, friends, and church back home

Teaching the Metric Unit to 7th grade

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your continual prayers and support!! May God Bless you!