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| 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.
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| Going up the hill to the concert |
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| 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!)
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| 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.
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| The mountain that we CLIMBED |
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| What a beautiful creation God has given us to admire |
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| 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.
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| Our Chateau in Switzerland |
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| 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
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| 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!
