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!

Loving on these Kids...

Looking into this year at Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany it was evident that there would be some challenges. Many of the children here come from different backgrounds of learning which causes the teaching aspect of things to be somewhat difficult. Going into this year as the middle school Mathematics teacher I prayed for God to give me the strength and the ability to reach out to these children as it may be harder for them to learn. With an open mind and an open heart I started teaching them mathematics. After a couple of days my fear began to grow that they were not understanding the material, even though they were verbalizing that everything was fine. Today my heart dropped when a student came up to me after class and said the following:  "Miss Taylor, for some reason in the past math has always been my hardest subject. I was always confused and had tons of questions...but this year it is actually fun!" My heart smiled! To think that even one student went from dreading math to loving it definitely was a blessing from God. God is at work here at Black Forest Academy and I'm blessed to be a part of it.

God's great creation outside our apartment window

As I approach my first month's end here in Germany I just want to thank all of you for supporting me in prayer. It has truly been a blessing to work with the children here and it's only been a month! I look forward to the GREAT things that God has in store for me as well as these kids and we get to know one another. Just recently it has been laid heavy on my heart to continue in prayer about next year. Realizing that we are not even into that much of this school year I am prayerfully considering, with your help, serving Him another year here in Germany. With plans to come home this summer and work to raise money, I ask you a huge favor:  please pray with me that the Lord makes it evident if I am supposed to stay here. My heart is here with these children of God and I know, now more than ever, that no matter what I will leave part of it here with them. I have truly been changed as a person even within this past month, so to think how much I could change within this next year excites my heart even more.

God, thank you for this opportunity that you have given me to serve your children here in Germany. I pray that as I am here my fellow brothers and sisters are are home doing the same, excited for your love and a passion in their relationship with you. I cannot thank you enough for this great life you have given me where I get to be close to you and talk about you every day. It is a privilege to serve you in this capacity and I pray that, if it is your will, that you would keep me here for more than this year. Please be with my loved ones at home as I miss them dearly and think about them everyday. I pray that you are keeping them safe during these times of trial and that they are seeking you more than ever. Please let them know the love that I have for them and that they will always hold a special place in my heart, just as these children in Germany. Lord, I love you with my heart and my soul, and I long to worship you.

Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 

~ Matthew 22:37

First Full Week Ahead...

          Just yesterday I had the privilege of getting together with the Parsons (the director of my organization -- CMML; www.cmml.us). It was great to see familiar faces and be able to share some of my journey so far with them. While we were together we travelled to one of the higher mountains here near Kandern called "Hochblauen." "Hoch" meaning "high" and "blau" meaning "blue." While approaching the top we entered into a fog and it was hard to see exactly where we were going; however, we made it to the top. Even though we were unable to see what was below, it did not take away from the experience. Shortly after traveling down the mountain, and I could not help but think about how often as humans we are high like the "Hochblauen." It is easy for us to forget about His plans for us and continue with our own. I am so blessed to have a God that can continually use my surroundings in order to teach me. It is at that point when we are free of the fog that it is clear, and we are able to see what is in store for us below. God works like this. It is not until we surrender to Him and come down off our mountain that we can truly see what great things He has awaiting us.

As I approach the first full week of teaching these teens I cannot help but pray for those who are here for the first time and may not have a lot of friends. I have already noticed in a couple of my classes that this year might serve as somewhat of a challenge due to the wide range of how and what people have previously learned. I pray that God is able to give me the strength and courage to use different methods and think outside the box when it comes to teaching them the material.

As I prepare my lesson plans and think about teaching these teens, I've had the blessing and pleasure of staying in contact with numerous friends and family members, as well as connecting with my roommates. I find myself really appreciative of the contact that I do still have with the states and pray for them often. Even though at times I get antsy to come home and share all of the great things that are happening here at BFA, I know that the time will come when it's meant to. I think the scariest realization I've had so far is that I could honestly see myself here for quite some time, if the Lord allows me. Thank you for your continual prayer and support as I reach out to those here at Black Forest Academy. Especially those on the East Coast, be safe during these times of harsh weather and know that I am praying for you.

"And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted." ~ Isaiah 49:11

Almost Two Weeks in the Making...

My desk in the teacher's lounge.

It seems hard to believe that I haven't even been here two weeks yet. So much has happened already that it seems hard to believe that there is so much more to come. Thinking back over this past week and a half I am extremely grateful to have met the people that I have along with accomplishing the work that has needed to get done. I am happy and excited to say that tomorrow, Monday, I get to meet some of my students! It will be a joyful mixture of new students that are checking out the school for the first time, and prior students that are interested in seeing their teachers and classrooms before the first day of school starts on Tuesday (THIS Tuesday!).


It is such a blessing to think back on all of the preparations that have gone into making this school year a great one for the kids. After moving buildings, preparing classrooms, getting a new principal, and orienting the new and prior staff members, it finally feels like the school year is ready to be put into action! Granted there are last minute details here and there, but I am definitely excited to meet those that make all of this work worth it -- the children. What an exciting calling to hang out with children all day long! I'm excited that God has taken my passion and desire to serve Him along with my talents to bring me here to Black Forest Academy!

My room:  the computer lab (without computers) :-)

Praise the Lord for helping me to finish my lesson plans, classroom set-up, and syllabi in time for the students to arrive. As always there are still items on my "to do list" that I need to complete in order to check off, but God continues to be my pillar of strength during these times of trial and error. I cannot express my love for Him enough, knowing that He is with me every step of the way. I am continually grateful to Him throughout my day as He proves to me more and more how He knows me better than I know myself. For instance, He provided to me two roommates who absolutely love Him and, well, now me. :-) They continue to be an encouragement to me as I walk forward into the unknown.

Over the past week and a half my roommates and I have been able to bond over many different things such as movies, relationships, class schedules, but most of all food. I've discovered that there is always time to sit down over a nice meal and catch-up on how our day has been, connecting more and more with one another and Him each time. For the most part Brittany and Heather have been showering me with good food that they have prepared for me, so I was overjoyed the other day when it was my turn to finally cook them something. Below you will find pictures of just SOME of the amazing meals they have presented me with over my time here with them in Germany, and I am happy to say that more are still to come.

 

       

There was one night in particular this week that stands out in my mind. Heather, Brittany, and I had a long day at school and knew that by the time we got home we would need some "down time" just relaxing and being, well, ourselves. After dinner Brittany walked up to the dining room table and proceeded to say, "Guys, I have an idea." Waiting in anticipation I was not sure what to do or say. It was at that moment that Brittany uttered the words, "We should have a campfire." And we did. That night outside on the roof of our apartment garage we proceeded to burn wood, talk, and make smores. It may have been one of the best nights I've had here so far. 

Our campfire :-)

Needless to say my time here so far in Germany has been nothing shy of an adventure. Specifically this past week I have so much to praise Him for. Between baking cookies for our staff lunch, team building activities such as weeding our playground, having various appointments, working on lesson plans, having an all staff BBQ, and meeting with the Athletic Director about my co-coaching Cross Country this fall there is soooooo much to praise Him for! As I look through my calendar of events and opportunities I cannot help but fight this feeling that this year serving Him is going to fly by in the blink of an eye. With that being said I continue to pray for strength in each and every new day, with fresh eyes to see Him more clearly than ever. Continue to pray with me that I am able to seize opportunities to speak His name and share His love with those around me. 

Thank you for your continual support as I pray for us all!

 "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
~ Isaiah 40:29-31

Finally to my Destination: Kandern, Germany

After a long flight from the Philadelphia to Basel (France) I am finally to my end destination: Kandern, Germany. The journey to get here has been long and emotional; however, EVERY step of the way God has been blessing me which continues to strengthen my faith. I cannot thank the Lord enough for everything He has done including His amazing and wonderful children He has placed within it. 

The hearts of my friends and family have never been more evident than in this moment. It is when you truly begin to trust in Him and whole-heartedly give everything up to Him that amazing strength and endurance start to throw more logs on your fire of faith for Him. It is my personal hope and desire that I never allow myself to dwindle that fire, especially since our fleshly desires as humans tend to impede on such a mission. 

Pictured Above: Heather, Brittany and ME :-)

After arriving here my schedule quickly picked up and I was blessed to be able to hang out with and get to know my roommates, Heather and Brittany (pictured above). They have been so wonderful to be around and super helpful in the "move in" process. Without them my head would definitely be spinning. The breakdown is as follows:  Tuesday morning I arrived, Brittany picked me up and unfortunately her battery in her car died (and we were able to get help from some nice Black Forest Academy gentlemen), we then waited at the airport for 2 to 3 hours, went home to unpack at my apartment (pictured below!), go to the grocery store, have dinner, and watch a movie with my roomies (This was all Tuesday). Then Wednesday I was able to attend the New Staff Orientation that was occurring all week and met some great people in which I will be serving with this year, went to tour the Elementary school, got picked up by my roommate Heather to visit my school (the Middle School), had lunch, went to an "All Staff Meeting," and went to Basel, Switzerland with my roommates (this is where the picture is taken!). Thursday, finally, we woke up to head to the bank and IKEA to purchase different things we needed for our apartment and classrooms, had lunch in IKEA, ran back and forth delivering materials and such to our apartment and school, went "Sparmuelling" (aka picking up things from the side of the road that people do not want -- this happens 2 times a year), went home to have dinner, and relaxed a little for the evening and got to know one another a little better. All-in-all you could say that I have been go-go-go since I got here which has been great!! 

Our apartment is the middle section of this beautiful German house :-)

Even though my journey ahead is completely unpredictable and somewhat frightening at points, my one constant is what keeps me going:  our Lord Jesus Christ. From here I follow His hands and feet allowing Him to control the paths of my actions, fully and completely giving my heart up to Him in this time of immense faith and growth not only as a person but a child of God. May I never lose sight of Him as I glorify Him in all that I do and say in the presence of His children.

Once again thank you for all of your support and prayers. It is my hope to update my blog a lot more now that I am actually to my destination of serving Him. Within these next couple of days/weeks please keep in prayer the setting up of my classroom, establishing and writing curriculum for my Math/Algebra/Computer classes and that the Lord will be with all of us here at BFA as we seek to glorify Him in all that we do. With that being said please know that I am praying for you and your family as we all support one another in this community of believers. God Bless!!

"...but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." ~Luke 22:32

Moments away from being a Missionary

It is scary to think that ONE WEEK from today I will be embarking on my journey to Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany to be a missionary. Summer has definitely flown by quite rapidly as I have been preparing for this significant event. However, the excitement begins to build as next Monday is right around the corner.

This past month has been such a blessing preparing for my time abroad and being able to catch up with loved ones. God is truly continually blessing me as I prepare for my time in Germany. Some highlights of things that have happened over the past month include:  friends and family visiting me in Maryland, a great outing with my family to a Phillies game, two Best Friends of mine from college getting married, and getting baptized before heading off to the mission field. Overall, I cannot complain about this summer and how God has truly blessed me.

Throughout this whole process my church, Oxford Bible Chapel (oxfordbiblechapel.com), has been completely supportive of me and honestly has blessed me in so many ways. Their humbleness and willingness to serve our Lord has truly spoken volumes to me as I prepare for the mission field. Just recently I was officially commended into my organization, Christian Missions in Many Lands (CMML), which officially means that they have set aside a "bank account" for me so that those who desire to can give money. Therefore, I am including the information below so that those who have a desire from the Lord to share His money are able to do so.

**For those interested you can send a check/money order addressed to "CMML, Inc." to the following address. Please add in the memo line: "Megan Nicole Taylor" so that they know which missionary you wish to give towards. Once they receive your donations they will send you back the proper tax forms for your refund. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Address:  CMML, Inc.
                P.O. Box 13
                Spring Lake, NJ 07762-0013

*Note: As of right now I am not on the CMML website so that contributors are able to give online; however, once I find out that I am I will be sure to add that to the Blog. :-)

As stated previously, please let me know if you ever have any questions regarding my work for our Lord and do not hesitate to let me know how I can be in prayer for you and your family. I continue to pray for all of you and your lives as God continues to bless me in mine.

"The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." ~Galatians 5:22