"For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning."
- T. S. Eliot

Last Friday, I locked the doors to my 6th grade classroom one last time. Then on Sunday morning, I hopped on a plane for Endorsement Orientation. Talk about transition! In the midst of physically grieving the end of my ten-year career as a middle school teacher, I arrived in PA to be a sponge, ready to soak up all the info and resources I need for the next step.

"...to make an end is to make a beginning..."

And it's not easy.  

A couple nights ago, I found myself overwhelmed. I was full of doubt, asking God, "Are you sure you have the right gal?  It's been a fun ride and I've learned a lot, but I'm not sure if you are serious in calling me to continue." A burning bush moment. I was reminded through texts with friends and a phone call to my friend Becca in Nor Cal: God has me. God is faithful. He has brought me this far. He will accomplish His plans for me.

That night, I had a Mango Key Lime Cheesecake for dessert with my area director, Charles Jones, and my fellow endorsed missionary friends, Awenam and Holale. I told them that, every time I have cheesecake from now on, I will remember how I felt at that moment, full of fear and doubt. But more importantly, I will also be able to rejoice in the many awesome ways God will meet me in the great unknown that is ahead of me.  

Many more burning bush moments will come, but I know who holds me. Faith as small as a mustard seed? "Mafish Mushkila"—"no problem," as they say in Arabic. I love how Holale has constantly reminded me this week, "There are no small promises in the Bible."  

Amen! I believe it!

I look forward to getting to know you better, perhaps over cheesecake!  (Not all at once, please! :)  

Please email me to find out more ways to join me in the journey to see God glorified the Middle East!