No news is good news (July 7th... ish)

Hello dear friends and family,

I have so much to tell, but not much time or space to tell it. Since my long ago note just before graduation I've worked many odd jobs including painting the walls of the pharmacy where my Mom works, put away items from two pharmacy orders, paint two store signs, babysat, garden, clean offices, tend counter at "Everthing Scottish" gift shop, and several other things that I'm not remembering. :)

I took one of our church girls (Megan) to the WILDs Christian Camp last week. We went for the day just to see what it was like. I'd had never gone, but I knew that it was a wonderful place for many people and I wanted to provide Megan with a way of growing and learning about our Lord.

Another reason I took Megan to the WILDS was because I've accepted a teaching job, and I knew that I wouldn't have much time left with Megan. She is like a little sister, so I didn't want to leave her without doing something special.

Jobs: Some of you may have read from my blog (the link should be at the bottom of this page) I haven't updated it often, but I have posted my job situation. Cornerstone Christian Academy in Fayetteville, NC (about 5 hours from my parents') has given me a position to teach 2nd grade in their elementary school. I'm really excited about working with this school. I found their website through the American Association of Christian Schools, and was impressed, so I sent an email with my resume attached during a time when I was sending out many resumes. The principal replied and wanted to find a time to meet. I appreciated the welcome, and the warmth of the people right away. Their philosophy and ministry focus was very refreshing.

During my school searching I got an email about a possibility to teach overseas in 2011. I hoped that by then my braces would be close to coming off, so I'd be free to help in a international ministry. I responded to an email and met with the principal for Condell Park Christian School in Sydney, Australia. They were looking for a teacher to come for July 2011 to teach a combined 5th and 6th grade class.

About a month after graduation, I got a call one early morning from Sydney asking me to come. I was shocked. I never expected to be the one chosen. It took some time, but I'm thankful for how the Lord did give me peace about this and is providing me with a way to get experience not too far from home this fall, then next summer go to Sydney and take this opportunity of a lifetime to learn and teach in an overseas setting. Cornerstone is understanding and willing to let me teach only a year. I think they'd prefer longer term, as would I, but my prayer is to give them my best, and learn this first year of teaching, then be ready for the next hurdle/learning opportunity as it comes.

Cornerstone classes start early August so right now I'm juggling a fews days of work, the rest is spent with family, and helping where I can. It will be a bit of a challenge to get back into teaching mode after my few months off. I really appreciate how so many of you have expressed interest, and encouraged me before and during my college years, and now as I go out to serve. I do have some struggles, the continual fight I have with trusting God, and getting used to the idea of living on my own. I'm packing away a lot of stuff, or trying to find people/places that can use a lot of the things that I've accumulated over time.

I will try to send updates. Please let me know how I can pray for you. I don't have many good ways to keep informed, and I do want to know how to pray for you.
in Christ,
Beth:)