Faithfulness

I have been reminded by several people that I have not updated my blog lately.  It's true.  After three and a half months in California, so much has been happening and I haven't been able to capture a writing "voice" for it.  The transitions haven't been easy, but have continued the theme of growth in my life.  Without new experiences, new places, etc.,  we would remain the same.  Instead, God desires us to grow into people that reflect his glory and character in each joy and trial. This past week I reflected on all the questions I had in the spring.  (job, relationships, finances, etc.) I'll stop to say that even though he's moving me forward, the children and people in Tanzania are forever engraved on my heart.  God has been faithful to provide in each area mentioned above so let me catch you up.  

For two months I was a substitute teacher.  God provided work everyday! The GPS was my constant companion as I learned how to get to 18 different schools.  It's difficult to go somewhere new everyday.  You don't get to develop relationships with the children or other staff.  However, you DO learn how important sub plans are and you DO see many great ideas to incorporate in your own classroom.  Each day I was asked, "Where are you from?" , "Why'd you move here?"  and "Don't you know there are no teaching jobs here?" 

God knew differently and he said so through one of the principals who called to ask me about interviewing for a first grade teaching job.  I did and I got it. :)  For the past three weeks, I've been teaching at a charter school in the area. 

A new job + the middle of the school year + all my teaching supplies are still in VA = very little time with Paul.

A pelican with seals in the background.

He asked me if I could set aside Saturday, November 5th to spend time together.  He had taken the initiative to plan a special day so I didn't ask any questions.  We got in the car and hours later arrived in Monterrey.  We walked along the wharfs looking at seals, pelicans, and sailboats.  After lunch along the water and exploring some tide pools we drove along highway one.  It will leave you in awe of God's majesty, beauty, and creation.

We pulled off and walked along a short path to McWay Falls.  It was stunning to see this waterfall land on the shore beside the ocean.    Waterfalls have been a theme for us.  We've visited several together in VA, CA, and Africa.  He asked me to marry him and I said yes.  McWay Falls is the place we will remember as the beginning of our engagement.   Let me give you the opportunity to see God's fingerprints in that place: