I am home in Arkansas for July and August. This time home has been a time of rest and refreshing. It seems the personal trial of the spring has brought about the fruit of peace. It feels like going back and forth between continents will be less difficult than before thanks to the grace of God. I am reminded of Hebrews 12:11, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Here's the latest on what's coming up for me. I just registered for a TESOL (ESL) course in London, England. It is an intensive 4 week course. I will finish with a TESOL certification which will make me eligible to teach English as a second language anywhere. Of course, my goal will be France. This certification should help me in obtaining a job and a work visa.
I will then move on to a region in France called Alsace. God has connected me with wonderful believers in Alsace. I introduced you to them in my blog in May. I will be volunteering with them and will serve with the youth in their church Église Josué and in their French Christian school École et Collège Privé Daniel. I will simply aide the youth in worship and prayer and be involved in a 24/7 prayer initiative. While serving the visions of Josué and Daniel (the church and school), I will also be improving my French, deepening and making connections, and looking for job opportunities.
I am very excited about what is coming up this autumn. God has been so faithful to make things clear and provide the way.
Thanks to all of you for keeping up with me and supporting me.
Here are the websites for the church and school if you are curious and want to see where I will be going. The sites are in French.
http://eglisejosue.free.fr/
http://www.college-daniel.org/
Please pray for:
~strength and success for the intensive TESOL course in September
~continued provision
~guidance on how to find a job and get a work visa (this is a big one!)
~safe travels and good health
**The photo above is from a recent visit from a young woman I met at language school last fall. Katie (second from the right) was able to come for a couple days. On the right is Emily a long time friend who is expecting her first baby. (I am praying the baby comes before I have to leave.) Carl and Becky Hudson are on the left. All of these folks are special to me and examples of the importance of the family of God.
