Synonym for "Faithfulness": God

" What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God's faithfulness? Not at all!" Romans 3:3-4 He's gone and done it again! God surpasses my dreams and expectations. This spring I was recommended for a continuing contract with the Public School district I work for. This was encouraging, but didn't really tell me where I would be or what I would be teaching for the fall. Nonetheless, I trusted completely in God (as I have learned from so many past experiences) and knew he was capable of blowing my mind. Going into a summer of traveling (surprise surprise) I was hoping I would have an idea of what I was teaching by the end of June so that I could mull it over in my head over the summer - especially if it was something I wasn't too keen on. As the days and weeks of June spun by, and I heard nothing from downtown, I wasn't discouraged, but was still hoping that I might....just might....hear something before the end of the year. I had been told on multiple occasions from a variety of sources that there was not a very good chance that I would be back at the same school I'd been at for two years. I came to terms with this and was excited to see what other opportunities were out there - I didn't want to have a poor attitude with wherever I was sent. Well, with God being never late, but rarely early, on June 27 (two days before school was finished) I was offered a part-time continuing contract at my current school!!! I didn't think that was even a possibility! I have worked part-time the last two years (~0.8) and have loved it as I get a few more preps throughout the week and the loss in pay isn't too bad for not having to work manically. I will be teaching fewer courses than previous years (another bonus) and am obviously very familiar with the admin, staff and students of my school. I feel very blessed to have this job! No more worries, and a completely stress-free summer of wondering where I'll be come fall - praise God!

As I didn't realize this would even been an option, and preparing myself to have to go to another school, I have since realized how glad I am I don't have to move schools! I don't have to learn everyone's names, or the routines, or the school-specific rules. I am truly blessed. And on that note, I can now focus more completely on my upcoming trip to Africa! Only 15 days away (wow!). All large purchases, flights, accommodations, etc have been bought. Schedule is primarily created and now I just need to pack! With not having to focus on school anymore and having the majority of the South African stuff planned, I've been able to sit and think a little more about my mission in Swaziland (the main reason I am doing this entire trip). I want God to be able to use our team. I hope that we are all willing and open to do whatever God asks us to do and to go wherever he asks us to go. I hope that we are prepared so that we are as efficiently useful to him as possible when in Swaziland. This country breaks my heart and I haven't even been there yet - the life expectancy is 32 years old! THIRTY-TWO! That means I would be quite the elder there. Thirty-two.....

Pray for our team - that we will take the time needed now to prepare ourselves for what we'll see, what we're asked to do, and where we're asked to go. Pray for this land - that God will rejuvenate it, and that he can use this land to show the world his glory!