Transitioning

Hello, all! I've been thinking about reviving this blog for about two months, but am just now putting "pen to paper", if you will. Blogging is still not my cup of tea, but for the next year, I'm hoping to record some thoughts and experiences, and more importantly, share what I see God doing. I guess it makes sense to start with the background of what's going on; after six years of teaching at Christian Community School in Ohio, a different season is ahead.

American Lit at CCS last fall- delightful class!

       It's funny how when an idea is distant, vague, and sometime-in-the-future, you can hardly wait for it. But when it starts to become a reality...it can be a different story! This spring, I sensed that God was calling me to Scotland for this next year, and possibly beyond. My first reaction was to ignore it, rationalize it away, and convince myself that I wasn't hearing quite correctly- I love my job and the students at CCS, and I love my family and friends, and the thought of changing all that is intimidating. But God knows me, and He knows that this is actually something that I want to do, despite many mixed emotions. And it's something that He's prepared me for well, with many different trips and experiences abroad (including several in Scotland).

       After I finally accepted the "where" (though part of my heart is still set on Russia...one day!) and "when", the next question was "what"- a master's degree, a job, or ministry? The more I thought and prayed about it, my heart is primarily do ministry- take the Great Commission and do my best with it. The next step, then, was to look for jobs with a Christian organization that encouraged that, hopefully focusing on youth ministry of some sort because of my experience with teens. 

       Ultimately, I ended up connecting with a Young Life staff member who helps oversee Young Life in Scotland, but lives in Bay Village and attends Providence Church. He put me in contact with Liberton Kirk (Church) in Edinburgh, which had a part-time job available working with their Children's Ministry, and we also discussed my working with Young Life directly (for those that don't know, Young Life a Christian organization that focuses on building relationships with high schoolers, giving them trustworthy Christian mentors and friends, and introducing them to the simple, powerful gospel of Christ).

Catelyn, Siobhan, Becca, Caragh and myself at Stage'n'Slam, July 8, 2013

       I was able to make a trip over to Edinburgh two weeks ago to meet various people at Liberton Kirk and Young Life Scotland (who work closely together), and for us all to confirm that both of those are a good fit for me. I do have a part-time job now at Liberton (!!!), and am in the process of applying to work part-time with Young Life (which involves raising some financial support- details on that are still TBA). I even have an apartment worked out for the first few months! 

       God was present in so many ways during that week. One of the highlights was being able to briefly participate in "Stage 'N' Slam", which is a Christian week-long day camp for high school students, sponsored by Liberton Kirk, other area churches, and Young Life. In just a few hours, I managed to play a lemur in a skit and take part in a public flash mob song/dance routine! More importantly, though, I met some amazing volunteers and local high school students (above), and was so impressed with the way that Liberton and Young Life are investing into an unreached, "un-churched" generation.

       Many details have fallen into place, and many more still need to, but it's all moving forward. It's been exciting to watch God orchestrate this, including bringing new people to replace my role at CCS as I transition out. The next month will include wrapping up different projects at the school, raising support (some of which has already come in!?), and getting ready to move- tentatively on Aug. 22. There is a "Scottish Send-Off" on Sun, Aug. 11 from 2-4pm at CCS that anyone and everyone is invited to- just a chance for me to say good-bye/see-you-later to as many people possible and communicate any updates. 

       I think that covers some of the basics of all this. I do hope to blog/journal more about the process of what all this has looked like emotionally (surprise, fear, hope, disappointment, peace, to name a few!), because ultimately I think it is a testimony to God's leadership, timing, and gentleness- but that's probably another post. :-) Thanks for reading, and for whatever part you may have played in all this. 

Until next time!

~Rachel