10 years serving at BFA!

It has been 10 years since I have come to serve missionary students and their families at Black Forest Academy! It's hard to believe that 10 years have gone by already! As I celebrate 10 years living overseas and investing in the lives of my students and friendships in the local community, I thought I would share some highlights and blessings. I shared these in my newsletter and have added a few more to the list here. I also am sharing some photo memories.

• From day 1, I have been so blessed by so many dear family and friends who have been praying for me! I would not be here without you so thank you!
• I have been blessed by the support my family continues to give as I live so far away. I miss not being closer yet am so thankful for modern technology which allows me to call them.
• My journey to BFA was set up by God from dear friends who served at BFA and shared their experience, interviewing with the middle school principal, God providing the mission organization to God providing the prayer and financial support to get me to Germany.
• My students throughout the past ten years have taught me to much about teaching, relationships and being able to discern what they need and when. There have been some hard moments and struggles and failures yet God is so gracious and has provided encouragement and hope throughout.
• So many dear friends that I have made while serving here! Some friends have moved on and others are more recent. I am so thankful for each one I have gotten to know. God continues to guide and draw me closer to Himself through these sweet friendships.
• I have had amazing opportunities to grow as a teacher through two years of Math Institutes where I got to travel, meet amazing teachers from International schools around the world, online art webinars and lessons, professional development through my school and then the past several years working to earn my Masters degree in teaching mathematics.
• I have been blessed to help lead a small group for two years with another lady here in the community and then to lead another small group for two years on my own. I really enjoyed spending time with my small group girls.
• I love teaching math, science, art and cooking! Searching for activities and lesson ideas for math and science, art projects with painting, drawing, 3-D as students created horses with sticks, paper mache, bean collages and cooking simple meals to learn their way around the kitchen.
• The administration I have worked under these past ten years has been so encouraging and supportive.
• My parents came to visit me my first summer in Germany and we met up again in Norway to visit with relatives. 
• A highlight from my second year was a surprise Christmas tree placed in my apartment. I was really touched by the kindness of the family that placed it there.
• During covid, a close friend was coming over for dinner on Tuesday nights. We would collaborate to make delicious meals then watch a Christian podcast or AGTV while giving each other back massages.
• I also have to mention the blessing of bringing my kitty, Susie to Germany and now, Messerschmitt. I love having a furry kitty that loves to be petted, purrs, "talks" to me even if sometimes bossy, and all of his kitty antics.
• I have been blessed to have opportunities to learn German! I still have a lot to learn but continue to be surprised at my ability to converse with the local community.
• I have been so blessed that God lead me to Neuenburg International Church that is a God-fearing church, preaches from the Word and seeks to glorify God in every aspect of life.
• I loved having friends from Colorado come and visit a few years ago. Then this past fall, friends of my parents came to visit me from South Dakota. 
• A dear friend from Watertown, SD came to see me over Christmas and joined a group trip to visit Israel. 
• Another close friend from Colorado came to visit, met up with me in Palestine and we joined a tour group that also toured Israel. 
• There is so much more I could mention; sharing a car with friends, German friends to help translate, dear friends who are my US address, dear friends storing my belongings in the US, my Bible study group, gorgeous bike rides/runs/hikes with friends and more!
• This could be a running list that I can add to as I think of more blessings and highlights. A dear friend wrote to me yesterday, "And tell your supporters I say thank you for allowing you to be here, because you've given and hosted so many fun and restful events for women in our community." I have enjoyed hosting old movie/curry nights, a few art evenings, and some local hikes to connect and bond with ladies in our community.