Looking ahead to another change

Last fall, as I thought about my upcoming year in the US, I was not looking forward to it. There were so many unknowns. I thought I would be leaving Messerschmitt behind for a year. I did not know where I would be living. I thought about my students and friendships I would be leaving for a year. It's not easy to be uprooted from "home" with church, friends, job, and community to step into another community of relationships for a year before returning to that home. 

I think the turn-around was when I made the decision to bring Messerschmitt with me. Another piece was knowing where I would be living. As winter has changed into spring, my heart and attitude are looking forward to spending a year in the US. I am looking forward to re-connecting with family and friendships that are all over! I am looking forward to sharing stories with supporters of how God is working in my life and in the lives of my students. 

My plans for next year at this point, will be to give myself a month to settle in and re-connect with the community of friends, family, and supporters around me. I am planning on taking a 3 month sabbatical that will begin around mid-August and go to mid-November. This will include a spiritual rest and rejuvination, physical rest, and even a trip to SD to see family. After these 3 months, I plan to do studying of German, art, and perhaps math and/or science topics for professional development. There are also some minor tasks that I can do remotely with BFA as well during this time. I don't have everything figured out yet as my focus right now is on ending my year well. Our Experiential Learning Week (ELW) is coming up and my co-teacher and I have a lot of fun plans for our students! 

Another transition can bring anxiety as things are changing again. But as I reflect on how faithful God has been throughout my life and my 10 years here in Germany, I am amazed and truly thankful. I am looking forward to what God has for this next year. To Him be all the glory! 

The photo above is the view of Kandern from my kitchen window. :)