A New Year

It has been so long that I have blogged that my computer didn't even recognize my own blog site. I hope that all of you are doing well, and that your new year is off to a great start.

For those of you that are wondering what is happening here in War...I will give you a quick update.....well, maybe not quick! ;)

Things with YoungLife are going awesome! God is so good! First of all, the 11 students that we took with us to camp in July of 2011 are all still on board and doing a great job at helping us lead our club nights.

Currently we are meeting every other week for club. Club is basically like a youth group--games, songs, skits, ridiculousness....and a Gospel talk. It has been awesome getting to share about how wonderful our Jesus is with these kids...hopefully in a clear and real way. We have anywhere from 15 to 30 kids at clubs. The weeks that we don't meet for club, we are with our campaigner kids (our leaders). I love being a part of Young Life! It has been so exciting to see how God has taken us through each step of this.

We have been working with our committee (community leaders that help us keep Young Life going in the right direction) to write letters and get money for our kids to attend summer camp for July 2012. This is truly a life changing experience...I've been able to witness this first hand with several of our leader students. One senior girl who went with us to camp was scared to let Jesus take over her life because she didn't know what that lookedl like. I remember getting to talk, pray, and read Jesus' Word with her that week at camp, and she did accept Jesus into her life. She knew that her life had to be different...even though she was already an awesome student and girl...however, she didn't know what that looked like. She was afraid to fail. It has been simply amazing to see how her love for Jesus is growing and how she is getting more confident. For Christmas, the one thing that she wanted was a Bible that she could really understand. Her mom got her one, and she wanted to open it early. Things like this have blessed my heart so much.

Please pray for McDowell Young Life. Satan is everywhere and telling these kids that they need to turn to everything else. However, Jesus is alive and working....and He has already overcome Satan! Thank you, Jesus! Pray that these students would not only have the head knowledge but that they would enter into a love relationship with the King of Kings. Pray that me and the other leaders (Laura, Dan, and Heidi) would have wisdom and discernment with how we lead and that Jesus would be our first priority every day. Also, please pray that word would continue to spread about Young Life to students, adults, and the community of McDowell and that Jesus would be honored in everything!

As far as my class, things are going wonderful this year. I am in my third year of teaching...second at Fall River. I am so blessed to work with a wonderful family of teachers that have welcomed me so much! I enjoy going to work, and I love my kiddos! I have a wonderful class of 20 students, and this year is flying by so far!!!

Another blessing in my life recently has been Aaron. I have been dating him for the past three months, and he is an awesome man who is so wonderful to me. Aaron teaches science at the high school with Dan and Heidi. Dan told me about Aaron for over a year, so I had heard of him. He plays bass guitar in a band that is well known around here and in the southern states called the Blackwater Outlaws. God has blessed him abundantly with musical abilities. We both have a lot of mutual friends, and after he was told about me, .he added me on good ole Facebook! ha. Then, he invited me to hear him at one of his concerts which was close. Things have been great ever since!

This coming week I will start my second semester of graduate classes which will add to my schedule. The first semester went well; however, I felt overwhelmed with time many nights. Please pray that I would manage my time well, and that even in the midst of busy...wonderful...things, I would put Jesus above all and not get sloppy in my time with Him.

I appreciate your prayers! I hope that today you feel loved and blessed! :)

PRAYERS APPRECIATED!

Dear prayer warriors...

Wanted to let you know that our Young Life Fall Kick-Off is tomorrow, Saturday the 27th. We will start set up around 3:30 and the kids are coming at 4:30. We are soooo excited! Please pray for....

-the little tiny details that need to happen tomorrow and that we don't forget anything
-that kids would come...and that they would be excited to come to Club...and then to hear about Jesus!! :)
-Technical things...sound system, music, games running smoothly, etc.
-Clear minds...my mind is already on overload....praying for clarity in thinking as we prepare tomorrow
-That the weather would be beautiful as there is no backup rain spot

THANK YOUUUUUUU....
-Jesus for bringing us to this point and loving us more than we can imagine
-Riverview for allowing us to have this in the parking lot and the administration supporting us
-Our campaigner kids who have been passing out flyers to everyone
-the game announcer who mentioned our kick-off about 5 times tonight at the first football game
-Churches and people that have sent money to cover costs
-Tshirt lady from the community who is helping us get awesome shirts
-YOU...for your prayers.

Thank you. :)

War...round 3

There have been times when I just don’t know what to say. I think that is a good thing. Being quiet and listening is difficult for me, but it has to happen.

I haven’t written in awhile and have been aware of this. There are times when I think about updating on my life, but lately I just haven’t had the ability to write or even form clear thoughts. This is still somewhat true…warning! I’ll give it a shot.

Today was the teachers’ first day back to school and it was a good day. I’m excited about a new year and meeting my new kiddos. Also, we recently found out that our county and my school did really well on our state standardized test. That is exciting news…and we are all celebrating! God is good! Last week I went to a writing conference, so I had the opportunity to provide a 2 hour professional development today for my staff. It was fun learning how to prepare a presentation for a group of teachers. I am thankful for these professional opportunities that have been put in my path the past year.

It seems like yesterday I was making calendars of the summer months and mapping out those precious weeks. I’ll give you a quick view of what my summer looked like. I spent about 5 weeks altogether with my family…back and forth trips. During that time I studied and took the GRE (the hardest test I’ve ever experienced). I also was able to get in lots of hugs and talks with the people that I love the most in this world. I’ve always been thankful for my family, but this summer I couldn’t be more thankful for their support and love for me through good and difficult times. My little Dilly Bar started calling me “Man” and is growing like a weed. I adore him and that precious smile on his face. I love him to pieces and already miss him and my family like crazy. It is hard to believe that this is going on my 7^th year away from my family (college life and teaching). Somehow, it never gets easier. Even though it is so difficult to be away…I’m blessed to feel that way because it just shows how stinkin’ wonderful they are! :)

During the week of the Fourth of July, I spent a week at Folly Beach in South Carolina with five of my friends from Taylor. This was the second year reunion of the Taylor Elementary Education majors. It was such a refreshing and exciting week to be with these godly women and to see how God is using each of us through education all over the world!

Probably the most exciting part of this summer…and year…was the week of Young Life camp. In my previous blogs, I talked about us trying to start Young Life and some of the new things with that. Well…that was nothing compared to camp. God showed up! As if that is a surprise?! Haha. Anyways, we left with eleven kids and three of us as leaders. The entire week was a gift from God as we were able to get to build relationships with these awesome teenagers and have a ton of fun doing it (zip-line, blob, high ropes course, obstacle course, hikes, water slides, hoe-downs, sock-hops, and tons more)! Five teenagers made commitments of faith and met the King of the Universe during this week!!! The other students realized their need for Jesus more in their lives and realized that they needed to take that next step and put feet to their faith. These decisions and workings of God were by far the highlights of not only that week, or even year….but all of my time here in War.

Since that time, we have been getting things organized to kick off this fall with Club and get things moving. Our kids are on board…and I just love them so much! It is one of the best feelings in the world to have them sit around in our house and laugh…knowing that God has done amazing, awesome work to put this together. I am humbled by His favor on me and on our new start to Young Life. Please be praying for August 27—our Fall Kickoff. Then, on September 1 we are going to have our first club. Pray that we can get all of the logistics together in time and that more hearts would be exposed to the Father and His great love.

Besides getting my class on track and kicking off Young Life, I also have another big event starting; I will be taking classes to begin my Masters as a Reading Specialist. I am very excited about the learning and how it will develop and equip me more as a teacher. However, I am nervous with all of these things to juggle at one time. And…it feels like forever since I’ve been a student. Additionally, I’ve realized that my body doesn’t respond as well to no/little sleep anymore. So….I will need a new plan. ;)

My heart is overwhelmed—with almost every emotion possible, good and bad. A strange place to be. How can you be filled with joy and heartache at the same time you may ask. I am confident and content knowing that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and that God has His hand in each step. He has made that SO clear and continually shows me His face! Also, I’m filled with joy and excitement as I see God working through Young Life and in these teenagers lives. I love that I get to hang out with them and disciple them. I’m also dealing with some changes in life that have slowed me down and have been wearing on my heart. Finally, I’m anxious about starting classes on top of everything. So, if you would please pray that my heart would be able to grasp all of these things. I am clinging to my Jesus’ promises and incredibly thankful for them! Pray that I continue to seek Him for my strength. He gives strength to the weak. Also, please pray for Young Life…for the start…for the details…for wisdom…for those amazing kids to come to a loving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your prayers and love. I know that God is going to do huge things this year, and I will try to do a better job at sharing those things with you.

Love and blessings! :)

Did You Feel the Mountain Tremble

I fail at trying to blog each week. Sorry for those who may be wondering what is happening here in War.

Well, like the last post, God has been continuing to blow me away with what He is doing here, and how he is allowing me to be a part of that. The month of February was great, and I received so many cards and letters in the mail from dear friends and family reminding me how much I am loved. Thank you. It was such a month of encouragement.

On a heartbreaking note, about a month ago one of my students dealt with the death of his mother. His father was drinking and shot his mother in the head, instantly killing her. His father is now in prison. My little boy lost both of his parents that day. This boy has some special needs and has won my heart from the first day I came to Fall River. Because of new family arrangements, he now is going to another school in the county. My kids and I miss him like crazy as he was impossible not to love. God has blessed me by getting to show my love to him and his family through a visit to their house, being able to attend the funeral arrangements, and also getting to have a few surprise school visits at Fall River. For the situation, I think that this little guy is doing okay and adjusting well to the new school. I know that he has a long road ahead and misses both his mom and dad. Please pray for this little guy along with his whole family.

Things with my class are still going well, and we have had some great days. I had the opportunity to teach the whole school some basic Irish dancing for March's good behavior incentive. It was so much fun, and I remembered that Irish dancing is a big workout! ha. Also, I helped put on our school's first talent show in several years. It was a great opportunity to work along side my principal and get to know some more people in the community. The highlight for me was getting to dance to Cotton Eyed Joe with my fourth grade girls. They were awesome, and we had a blast!

God has been opening a lot of doors professionally for me. I am still looking into a few different graduate schools to begin my masters. I've been accepted by Liberty University Online program and am finishing up my application process for Youngstown State. I am contemplating taking some classes at Youngstown this summer. Then, there is a good possibility that there will be classes through McDowell this fall for a Reading Specialist certification. If this happens, I plan on joining this. If not, I will sign up for Liberty this fall. Either way, I am nervous but excited to take classes again. I miss being a student and feeling the accomplishment of the end of a semester. I'm sure after a few days teaching and taking classes, I will not feel as excited. Ha! :)

The most recent development since the last blog is that I have been praying about teaching in Rwanda next year. One of my best friends asked me at the beginning of February to pray about going with her to a Christian school in Rwanda as there were two elementary positions opened. If you have known me in the past 8 years...you know that teaching overseas...in Africa...is my heart's desire and dream. I have felt called to use teaching as a ministry since I was a junior in high school. Also, I have felt that God has called me to overseas ministry to some extent during my life...whether short term or full term. My biggest fear has always been to go as a single girl alone. I don't do alone well...or at all. But, God has showed me that if that is His will, then He will bring someone for me...even if it means that I have to go alone first. I learned this lesson in Burkina Faso the second time (2008) and also as I moved here to War alone. Well, did I mention that one of my best friends...who has the same passions for God and the world that I do...asked me to go with her? Did I mention that this sounded PERFECT to me?!?! Well, yeah..it did.

I started praying like crazy as the weekend before I went to the Young Life retreat and know that God had spoken to me about McDowell and revealed a glimpse of His plan. It was crazy that I was finally for the first time excited to be here...and looking forward to next year in WV...and then Rwanda comes up. I wrestled with this for a good month. Printed the application and tried to start it several times. For some reason, there was always something that God kept saying, "This is not the right time." It made no sense to me, because to me the timing was perfect. I'm single. It's my dear friend. It's Africa. I currently don't have a job yet in McDowell for next year due to seniority cuts. Let's GO! Well, as much as Rwanda made sense to my mind and even to my heart...I felt no peace. I kept praying, and Jesus kept telling me that McDowell and the windy roads were where I needed to be again next year. The crazy part...I'm still thrilled about that. I keep saying to my family and friends here..."God is up to something so big! I can feel it everywhere!" I believe this! I am so excited to see how He is working, and how He will continue to work.

So now...prayer requests...Please pray for the remainder of the year that I would give it my all and that my kids would keep progressing. There is one girl that I want so badly to see a change in her heart. Pray that God's love would be displayed in me and my actions each day. Jesus can melt this girl's heart. Also, please pray that a lot of teachers that want to come and serve here in McDowell would get interviews and hired. I know that Satan is at work and probably feels this moving. Our God is greater and stronger!!! Thank you for your prayers. They are felt!

Much love!

I want to leave you with lyrics from a song that I loved singing while at Taylor. I have thought about it a lot lately...especially living in the mountains. This is my prayer for McDowell and our world!


Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble by Delirious

Did you feel the mountains tremble?

Did you hear the oceans roar?
When the people rose to sing of
Jesus Christ the risen one

Did you feel the people tremble?
Did you hear the singers roar?
When the lost began to sing of
Jesus Christ the risen one

And we can see that God you're moving
A mighty river through the nations
And young and old will turn to Jesus
Fling wide your heavenly gates
Prepare the way of the risen Lord

Open up the doors and let the music play
Let the streets resound with singing
Songs that bring your hope
Songs that bring your joy
Dancers who dance upon injustice

Did you feel the darkness tremble?
When all the saints join in one song
And all the streams flow as one river
To wash away our brokeness

And here we see that God you're moving
A time of Jubilee is coming
When young and old return to Jesus
Fling wide your heavenly gates
Prepare the way of the risen Lord

Power of Prayer

Wow...big things...awesome things...have been happening here! God is amazing and blowing me away with His love and His provision for His people and more specifically my life.

Let's start with the last time I wrote. I believe I said that there were many options I was looking into for "my next step." Since the beginning of January, I feel like God is stirring in my heart to trust Him more...and to show it in all areas of my life. In a short 6 weeks, this has been tested greatly, and I am excited to say that I am learning more each day what that is supposed to look like. I still have a long way to go. After talking with someone I love about my plans next year, this person suggested that I write down all of my options with pros and cons. I had War, Youngstown, Indianapolis, and the Taylor area in Indiana as my four options...all pursing grad school and teaching. Well, after looking at my options, it was obvious that Youngstown would be the most logical choice. As soon as I was finished, I felt Jesus say, "I don't care about paper, Amanda. Trust me.."

This past weekend I went to a Young Life conference in Wheeling, WV. It is in the northern part of the state, so my roommate and I drove 6 hours to get there. I think I've talked about Young Life before, but it is basically a youth group for kids that go to a certain school or are in a certain area. Dan, Laura, and I are trying to...with God's help...get this started in McDowell. At first, I was being selfish and felt like it was a waste of money and time to go to this conference. I then prayed about my attitude, and Saturday night, Jesus spoke loudly.

Scott, the director of Young Life in WV stood up to report to the group of 500 attendees about the progress in the state this year. Then he randomly asked Laura and I to stand up and told about our story and how we are trying to get it started here. He explained the location and struggles of McDowell...some that I forget at times. Hearing him talk about the project that GOD has handed us in our laps...that we have prayed for...was so humbling. I spent a year praying about what God had for me in the terms of ministry last year. This year He brings Scott into our path and Young Life. God has given us the forming of a surplus of committee members from the community who are willing to give us full support. I realized that God has brought everything together and equipped us for everything that we could possibly need to start this amazing and exciting ministry that would impact young people to Jesus. Why would I look to anything else? I instantly felt everything I've been praying and bringing to God these past few months make sense. This currently is my ministry, and I am soooo excited about it! Then, the song "Our God" was sung. This is already one of my favorite songs. The words say that our God is the one who brings light to darkness and takes away the ashes. When He is for us, what can we fear? Nothing can stand against us. Again, more confirmation. I have to stop fearing God's plan for me. He loves me more than I can even comprehend and wants only what is best for me. I was filled to the max with this amazing and indescribable love this weekend. I know that Young Life is no coincidence but the answering of a loving God for these teenagers and for us who will be blessed by getting to share hearts with these kids. Yeah...pretty huge weekend! I am still thanking God for His voice and for allowing me to get away to hear Him more clearly. I'm not certain that God will not lead somewhere else. But for the first time, I am EXCITED to be in War and to be here as long as Jesus tells me to be here. Also, I'm incredibly humbled that He has called us to be a part of something so life impacting for the Kingdom.

Then there was today....I have been praying this week to have a Luke 9 attitude where I am willing to carry my cross daily. I know that this is a decision that I must be aware of daily...not just once or twice a week. The past two days I have prayed specifically that God would allow me to share Him with people I encounter. Well, as I was sharing with my mom the excitement of the day, I realized that He did just that! I was able to share my faith and talk about Jesus and His faithfulness with a teacher over dinner tonight. I also got to get to know another student today in 5th grade. She basically followed me around during our after school activity. By the end of the event, I had a new friend. :) She came into my classroom as I packed up my things for the evening. This girl asked me about my family when she saw my pictures hanging on the wall. She then said, "They look really nice." I confirmed that they are and how much I love them. Then, I asked her about her family. She got quiet and said, "My family is kind of a mess right now." I could tell by her expression that this was in her heart and troubling her. She then went on later to give me her phone number "in case you ever want to call me, Miss Marshall." Wow. Could I have had a better day?

I am reminded at how powerful our God is and how He longs to answer our requests when we come to Him.

Please pray for this 5th grade girl and the people that I come into contact with each day. I see that Jesus is moving, and He is giving me so many opportunities to proclaim His love! I love it! Also, please pray for our Young Life ministry. We are going to basketball games...one this Friday the 4th...to try to make those initial contacts with high schoolers. I'm looking forward to seeing great things happen as we trust on our Father to provide these kids.

I want to end on a few funny notes....

I had a "you know you are in rural West Virginia when..." moment today. The janitor said to me this morning, "Excuse my crack if you see it today. I didn't have time to put on my belt. Just please overlook it." What do you say to that?? haha!!! Also, I have been feeling frustrated a little with the amount of talking that is occurring in my classroom. I want to be the most effective teacher that I can be, so I have been racking my brain to think of ways to control this more. Well, then I started to think of last year. A typical day could consist of...a kid throwing a chair, one trying to cut my hair, crayons flying through the air and hitting other kids and myself, kids hiding in lockers, a kid screaming at the top of his lungs, or one just running out of the classroom as fast as he can.

The talking may not be that bad after all!! :)

A New Year of Change

Do you ever feel like you have no clue what God is doing, but you know it is something?? Wow...it makes me so excited!! Like really exciting! I want to tell all of you what God is speaking to me about and things that I need prayer for.

A few years ago, I sat down with my mom and dad, and we made goals for ourselves. They included personal and spiritual goals. I would like to say that I met all of those goals in a year, but even though they stayed on the refrigerator all year, I didn't. This New Year's Eve was different for me. I decided to spend some time praying about what God wanted of me instead of what I wanted. In just a short hour of prayer, God had revealed to me so much. I am still processing all of it after almost a month.

First of all, the overall thing that God has spoken to me about is trust. I have always felt like I am a trusting person. I am open, and I allow people into my life and heart very quickly. This has sometimes even got me into trouble. ha. It has been interesting to me to see that this is where God is teaching me the most. I remember telling God as I was praying, "But I do trust You. I left my family and went to War for two years. I have tried to make my decisions on what You have for me. I know You will bring me the man that you have for me someday. I will go anywhere You want me to go because...I do TRUST You." I knew that there was more to it though. The past several weeks, God has been showing me that yes...I am learning what it means to trust God; however, my actions do not always match my heart.

I have been quick to worry which is exactly the opposite of trust. I worry about where I'll be next year, what kids I will be with, if I will be alone or with a friend. I worry that I may be single too long or forever. I worry that I will have to go alone to some crazy place. Oh wait...God has already showed me how that will go. When talking to my best friend, Laura, the other night. She reminded me that I didn't know anyone when I came to War. I remember not being worried because I knew that God was with me. He blessed abundantly and has given me a roommate, neighbors, and friends that love Him and want to use their lives to serve Him. Thinking about two years ago and how God has molded me and grown me closer to Him...and provided for EVERY need, has helped me to see that I have nothing to be afraid of. It is silly actually to not trust Him. I know this in my heart, and when I take myself away from everything and focus on Him, I am confident in His love and provision...and I want nothing else.

God has shown me that even though we are getting somewhere with this trust, He wants more. He wants all of me. He has been revealing to me things in my lifestyle that need a drastic change. For instance, going to bed an hour earlier so that I can wake up an hour earlier and spend that time with Him instead of squeezing Him into my teaching schedule. He has shown me through my finances how I need to trust Him more. He has shown me with relationships especially how I need to trust Him more.

This year I know is going to be an adventure and full of ups and downs like other years. However, I really believe that God is up to something so big, and I am thrilled to be a part of it!

Another thing that I have been thinking and praying about the past few weeks is what is that "next step." It goes with the trust issue. Since I was a junior in high school, I have felt a very specific calling from Jesus on my life. I know without a shadow of a doubt that He has called me to not have a "normal life." He has opened my eyes to a hurting world that He loves. Faces of children that are living in poverty are forever ingrained in my mind. Farida, my compassion child, is a constant reminder of this as well. Well, thinking about it and praying about it is awesome. But Jesus commands us to GO. We must put feet to our faith. I think of Moses at the Red Sea and God basically tells him, "Moses, what are you waiting for! GO" I feel this way. I've asked for confirmation and guidance. My passion for the world and God's people has only increased. Nothing gets my blood flowing more than talking about it. As I've reflected over this, it only makes sense to take the next step in pursing what I believe God is leading me towards.

As some of you know, since 2006 when I traveled to Burkina Faso, I have had a new passion for education. I've seen with my eyes what happens when education is lacking. Poverty shows its nasty face and links that person and family into the heavy chain that doesn't seem to be broken. I remember visiting schools that were barely existing, and there weren't trained teachers to really help educate the kids. I also remember leaving my doors of the beautiful international school that I taught at in 2008 and seeing children everywhere who spent their days trying to scrape some money for them and their family. This is not the way God designed it. The more I read the Gospels, the more I am convinced that we are responsible for helping these people. I know I am. He has given me these experiences and this knowledge and passion for a reason. More than to think about it.

The past two years of teaching has been challenging and a learning experience. I had no clue what teaching was...really till this year. I'm still learning, and I love it. Everything about it...well almost. I know that I have been given this as a way to reach children one by one. I've seen the impact that a kind word can make on a child. I've also seen the reality of being a light in darkness. It is indescribable. Through working in the school system, I've thought about what that next step is professionally. I know I want to get my masters degree...but in what? My dream since Burkina in 2006 has been to help give children access to education. I didn't know what that looks like, but I know that is a step in letting kids know that they are valuable and have so much potential in God's eyes. I've told a lot of people about this dream. My thoughts were that maybe I could help start house schools where there would be foster parents for the kids and an education. I don't know even who it was, but someone told me about a year ago that I should look into curriculum. I thought about this. Well, a year later, I am looking into a Master's Degree that will be in Curriculum Development and Instruction. There are several universities that offer this (including many with online classes). This degree would basically help me go into schools that already exist and are struggling. I would hopefully be able to stay for an extended amount of time where I would train teachers in instruction, review the curriculum and make changes where needed, and help to get the school being a success one where students are learning and being loved in the process. Oh...and hearing about this great Father!! :) It still seems like this is a far off process, but I want to move in this direction and feel more and more like this is something God has lead me to.

So...what Grad School. Still in the beginning stages of that, but I have started to apply to two so far and will be looking into several others that have a program like this. One is Youngstown State. I had been thinking about coming home next year to start paying off my school loans more aggressively so that I could go overseas sooner. However, I know that I need much more training. I want to teach still while I pursue my degree. I miss my family and being a part of their lives so much. I don't know what the future holds, so I would love to spend a year or two being together as after that, I may be overseas or somewhere else in the States. When I realized that YSU has an amazing program for Curriculum and Instruction and that it is super inexpensive compared to others I looked at, I have been somewhat excited..okay a lot. I am praying about this. I don't want to go home due to my selfishness.

The other option would be to take online courses somewhere and either stay in War or teach somewhere else. At this point, I don't have a specific place in mind. I have spent this day in prayer and want to continue to do that as I have the time...SNOW DAY!! :)

Getting back to the trust issue. I know that God knows where I'll be. He knows how I will get there as well. I love this! There are a lot of changes that I want to make to put actions to my trust. This is a daily process for me. Please pray that I would be obedient to whatever God has for me. I truly am excited about what that is. My flesh gets scared at time, but my heart knows better. Please pray that God would be so clear to me what the "next step" is. Pray that I would hear that still, small voice. I only want to go where He wants me.

Also, please pray for one of my students. He came late into the year...probably early October. He is one of the sweetest boys his age and one of my top students. Total joy. I've heard rumors that he has had a difficult life and that he has been in and out of shelters for years....so he has moved schools a lot. Well, I loved having him as a student, and last Thursday was his last day. His father is now in jail, so his family is moving back to the shelter. I miss him so much, and it has been really difficult for me to know he didn't want to go and that he is so affected by other people's actions. Please pray that this sweet little boy will keep his determination and be reminded of His heavenly Father that is consistent and never changes.

I was going to apologize for the length of this blog...but I realized almost all of them are this long. I want to write some highlights from my class soon and some funny stories. Coming soon!

Love to you all. My hope is that today you experience God's love and that you can share it with someone else. :)

The Beauty of Remaining in His Love

I really need to work on blogging more frequently, so that I don't have a million things to write about; however, today is like most. Warning...lots of thoughts.

First, some of you are probably wondering how the "I Admire You" dinner went a few weeks ago. For those of you that didn't know about it...my home church, North-Mar from Warren, Ohio, decided that they wanted to come down and have a dinner for my kids. The goal was to increase parent communications and to just show the love of Jesus. Parent involvement is a difficult thing in McDowell. Often no matter how well things are planned, the number of parents is low. My little faith had me doubting that parents would come. I kept praying that this would be different. In class, I had my kids write letters to their person that they invited about why they admire them. The letters were amazing and so heart warming. They took these very seriously, and I was so proud of them. I knew that the parents/adults that were invited would be touched if they showed up. Well, Thursday rolled around and I had a wonderful response from the parent forms and the kids themselves...however, I still doubted that they would come that night. About an hour before school let out, the 7 people from North-Mar arrived, and they came to my class. They read the "Candy Cane Story" to the kids which was an awesome way to share about the love of Jesus. Then, the kids who wanted to read their letters aloud did for extra practice. We ended the day with a fun game of "Down by the Banks" (a hand game that is a favorite in our class). The kids were super hyped up, and I knew right away that God was in this and that He was going to blow us all away. Every little detail of the day came together, and by 5:45PM, there were several kids waiting to get in the cafeteria for the dinner that began at 6:30PM. Out of 26 kids, 23 of them plus their special guest of honor showed up. The cafeteria was packed, and everyone was happy to be there. The response from the adults was amazing and so encouraging. As a teacher, I feel like there is sometimes a wall between parents and I. This wall was broken as parents were touched and reached. Many came up to hug me, and there were smiles everywhere. Honestly, I was overwhelmed by how God used North-Mar to bridge this gap. Every prayer was answered in the fullest and overflowing. Thank You, Jesus. After three weeks, I still am so excited about this! Not only did this help with parent communication, but it also showed my kids that there are people in this world that have love and joy. Many comments were made from my kids such as, "Miss Marshall, your friends are all nice. They are such happy people." Even though there was no preaching, I am positive that many kids knew that this love and joy was from the almighty God! He is so good! Thank you North-Mar and thank You, Jesus!!!

As far as my classroom...things are still going fairly well. I am loving teaching still, and God is working so much in my relationships with the staff. This past month has been somewhat difficult for me as I have dealt with selfishness and uncontentment; however, I have also seen my heart finally feel at home with my school. It is a great feeling. The selfishness and uncontentment are still a work in progress. I get discouraged so many days and wonder what I am doing here. I still miss my family like crazy. Most of all, I feel alone here. I know that my Jesus is here at all times! THANK YOU! As a person who loves to be face to face and in close proximity to those I love, this year has just been difficult. I miss hugs from the people I love and having the opportunity to have coffee dates and heart to hearts with friends. Also, God has opened and shut a few doors. They have been difficult at times to deal with, but He has reminded me again that He alone is God. I just need to be still. The other day I was having a huge pity party for myself. I was out of the Word for a few days, and I just was sad at my circumstances and basically....just ridiculous. Then, my mother who always brings me back to God's truth...reminded me of my God. How can I doubt a God who knows my name and who sees every tear I cry? He is the one that has given me my passions in life that I long to serve Him with. So, why would I doubt that He has the best plans for me? It is ridiculous to even think of doubting Him. But I unfortunately do at times. I hate that.

In the midst of my pity party, Jesus brought me to John 15. This is one of my favorite passages. This is the chapter that Jesus tells about the vine and the branch. He tells us that any branch that does not produce fruit is cut off of the vine because it is no good. Just when you feel like you could be that branch and feel hopeless, He says, "every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." (vs. 2). Notice He doesn't say that some branches get pruned...EVERY branch. The key to these fruitful branches is that they "remain" in the vine. There isn't a miracle fruit. It is a process of dedication and discipline. It is painful and uncertain at the moment. But we know the end result. It is something delightful and pure. That is what I want to be to my Jesus. I want to remain in His love that is so deep and overflowing. Then, Jesus tells us that when we remain in Him and produce fruits in our lives, we are in touch with Him. At this point, we may ask the Father for whatever we want. He longs to give us the desires of our hearts. If my desire is to serve Him with all of my heart, don't you think that He is capable of giving me the things I need to serve Him? Of course! Vs. 8 is awesome, "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to by my disciples." Wow. He doesn't want bruised fruit that is only looking for a free pass to heaven. He wants beautiful fruit that makes His glory shine through our lives as disciples on daily basis. In verse 11 He tells us that this is the secret to our joy...that we must remain in His love. It is easy to see why I was on my pity party once reading this.

The passage's ending is the best part...."I have no longer called you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you FRIENDS, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit- fruit that will last." (vs. 15-16) Our God has called us to be pruned through life's challenges and painful circumstances that come and go. He has done this so that we can experience His love that overflows into our lives, producing indescribable joy as our best friend. This joy and love has no other choice but to spread to others so they can be called FRIEND. We have all we need because we have been given the Word of God.

As I reflect on this, I am amazed at the love of God for me. I have felt his pruning in my life and yeah...it hurts. I sometimes get lost in the pain and the current feeling. However, my God has such greater plans for me than that moment. He will keep pruning me till I am perfect in His eyes...till I can be fully used for His glory. And best of all, even during the pruning and the selfishness and pain, He still calls me friend.

Yeah, I was right when I said that this would be a long update. I hope that my ramblings are clear and maybe encouraging to you today. If you feel like your life doesn't make sense and that things are just plain hard right now...you have a friend that is making you be the most beautiful person that you can be. Remain in His love today and forever.

Please pray for me that I would continue to be pruned to be the woman that my Jesus wants me to be. Also, please pray for me to remember to be still before my God as He makes His will for me clear. There are a lot of things on my heart with next year, and I just need His clarity. I don't want to live a life that is for me. I may think that I do at times and even start to act like it. But in the depths of my heart, I know that I want my life to be His and for His glory.

Thankful

This Thanksgiving means more to me than usual for some reason. I think that the older I get, the more I realize how blessed I am on a day to day basis and as a person. In an effort to thank the Lord for the many blessings of my life, I have decided to do a yearly list of things that I am thankful for…starting now. In case you don't know this about me...I LOVE lists! This one was even better than normal! :) I think that it will be really neat to look back several years from now and to see how God is faithful in my individual life past, present, and future. I also want to take this time to thank each one of you for loving me through your prayers, following my blog, cards, phone calls, emails, hugs, and just knowing that you care. I am thankful for YOU!

2010 Thankful List (in no particular order):

-Prayer

-My Bible and the truths that have penetrated my heart

-Psalm 46:10- “Be still and know that I am God!”

-A Bible-believing church to worship at freely

-Singing

-Mom (for always being my best friend)

-Dad (for always making me feel valued and special)

-Eddie (for always lending an ear and giving me advice)

-Brian (for always making me laugh)

-Dylan (for always making me smile like no one else and for sweet kisses)

-Nicole (Eddie’s girlfriend of a year that has been a great addition to our family)

-Grandma and Gramps

-Lexie

-A car that is not only dependable but also one that I am proud to drive

-Safety on crazy mountain roads

-A job that allows me to pay my bills and be able to enjoy the small things in life

-laughter

-Weekends to relax and rejuvenate

-Writing (journals, books, blogs, etc.)

-Getting to experience Chicago for the first time with my best friend, Laura.

-The wedding of precious friends, Dauthan and Amanda, and the joyful surrounding of sweet friendship.

-Phone calls from friends that miss me

-Emails from churches and people saying that they are praying for me and my ministry

-The start of Young Life

-A summer where I was able to spend tons of time with my precious Dylan

-My trip to New York City to reunite with my Taylor Elementary Education Friends

-My education from Taylor University and the friendships that has God brought into my life

-A roommate that has similar passions for Jesus and the world

-Friends from Bluefield that make living in War so much more fun

-The words, “I love you”

-Surprises

-Music (“Our God” by Chris Tomlin has become a new favorite this year)

-The 26 smiles that teach me as I teach them each day

-For healing of my heart and the freedom that comes with letting things go

-The feeling of trust

-roller coasters

-coffee

-Deep conversations where heart-to-hearts can occur

-New friendships

This list is in no way complete…but it is a start.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! :)

Too Excited to Blog

So I've been a major slacker with blogging. I apologize to those of you that are wanting to know what is going on here in War. Well, let me tell you, it has been a super exciting month where God has revealed Himself in many ways!

First of all, thank you so much for those of you who have been praying. Do you ever feel like God's blessing are just flowing over you? That is how I have felt, and I know that part of that is because of your prayers. This past month I don't think I have ever been so humbled by the work of God. Through random churches saying that they are praying for me, getting checks in the mail for school supplies, to my home church letting me know that they want to partner with me....I have felt incredibly loved. God has used these people to show me a glimpse into His plan for my ministry here in McDowell. Most of all, He has shown me that His plan is so much more than I can imagine! It seems like all of the sudden the flood doors have opened. I'm holding on and cannot stop smiling as I know it is God!!!

Well, besides encouragement, I have been really excited about the opportunities of involvement that God has brought my way. In school I have made some great relationships now with many teachers and have been able to share my faith. Also, I have started to really bond with my students and to be able to see some progress in their learning which is super exciting. Outside of school, I joined Kiwanis with my roommate. I'm now a pinned, official member! :) For those of you who don't know, this is a service volunteer club that does a ton for the community. I feel like it is a wonderful way to not only serve War, but also to build relationships with community members.

And one of the most exciting things...YOUNG LIFE! I should first back up...when I came a year ago (exactly today), I started praying about the ministry that God wanted me to be involved in. I really was overwhelmed by all the different options, so I decided just to wait and pray till the Lord lead me. Well, this year I have felt like Moses at the Red Sea when God says, "What are you waiting for? Go!" I know that the Lord has brought me here for two years and for a reason. The entire time I've been here, I have been very burdened for the high schoolers. With churches that are barely surviving, kids their age do not have a lot of healthy options...let alone an opportunity to really grow in their faith. So, I presented the idea of a "Coffee House Ministry" to Dan and Laura. They were both very much on board and felt a similar burden for these kids. At that point, we gave it to God and prayed that He would lead us as we started something like this. One thing led to another, and now I am thrilled to say that God willing, we will be starting Young Life ministry here in War by the first of January. God has so intricately worked out every step and the people in our path...especially the WV Director of Young Life. Please be praying as we continue to seek God in this exciting adventure. We are still praying about a location. Also, please pray that God will open up the hearts of those we work with and that we would continue to let the details to Him as we minister to these kids.

As you can imagine, I'm basically beyond excitement. I am feeling so amazingly blessed at the outpouring of God's love on me. I wanted to share this with all of you. I hope that God shows His face clear to you and that today you are reminded how great His love is for you!

No More Excuses

"Someday I will do this, Lord. I just need to....." Fill in the blank. I do...all the time.

Yesterday when reading Oswald Chambers', My Utmost for His Highest, I felt extremely convicted and awakened. The passage of focus was Luke 9:51-62.

Basically, Jesus was heading to Jerusalem...close to the time that He was going to be crucified. He, James, and John were going through Samaritan villages (where there was a lot of tension at the time). The Samaritans didn't treat them well and James asked Jesus if He wanted him to bring down fire. Man...don't we feel like that sometimes? Lord, send some fire on that person or that situation because I don't want to deal with it anymore! I do.

As they walked further down the road, they came into contact with three different me. The first man said that he wanted to follow Jesus..."I will follow you wherever you go." (vs.57). Jesus knew his heart and basically was cold to him. At the first glimpse my tendency is to think that this is cruel and undeserving. However, God knew this man's heart. He knew that his intentions were not pure. Jesus requires more than lip service. The second man Jesus asked him to follow Him. He replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." The Lord responds again rather harsh and says to forget that and to do work for the Kingdom. The third man says, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back ans say good-by to my family." Jesus responds..."No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." WOW.

I find that I can relate to all of these men.

The first one...how many times have I said that I would do something but not had the right spirit or impure motives? The work of the Lord must be for His purpose and glory.

The second and third men....both give excuses. A father's death (or terminal sickness) and saying goodbye to family...valid excuses I think. Again Jesus knew their hearts. Maybe they did have the right motives, but maybe they were scared to take that next step. They didn't think that were ready. I feel that way a lot...and sometimes I don't realize that it is an excuse.

After reflecting on this passage, I started to think about the excuses that I have or am currently using from proclaiming the Kingdom. "I'm just a new teacher and trying to understand things still." "I love my family and shouldn't have to miss them so much. It must mean that I should live closer to home." "I am single and don't have anyone down here to help me. I'll do fill in the blank when I have a partner in ministry." "I probably need to finish my masters program before I worry about anything else." And my list goes on and on.

This passage opened my eyes really wide because Jesus is not messing around. When He calls us by name...we better listen and drop everything else. Does that mean that we should ditch the responsibilities that God has entrusted us with...no. But...we cannot use them as excuses. He has NO tolerance for excuses. If you have some time, read over this passage. There is a lot to it. And figure out what God is calling you to! Also, I encourage you to think about the excuses that you are making in life...even if they seem like really great things. They are there.

So...on a lighter note...

My class is still going super well. God has been great to give me patience and wisdom on how to start this year since I was very hesitant with my experience last year. Please continue to pray that my kids will see Jesus in me on a daily basis. Also, I have really started to connect with some of the teachers and look forward to continuing those relationships and sharing Jesus.

Do You Ever...

Do you ever just sit and get overwhelmed by God's love for us? Tonight is that night for me.

The past few weeks that I have been back in West Virginia have been some of the most difficult weeks of my life...feeling so alone and confused about what God is doing. I keep asking Him to show His face and have felt so distant from even Him. However, this weekend was absolutely wonderful. The only way that I can describe how I feel is like a fountain...bursting. Today at church God spoke clearly truth into my life...so much that my head is spinning. I am overjoyed and so thankful. I can honestly say that I am refreshed.

There are so many things in my life that I am sick of.

Me....me...and me. I am always worried about myself, and I am so quick to forget the big picture. I have been reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan off and on. Chan makes the point that if we truly understood God's love for us and His holiness...we would have no other choice but to serve Him with our whole being. The problem is that we let life get in the way and make excuses. Man am I guilty of this.

There are so many things that I want.

I want so much to live each day like it is my last day and be joyful in ALL that God brings. I want to constantly be speaking words of truth into other people's life instead of worrying about my own emotions. I want to think of others lives as more important than mine. I want to feel the urgency of the Gospel. I want to love people enough that I am willing to use my entire life to see them accept the gift of eternal life. I want to care about myself being successful not to the world but in the eyes of my Father. I want to not "want"....but know that the Lord is my shepherd and that He gives me everything that I need to be content in this life. Most of all, I want Jesus to be glorified in me.

These are my prayers. It isn't going to be easy. But God is up to something, and I know that He is bigger than me.

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
--Joshua 1:8

Recap

Well, it has been awhile since I've written. It seems that I always get inspired to write when it is way past my bedtime. Tonight is a perfect example of that.

A few hours ago, I returned back to War from a wonderful Labor Day weekend at home. My entire family was home (including my little Dylan). It was perfect with lots of laughter, fair food, and family time. Not only was it a long weekend, but the Canfield Fair, Ohio's largest fair, was going on. There is nothing like it, and it was wonderful to enjoy a great family tradition with all of my family. I also got to spend some time with my grandparents on my Gramps's 78th birthday. I am so greatly blessed to have each one of these people in my life. I love you!

Well, a quick school update...

Things are going really well! :) I have seen a huge difference in myself as a teacher this year, so I think that I am learning which is good. Also, it has been great to start the year with my kids. Talking is a huge problem...but talking I can deal with! :) Since it is so late, I will end with a funny story from the week.

In the hallway while in the bathroom line, two of my girls started talking to me. One of them said, "Miss Marshall, do you have any babies?" Oh great I thought, here we go again..."No." Then, she said of course, "do you have any husbands?" Again, "No." Then, she said what comes next, "do you have a boyfriend?" Again, staying patient, I smiled and said "No." The other little girl took this all in and finally bursted out, "Well, you sure look like a woman that has a husband and kids." Wondering what this meant while laughing, I asked her, "So what does a women that has a husband and kids look like?" She proceeded to tell me, "You know...she is a tall woman...and...she has a nice smile. And that is you." So, there you go. :)

Please continue to pray for this transition. For some reason I am still having a difficult time being back. Seeing my family this week was refreshing and also extremely difficult to leave again. Part of this I am sure is being at a new school and having a new class. I am praying that God would give me contentment in my heart and a joy each day to do all that He has in store. There are many new possibilities for ministries this year that I will talk about in another post...so I want to be ready to be His hands and feet. Thanks for reading and for praying! :)

First Day

Since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of what the first day of school would be like as a teacher...since I knew at the age of 5 that I wanted to do this for a living. Well, last year I didn't get to experience that. Last night I could barely sleep thinking of all of the things I had to do, and excitement played a role.

Today was all that I wanted it to be...and I'm thanking the Lord. It looks like this year is going to be a wonderful one. There are a few talkers in my class...but I can deal with talkers. My 26 kiddos seem like a positive and meshed group.

So, highlights of the day...
-"Wow! You have nice teeth." --one of my little girls
-A girl puked because she had a headache. This was a first for me...and I almost puked myself as I held her hair.
-My kids were quiet in the halls...also a first.
-I was called "mam" on several occasions.
-I am no longer scared of fourth graders....they are still cute.

As I was standing outside watching the kids play for recess, I couldn't stop smiling. I may not know why I'm here or what God has in store...I'm just thankful that I'm doing what I love.

Be Still and Know that I am God...

As mentioned before, I am in War. It has been a busy week. One week from today I was packing and telling myself that it was going to be okay and trying to get excited about another year of seeking God in War.

I have to admit...the transition has not been easy. I had a wonderful weekend with my parents and then on Monday morning...it was harder than I thought to say goodbye. Shouldn't it be easier this time? For some reason, it wasn't. I think it is because I already know what is to come...somewhat. I know some of the challenges I will face and know how much I will miss my family. But, even in this sadness...God gave me peace. Didn't change the fact that once I got in my bed the first night, reality hit, and all I could do was cry and pray.

For several days before and every day since I have been here, I have been hearing God say to me, "Be still and know that I am God." I love this verse, and for some reason God has reminded me of it countless times daily. There are a lot of things that I question about being back. And I did even more yesterday when I got a call for an interview at a school in youngstown. Everything in me wanted to jet out and go. But I knew I couldn't...it didn't seem right. I immediately started praying for wisdom and so did my family. Monday I had to sign my contract for the year because teacher training started Tuesday. When I looked into my contract more, I realized that it would be almost impossible to get out. From that moment my position as a fourth grade teacher at a different school was not a thought or a question...it is what I am doing this year. It was good to have no more "what-ifs" out there even though the thought of my last chance of being home was now gone. Again, I heard God say, "Be still and know that I am God." I asked Him, "Why would You even allow Youngstown to call when You know how bad I wanted to be at home?" "Why did I sign my contract when I did?" And a million other questions. I don't know the answers just that I will rejoice in the Lord always because He is God!

Now that I have cancelled my interview, I have been able to emotionally and mentally accept my new teaching spot. I am happy. For some reason, God wants me here again. Why? Maybe I'll figure that out. But in the mean time, I am busy getting my classroom ready, and I have been thinking of every idea possible. I'm greatly looking forward to the next few days as busy as they will be. Even more excited about Thursday...a week from today...when I get to meet the kiddos that God has entrusted me with for this school year. I'm thankful that I don't have to be anxious about anything! HE is God!!! :)

So here is to round 2! :)

War is calling my name

Well, the decision has been made, the car is packed, the cell phone is purchased, the goodbyes have been said, and Lexie is already in mourning.

I leave in about an hour with my parents to head to Atlanta for a cousin's wedding. On our way back, my parents will drop me off at my house in War.

It has been a similar summer to last year...a little less crazy thankfully. I have been waiting to hear about a potential job in the Youngstown area. There have been many mixed feelings as I love to be with my family and thought the job sounded pretty much amazing. However, that door was closed yesterday. All summer I have been dreading the thought of leaving my family again and trying to do life in War. Honestly, nothing in me wanted to go. But, I kept praying that I would listen and be obedient and that God would give me the peace that I needed. It wasn't until I was at Taylor last week and driving home on Tuesday that the peace I needed came. So, when I heard that I didn't get the other job, I was okay. I know from last year that God has this all worked out. And I have to admit that there are several things I am excited about with returning to War. I'm excited to see those amazing people God blessed me with as friends. I'm excited to see Barb and Jerry...our landlords/neighbors. I'm excited to have a paycheck...yeah...big time. I'm excited to teach again. I'm excited to start new and be ready for the kids the first day instead of vice versa. And I'm most excited to see what God is going to do!

So...the next time I write, I will be in War and be preparing to start my 4th grade classroom.

Please pray for the transition with leaving my family again (this year is harder since I've become so attached to my lil nephew). Also, please pray as I set up my classroom and start at a new school this year. I am trying to remind myself to "be anxious for nothing." God is in control, and I am certain of that!

An Update...well kinda

I figured that since it has forever since I've written...it is time. There have been many times this summer that I felt like writing, but I have not had the words. I still feel this way.

Basic update= I've been at home since the middle of June. This time has flown by! I've spent a ton of time with my amazing family...especially my lil' man (my nephew). It has been so wonderful to be a full time aunt again! I love it!! He makes my heart :)


Job update= Don't have a clue. It is complex at this point, so I'll leave it at that for now. Stay tuned.


This summer I spent a little over a week with some friends from Taylor in New York City. One of my best friends and I were talking while there and she told me that she has been learning to find herself. At first, I tuned out. But then I realized she was talking about something deeper. The number one question this summer has been "what are you doing now?" I really don't know the answer to that...and man is it hard for me to say, "I don't know." Because I don't know and feel insecure, I started to take my friend 's advice. Take away everything that I know. People keep telling me, "You have to do what makes Amanda happy." My answer has come down to a simple truth...to follow what the Lord has for me. That is when I am the happiest and most content.


So I have been trying to take away pieces of myself that has become my identity...my profession as a teacher...graduating from Taylor...my family...my friends...my car...my own desires...


As I remove these things in my head, I want to see what is left. Is it a girl who is craving the Lord and following His steps? Still working on this...it is hard for me.

Well, this coming weekend I am heading to Indiana to meet up with my bestest...LB...and then we are going to Chicago to spend some QT together after a long year of craziness and living in different states for the first time since 7th grade. I miss her and I miss my friends. So, after we get back from Chi-town...I'm spending a few days around the Taylor area and catching up with friends. I cannot wait. I think I am going to work on packing now. :)

Here are just three pictures that sum up quite a lot from this summer...more to come.


My main man...who makes everything brighter!! :)


Taylor reunion #1: Amanda and Dauthan's wedding.

The friends that God blessed me with while in War, WV

A Year in War

Well, I am now back in Ohio with my family and can thankfully say that I have completed my first year of teaching. I have been home for a little over two weeks and have been busy. I first got to be a part of the beautiful wedding of two wonderful friends, Dauthan and Amanda. Not only was it wonderful to celebrate the love of these two, but almost all of my Taylor friends were there as well. It as a weekend of total bliss! It reminded me how thankful and blessed I am to have gone to a place like Taylor and to experience friendships that will be a part of my life forever! Other than that, I have been chasing around a busy little nineteen month old baby which has made me one happy and tired aunt. He is now full of personality and makes me laugh all day long. Also, I've spent lots of time with my family...we are all back at home this summer...so it is a full house. I absolutely love my family and am so thankful that I get to be a part of everyday life for at least this summer.



I would love to be able to tell you where I will be next year; however, I have absolutely no clue. All I know is that God knows, that He is faithful, and that I will wait and trust in Him. I've applied to the three states in which I hold teaching licenses and am willing to go wherever God leads me. Please pray that I will listen to His voice and direction.



Before I left, I was asked to write a reflection of my year in War. It was a great way for me to think about what God has done in an overall perspective instead of just day by day. I thought that I should share it with all of you, so if you're interested....follow the link!



Thank you so much for all of your prayers and encouragement this past year. It was by far the most difficult year of my life, and I know that God put people like you in my life to lift me up and continue each day.



Much love.

The biggest thing that God has taught me this year through my experience living and teaching in War, WV is that God is faithful to meet my needs. I have known this my whole life, but starting my life on my own for the first time, I got to experience this faithfulness personally. From finding Laura, my roommate, to a car, to Christian landlords, to amazing friendships and a Bible believing church—God has met my every need. This doesn’t mean that living in War has been easy. Honestly, some days I feel like it has been literal war. There have been days that I’ve wondered what I’m doing here and why God led me here to a place that is seven hours from my family and feels like another country…especially when I am hand drying my clothes, driving over thirty minutes to a store or cell phone reception, and constantly being asked if these are my real teeth! However, God has continued to confirm in my heart that He has led me here. He has given me a peace that I am right where I need to be even if it isn’t easy. Through these times He has reminded me that His grace is enough for me. That is all I need. And that is what He has given me—enough to take one day at a time in His hands and not my own. He knew that I was not strong enough to endure this all on my own, and He has kept me on my knees. I am so thankful for this because it has brought a new dependence on Him.

At the end of October, I walked into a room of 18 second and third graders that had been sitting and goofing off for two months with a substitute who told me, “Good luck; these kids cannot learn.” She went on to point to the kids who were behavior problems and then pointed to one of my second graders. She told me that he often put the desk on his neck and would try to kill himself. Then she left. I was told that I would have help that entire first week and to just observe. No one came; so I hit the ground running. I knew that I had my work cut out for me starting late, having a classroom full of behavior issues, and being a first year teacher. Even though I was overwhelmed, I came in very confident that I was going to change things. Quickly God showed me that I had to rely on Him not only every day but almost every second in my classroom in order to survive.

I asked God for His eyes and His heart, and He has given that to me. During these past eight months, I have grown to love these kids like my own. I ended the year with 22 students as they come in and out from home to home. They each have a story that will break your heart, but under each of their anger and pain is a soft heart that is screaming for love and for structure. I honestly don’t know how much they will take away from this year academically, but I know they will leave knowing that their teacher loves them and believes in them.

Being very inquisitive children, they have asked me a million questions throughout the year. A lot of these have been about who I am as a person. They immediately saw a difference. It could have been my full set of teeth or my northern accent, but I know that it was more than that—it was God. They didn’t understand at first why I didn’t yell and why I’d never tried drugs or why I didn’t have babies even though I wasn’t married. They would often say, “Miss Marshall, you’re crazy.” Through these times, God gave me countless opportunities to tell my kids why I live the way I do and why I have joy. Once I even shared the whole Gospel. There were a few times when my kids even asked to pray in my class. I know that God worked in this little room where a group of kids thought that they were extras and unloved. He loved them enough to send a sheltered girl from Ohio all the way to them. The kid who tried to kill himself has turned out to grab my heart more than I could have imagined even though he probably has caused the most trouble. He has seen that no matter what type of fits he throws, I still love him. After about a month of these spells, he calmed down. Not saying that there were never bad days that followed, but he learned to control his anger more. And there was seldom a day that went by that I didn’t get a hug and a “I love you” from this kid. Changes like these have given me hope.

I know that I serve a big God that is mighty to save. The children and the people of McDowell county need to see that there is hope and light instead of darkness and despair. I am so thankful that God has allowed me to be a missionary to this area through teaching. It is exciting to know that God is not finished here. He is the God of this city.