My give is back!

Dear friends and family,

Sabbatical Success!

Thank you for your support and love shown while I've been in the USA for a rest. Much has been accomplished and I'm thankful for the opportunity to learn, visit, and grow. I've been in the USA for 3 months now, and I'm eager to return to the mission in South Africa. I'm truly thankful for a full heart and spirit and ready to serve again!

I wanted to give you an update on the last few months. A praise report of sorts. Let me list some of the things the Lord has allowed me to do on Sabbatical:

. Reunite with my family and friends ... do life together again! This was so needed because it reminded me how much I loved life in Birmingham with deep friendships. I needed that connection and normal-life-happenings!

. Had good time with my dad and grandparents. Appreciate their patience and willingness to loan me to the Lord for Kingdom purposes!

. Celebrated a 4th of July in the USA - for someone who lives overseas, this takes on a whole new meaning and appreciation!

. Took Art Classes - open studios, formal classes, learning from others in their homes! This aspect of my break was very purposeful, because I hope to volunteer at the local primary school in the art department when I return! I needed a refresher; and boy did I get refreshed and excited about my love of art again!

. Studied the Bible in my home, sending church. I forgot what it's like to be challenged by a sermon series and be part of a small group of ladies that study a book together! I sat in multiple Sunday School classes and was prompted to teach a few times as well! I was spiritually fed!

. Student Ministry Summer Camp! I got to join my former staff members at SMBC ... they let me lead crafts during recreation time at their Tennessee summer camp - one whole week! I loved being with American students again and getting deep teaching from camp worship!

. Travel! Oh how I traveled. The whole month of August I was on the road: Gulf Shores - Alabama, Blairsville - Georgia, Raleigh- North Carolina, Blue Mtn - Florida, Hollywood - California! I went to visit friends, missionaries, and to a conference in California that will forever change the way I look at my Art and what the Lord has asked me to do for Him in ministry! A change in scenery was nice, and oh how I grew as the Lord spoke!

. Missions Debrief - I met with a missions counselor while in California. She led me in a debrief of the last 4 and a half years on the mission field. It was so amazing! I put together pieces of this puzzle, stepping back and seeing how God had crafted each part of this journey. I was also given some mental tools to help me in the next phase of this mission - how to go forward, evaluate fruitfulness of mission and make adjustments as the Lord is leading. This was probably one of the best parts of my Sabbatical. Honored to have the opportunity to sit in counseling and process this mission in South Africa.

. Shadowed teachers in the Hoover School System! My friends that are teachers allowed me to observe their classrooms in order to get ideas and connections for my potential new adventure with teaching at a public school! I spent time in Life Skills classes, Special Education rooms and Art departments!

After all of this encouragement and spiritual food, MY GIVE IS BACK. I was totally depleted and now I'm ready to give again.  It's amazing how I experienced the life-giving effects of a healthy spiritual community. The result of feeding on The Word and being connected to Believers is the desire to serve and give as a result of a love for Jesus! This is why missionaries get spent. This is why a Sabbath and boundaries are needed. I've learned a LOT these past few months and I'm equipped for service now more than ever.

[ click photo blocks below to enlarge ]

Birthday celebrations

Fun visits with friends and family

Art lessons : Impressionism, Color Wheel, Zentangle

North Carolina, Tennessee and Birmingham Barons!

Coastal Retreats: Blue Mountain/Seaside, Florida and Gulf Shores, Alabama

California. Mosaic Church MTN Artist Retreat. 

Now, I'm waiting on some meetings to happen on the field in South Africa before I will return. My Guidance Team and Shades Mountain Staff have been so great in helping me set boundaries to prevent burn-out and help me think through the next phase of strategy in mission. I'm proud to be part of a team that's so Gospel-centered; thankful for the big-picture and God's hand working in the nations ... and right here in the good 'ole USA!