Why.

This week I've had the chance to meet with lots of friends to chat and pray over the next month.  Yesterday, I was reminded by another that part of travel and "going" involves incredible flexibility, to the point even of, "Courtney, you may get to Kenya and God may have you do something that has absolutely nothing to do with teaching."  That really ruffled my feathers.  You see, I had spent the five minutes prior to his statement rambling off my list of what I hope to see and get to do at Mattaw--the "plan," so to speak.  So it took a small amount of time for me to unfurl my brow and respond, "Wow, being that flexible had not occurred to me."

The Lord used this friend to remind me that it is He who has ordained and orchestrated this trip.  Not me.  It is He who gets to decide how I will be used and for what purposes.  My plans are worthless if they are not His.  Yes, I do want to serve and work with the teachers at Mattaw.  Yes, I do hope to share my love and excitement for education.  Still, that is not why God called me to go.  I am called to go and bring glory to God by sharing His Gospel and loving others.  

Andrew Peterson's "Planting Trees" sums up my mission and, I believe, Mattaw's mission both fittingly and beautifully.  

We chose the spot, we dug the hole
We laid the maples in the ground to have and hold
As Autumn falls to Winters sleep
We pray that somehow in the Spring
The roots grow deep

So many years from now

Long after we are gone

These trees will spread their branches out

And bless the dawn..

So sit down and write that letter
Sign up and join the fight
Sink in to all that matters
Step out into the light
Let go of all that's passing
Lift up the least of these
Lean into something lasting
Planting trees...

So many years from now
Long after we are gone
These trees will spread their branches out
And bless the dawn
These trees will spread their branches out
And bless someone

We live and go not for ourselves, with plans of our own.  Instead, we live, go, and work for the sake of others, that they too might give glory to Christ as Savior and King over their lives.  This is the heart of discipleship and the purpose of every believer across the world.  I pray this will be ever-present in my life here, and also as I travel to Kenya.    

Continued Provision.

The Lord has so graciously provided over the last couple of months.  To begin, my trip is completely funded.  I am blessed for the example from so many of what it means to give joyfully and faithfully for the sake of the Gospel.  I pray I can bless others one day as so many have me.  Also as a result of others' giving, I've been able to purchase multiple copies of four professional development books for the teachers at Mattaw.

In addition to monetary contribution, God has provided countless donation materials for me to take to Mattaw.  I'm bringing lots of options for classroom/wall decorations, and have math manipulatives and materials galore.  These materials are an awesome start to encourage the teachers there to begin to view themselves as active designers of both classroom environment and lessons.  I owe most credit for the supplies I have to the efforts of one friend in particular at my school.  I've enjoyed getting to know her some over the past year.  I'm thankful for the particular interest she's taken in my trip and how, as a result, that has spread to so many others in our building.  So, she's who I blame for this:

One day after school I told my roommates, "I'm pretty sure Joy thinks I am taking my own airplane to Kenya."  This lady has gone above and beyond, going so far as to collect donation items for me in a school closet and then wheel all the loot out to my classroom for me to choose from.  She is also the reason I had to send the email stating, "Thank you, but please don't send any more!!" I'm grateful to God for the opportunity to share this experience with her and so many other coworkers.  I appreciate their interest, giving hearts, and prayers tremendously.  Now I've got to start working out more so that in a week or so I'll be able to haul all this stuff around the airport.