Back to the Classroom...to Teach!

Things can change so quickly. Was it just a few weeks ago that I was questioning God's plan for my life and wondering what I was doing back in Seattle? After waiting 4 months in Seattle looking for the right job and being back in the US just over 6 months...strategic doors are finally opening!

Whats Ahead:

• Back to the classroom! After looking for preschool positions for months now I have just accepted a position that I am really excited about. I will be the assistant preschool teacher at Sweet Pea Cottage: Preschool of the Arts (www.sweetpeacottage.org). The school is opening up a new branch location just minutes from where I am currently living in West Seattle. It is a part time position and only 25 hours a week, Mon-Fri 8:30-1:30, (allowing me to do other jobs on the side). When I found the job opening weeks ago I knew right away it was a perfect fit for me. Their teaching objectives focus on art, love, tradition, community, and a world perspective. My interview was only 15min long and the director was impressed with my unique combination of an art history background and working internationally with preschool age children. Needless to say I was offered the job just 24 hours later! I knew it would take a unique situation to accept me as I have loads of experience working with children, but not a lot of early childhood education. The position starts in September and will be at least a year commitment.

• This month I have also accepted another job working for a non-profit called New Beginnings (www.newbegin.org) in the role as Child Relief Worker. This incredible organization works with women and children affected by domestic violence. I will be working a few evenings a week with the children while their mothers attend different support groups. It will be a very different demographic compared to the families at Sweet Pea, but like my time in South Africa, I enjoy serving and loving both spectrums of society. I have learned over the years that despite the diverse physicals needs, all children need love and encouragement.

Thanks for your prayers and will keep you updated on what else unfolds in this new season.

New Addition to the Family

This last Friday on July 16th at around 1pm, my sister Annamarie gave birth to my new niece Miss. Audrey Joy Windham, 7lbs and 5oz. I am delighted to be an aunt for the 5th time! I spent the morning watching Audrey's two older siblings Jonathan and Alaina with my father. We arrived at the hospital just 20min after she was born and went directly into the delivery room to share in the excitement. I have visited so many newborns at the Tacoma General Hospital that I know exactly where to park, and how to navigate the delivery wing! I cant wait to get to know this precious little girl who will become my close friend and treasured niece.

Here are a few photos from the day:

Ten on Ten

This is my first month contributing to Ten on Ten (www.tenontenphotojournal.blogspot.com). Rebekah, who started the 'project' a few years ago, is a close friend from college. We reconnected a few months ago after I moved to Seattle from South Africa . The concept is to document your day with ten photos on the tenth of each month. I had so much fun today taking pictures in Gig Harbor. The beach property has been in the family for four generations, and now my 3 aunts and 1 uncle all have houses here on the same street. We call it "The Compound"...its full of rich memories and the only place I want to go when the sun comes out!

Waiting, Trusting & Hoping

...Sometimes in life things just look a bit different than expected. Take this cherry for instance...I found it in my bag of cherries the other day while I was having a picnic down by Alki Beach. It was odd looking and not what I was expecting to see...but it had a beauty about it. I loved the way the bright red color contrasted my blue jeans, and the unique form it displayed too. Behind the camera it was a work of art! Of course it didn't stay unique for long as I ate it...and it was juicy and yummy just like all the others. I think what I'm trying to say is that I am currently in a season where I continue to wait, trust and hope...for all that Jesus has next for me. Since returning from Africa my season has seemed a bit different than I expected, a bit 'odd' some days...but each day, the harder I choose to look I see a deep beauty in what the Lord is doing in my life. Its 'sweet' to be surrounded by my precious family and friendships and to rest in peace knowing that God's plans ahead are more than I could ever hope or imagine!

Below is a beautiful excerpt from a devotional that was given to me in a birthday card (which now sits above my computer) ... it rings true of this season.

“Waiting, trusting and hoping are intricately connected, like golden strands interwoven to form a strong chain. Trusting is the central strand, because it is the response from my children that I desire the most. Waiting and hoping embellish the central strand and strengthen the chain that connects you to me. If you mouth the words “I trust you” while anxiously trying to make things go your way, your words ring hollow. Hoping is future directed, connecting you to your inheritance in heaven. However, the benefits of hope fall fully on you in the present. Because you are mine, you don't just pass time in your waiting. You can wait, expectantly, in hopeful trust. Keep your 'antennae' out to pick up even the faintest glimmer of my presence.” - Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

I Love Seattle!

For a girl who has traveled and lived in many cities around the world, I must say that there is something special about Seattle! Its not necessarily my favorite city in all the world, but it holds a special kind of nostalgia...with over four and a half years of memories from my university years. I don't know what it is about university, but there is a carefree spirit about life and a quest for personal discovery and ultimate fun. In those years, I spent many days and hours searching out my favorite museums, walks, happy hours, coffee shops to study in, romantic spots for a late night date, gorgeous views of the city and water, and the best seats to sit in at Safeco Field watching the Mariners. Being back in Seattle after nearly 8 years away, has been a trip down memory lane...each neighborhood holding memories of a lost time. I love taking photos in this city and wanted to post some of my favorites.