Life Update
Hello Everyone!
Wow, I feel like I pop up on here once in a while and realize how long it’s been. The truth is, I actually really enjoy sharing photos and giving an update on what my Heavenly Father is choosing to do. It’s been a really good, hard and growing year for me. I wish I could sit down and write everything. There have been many sweet moment, growing times and redeeming points to this year that I wish I could highlight. My Father has been so good and faithful in the ups and downs of these past 8 months.
Some highlights…
In November I chose to sign on for another two years at West Nairobi School! This means that after returning for a visit to Canada in June/July this year, I will be coming back to Nairobi for another two school years. I also have chosen to teach grade 4 instead of grade 5 next year. Please be praying for me as I prepare to transition to a different grade with a new Co-teacher.
In December my Mom and Dad came to stay for two and a half weeks. Wow, was it cool to have someone so close to me be able to see my home here. We had the opportunity to fly to Mombassa for a few days, we went on a Safari, went on road trips, taught dad to drive on the other side of the road in Nairobi traffic (when I was up for it) and drank a TON of great Kenyan coffee. They even had the chance to teach my kids. Mom taught art and Dad taught a bit of Karate. My kids were SO excited.
January felt like a year in a month. First month back from break is always hard. Yet, I had the opportunity to teach my kids about truth. We started out with brainstorming all the lies that we face in our lives. In 10 minutes we had the entire white board covered with statements like “I’m worthless”, “God doesn’t actually forgive me”, and “I’m not valuable”. Seeing these lies was hard but also powerful as it was such a visual representation of the battle they each were individually fighting. We then looked into scriptures to find a truth to match each lie they fought. This eventually lead to the creation of a unique statement for each child. Statements like “I’m loved, pure and chosen”, “I’m a beloved child of God”, “I have extreme value in Christ” and “I have a powerful father” were being written on their pages. We ended our time with each finding a space and giving the lies and truths to God. Praying over them and asking for courage and strength to fight for truth! I absolutely love the position I’m in to teach these students about Jesus and his relationship that he wants with each of them. Please be praying that I will continue in being intentional with reading the word of God daily and taking interruptions as ministry rather than annoyances. Also, that my students would know God’s love and salvation.
In January I also had the opportunity to talk in High school chapel. I shared bits of my story and it was encouraging to see God redeeming pieces of hurt and struggle to bring light to his goodness. It was through this that I’ve had the chance to connect with a few high school students and hear their stories. Being able to form these relationships have given room for a new type of ministry and discipleship. I am so thankful for the way that our Father can use us to bring about change in others lives. Please be praying for me, that I will have continued wisdom, humility and clarity when talking with these girls. That Jesus would totally grip their heart and draw them into a love relationship with Him.
In February my good friend Melody was flown to Nairobi from Montreal by my school. They paid for her to come and lead Spiritual Emphasis Week for the secondary students. The Holy Spirit totally worked through her and the time that was given for the students to hear the gospel. We were greatly blessed by her & the life words she spoke. I also LOVED having her here. She is a special type of authenticity and love. Please be praying that the words spoken by Melody will have lasting impact and change in the students hearts.
I also have had the chance to be a part of a prison ministry for young teenage girls. This is something I’ve only been a part of a couple days so far, yet we hope to make it more of a regular thing in this coming year. We get to come in to the prison, share Jesus and LOVE on them. It is such a great honour and privilege! Please be in prayer that relationships will start to form and that their hearts will be open to the Fathers love for them.
Oh! And here are a few photos. With the business of life, I’ve resorted to a lot of iPhone /selfie photos.
Thank-you friends for your continued love and support!
-Breanna