Here I go again!

Hello Everyone!

Well, here I go again; picking up my life, packing it all into two suitcases, and moving to a different country. Five years ago I moved to the US for college. I was convinced I'd finish in four years, get a cushy job, and live happily ever after. In one month I will be moving back to Mexico to volunteer as a missionary teacher at the very school I graduated from. God has a way of taking me on a path I never imagined. If you had told me five years ago that this is what I'd be doing, I would laugh. But that's the thing about turning my life over to Him; I'm no longer living for me, but for His glory. This means being willing to go to wherever, to give up whatever, and to gain so much more!

I will be teaching at Oaxaca Christian School as a High School English Teacher. I am very excited to be trained by and work with my High School English teacher (and the person who taught me to love literature)! Missionary Kids from all over the world serving in Oaxaca come together to learn, and I am nervous/excited to teach them! I will also be helping out with translation for medical teams and short term missionaries. I hope to work at my home church as well.

I will be going to Mexico as a "Tentmaker Missionary." This term comes from Paul, as he made tents to help support his travels as a missionary. I will not be making tents, but I do plan on finding work (translating, tutoring English, etc.) in addition to the missionary work to support myself month to month. I fortunately know people from Oaxaca already, so this makes the transition and the availability of jobs easier. I will not be able to work full time since I will be at the missionary school most days. I'm doing this in the hope that I will have to raise less money, or only raise extra when unexpected things pop up. It is promising to be a very busy year!

It has been 5 years since I spent Thanksgiving, Birthdays, Mother's/Father's Day, etc with my family, and I am excited to be able to spend more time with them! Also....tacos!

I'm sad to be leaving all of my friends here in Prescott. These are people that I call brother and sister. Their kids call me auntie. They were the people I called family when mine was so far away. I have learned a lot from them, and I am so blessed to have them in my life. I am so honored to be backed by such amazing and godly people.

So, here I go again! On this incredible adventure that is following Christ in a radical manner. On this rollercoaster ride that is life. On this mission that is so near and dear to my heart. Thank you for your encouragement, your prayers, and your support!

Dios Les Bendiga,

-Ruth