A little bit of blog love

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

My car is stuffed and I'm heading back to Michigan today!!!!! The rest of my week is quite busy so I'll be MIA from the blogosphere. However, during my absence let me throw out some reading suggestions from blogs that have been quite encouraging to me recently :)


I'm forever indebted to Annie for introducing me to the world of blogging. She got on my case when I wasn't consistent and has helped me with every reincarnation of my blog (I think I'm on number 3 right now). Her blog has always been an example for me. Not only in the design but also in the way she pours out her hearts in the posts. Her vulnerability and writing style teach me every time I read a post. When I grow up I want to be a blogger like her :)
Check out her collection of posts about how God called her to Spain. (Fair warning: I cried a couple times)

Erin's heart for encouraging young women is inspiring to me. She has a desire to "inspire women to love God, chase dreams and pursue purity". How amazing, right? When I read her posts I am encouraged by her honesty. God has consistently used her blog in my life to convict and challenge me in my faith. She's also one of the sweetest people I've met via blogging. I don't think I've ever gotten a reply/comment from her that doesn't make me smile. 
You should definitely read this post about pursuing purity, as a Disney princess fanatic it particularly caught my eye :)

I don't even know where to start with Samantha. We found each other through a series co-hosted by the two lovely ladies above with two other bloggers. Since then our friendship has grown via blog comments and numerous emails. As a fellow teaching nerd we have loads to talk about. As is true of all of the girls in this post it is her lovely heart that has grabbed me. She has a heart for the nations and is thinking about teaching overseas one day. It is such an encouragement to have her in my life...she's a gem.
Find out why she wants to be a teacher in this post...the dress she's wearing in the picture makes her look very teacher-like :)

Katie is another blogging friend with a passion for the nations. Her love story is amazing. Her posts are wonderful. Most of all, the encouraging comments/replies I receive in my inbox from her light up my day. She's also a fellow traveler and her collection of travel photos are exquisite. I'm most excited to see how God works in her life as she continues her journey with Empowering Lives International.
Learn how she got there in her series about her heart for Africa... {part 1} {part 2} {part 3}.

Whitney doesn't have a blog button...yet :) She's one of my dearest friends from college. I met her freshman year and we became acquaintances. Thankfully, God brought us back together junior year to become close friends. Recently, she's been through quite a trial and her strength and courage throughout the whole ordeal has been awe-inspiring. This blog is quite new and I can't wait to see how God uses her in this new season of life. 
My favorite post so far is about a topic close to my heart...striving for excellence in everything you do.
That should keep you busy until I get back ;)

Saying My Goodbyes (Chicago Edition)

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

Be warned: This post is photo heavy

Since my commissioning my days have been full of goodbyes. I'm leaving for a whole year and as a result have the difficult task of saying goodbye to my friends, some of whom I may never see again. The past few days have included...

Late night froyo date with Stephanie, one of my fellow interns from last summer

 This is my after-a-full-day-of-work-i've-gone-completely-insane-look

Left: Cake Batter covered in chocolatey goodness Right: Cheesecake with raspberries and chocolate sauce

Dinner at Dawn's Apartment

Yummy vegetables 

Chicken before

Chicken after (Chicken adobo to be exact)

Cinnamon topped oatmeal muffins for dessert

Saturday Breakfast with Heidi

Coffee with caramel and milk

Turkey bacon (there's a first time for everything)

View from the sun deck toward the lake

View from the sun deck towards the west side

Homemade french toast (made with challah bread)

How cute is my Californian friend?

<3

Farewell to Sunday School

We're not very good at group picture taking ;)

I'm leaving them in very capable hands

La Colombiana!!!!!!!!

Breakfast with Esperanzita 

 Delicious Flan and my new perrito :)

One of the many gifts from Esperanzita 

Farewell Chicago...it's been marvelous!

On My Way {Part 10}

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

My collection of TESOL books

*Anybody interested in receiving my update emails with more specifics about this trip let me know (via comment or email) and I'll put you on my list*

Friday Letters

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

Dear Storage Bins,

Did you get smaller in the last 2 months? I was sure I fit more of my belongings into you the last time I packed. Are you conspiring against me? I know I have too much stuff but my current concern is getting it all back to Michigan. Then, I promise I'll get rid of some stuff :)

Dear Fellow Bloggers,

You girls are such an encouragement to me! Even though I'm not able to comment as I would like on every post, I want you all to know that your posts warm my heart and challenge me, as a blogger and a young woman. The way you share your hearts and lives with all of your readers is inspiring. I can't wait to see what comes next!

Dear Chicago Weather,

Can you please decide what season you want it to be? Preferably, something mild. Rapidly changing between blistering heat and violent thunderstorms makes it difficult for me to enjoy the Chicago summer. Is this payback for a practically non-existent winter? 

Dear Students From Last Summer,

Can you believe I'm going to be on your side of the world again in less than 2 weeks! I can't wait to visit you all and see what's going on in your life. Most of you have started university or will be entering this fall. I know you've grown into mature young women chasing your dreams. I hope you are enduring Ramadan well and spending lots of time with your families. I miss you so much!!!!!!!

Dear Macaroni and Cheese,

I became addicted to you during my recovery from my wisdom teeth extraction. You are delicious and comforting, as well as easy to chew :) However, you're not aiding in my quest to get back in shape. In fact you are detrimental to it. So, if you could find a way to make yourself less appetizing and appealing I would be greatly appreciative.

Dear Swim Students,

I can't believe my last class with you is over. I've had a blast getting to know you over this past year. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about you. You were the highlight of my week all throughout the school year. I loved the way you loved swim class and practiced so hard to get everything right. It amazes me how far you all have come. I hope a new swim teacher will come along soon.

Love,

Senior Picture Album

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

This trip is different than any other. I’m not packing for a weekend, two weeks or even two months. I packing for an entire school year. Having just graduated and moved out of college, I have the perfect opportunity to sort through all of my belongs, organize everything and decide what’s coming, what’s staying and what’s being tossed. 

During this process I came across an interesting piece of history, my senior picture photo book. Do you remember those things? The little black photo holder that you collected your friends senior photos? If your friends were anything like my friends they wrote cute and funny farewell notes on the back of their pictures.

As I looked through these pictures I realized I’m not in touch with ANY of these people anymore. I’m not kidding. I have no idea what’s going on in the lives of a single one of these people. For some reason, the people with whom I kept in touch never gave me their senior pictures *cough Annie cough*. 

I got a bit nostalgic, granted high school wasn’t that fun for me, but I did have some great friends. However, I was one of the few people who went out of state for college. In addition, I went to a private school where everyone was training for full-time kingdom work. My life went in a completely different direction than my high school friends. The majority of my friends in high school weren’t Christians. It seems as we went through college our lives went down completely separate paths and we had nothing to talk about anymore. 

I’m friends with most of them on Facebook but social media can only provide you so much information. I’ve seen them at college parties. I’ve seen them on Spring Break. I’ve seen them at their graduations. Yet I still feel completely disconnected.

I don’t think I ever seriously expected to keep in touch with all of these people. Now my circle of friends is centered around college. However, these people are from all over the country and world. Aside from school, there’s no central place to see this amazing group of girls. I’m going to miss them so much while I’m overseas but I hope I’ll do a better job keeping in touch :) 

On My Way {Part 8}

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

My church in Chicago commissioned me this past Sunday:

Sharing about my upcoming trip

My pastor and the elders

My dear brother and sisters

This experience was like no other. I can't tell you what a privilege and honor it was to be a part of this!

*Anybody interested in receiving my update emails with more specifics about this trip let me know (via comment or email) and I'll put you on my list*

miscellany monday

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

1. Wednesday night was spent celebrating the birthday of a VERY special woman from church. She has greeted me with a smile, kiss and hug every Sunday for two years. I felt so privileged to be a part of the celebration of her life. I will miss these ladies so much!

The birthday girl

Some of the small group ladies

My side of the table

2. On Thursday my mom drove all the way from her house to Chicago (5 hours in the car not including stops or the time difference) with my twin brothers to pick up a large amount of my belongings to take back to MI. I'm so blessed right?

3. I got to have brunch with this very special girl on Friday morning. She even got all dolled up for me :) It was so amazing to be able to spend time with her before I leave. She's been such a special part of my life for the past year and a half. I'm going to miss her!

4. I don't think I've every been so thankful for a thunderstorm than I was on Saturday. I was scheduled for my first (and last) double shift at the pool (9:45 am - 8:45pm). Luckily for me, after I got back from my break a huge storm rolled in and I sought refuge inside. No one came for the rest of the evening and I got to catch up on some reading.

5. I found out yesterday that I have three other girls who will be on the same flight overseas as me. This provided some much needed relief. Now I don't have to worry about arriving by myself :)

How was your weekend?

On My Way {Part 7}

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

After leaving Texas I began the nerve wracking process of waiting for approval. I was in consistent contact with my application liaison and the principal of the school. All of my forms were in and my references had submitted their recommendations. I prayed that God would open the doors necessary if it was where He wanted me this next year and close the doors if He had me somewhere else.I was stuck in limbo. The principal of the school was expecting me to join the team in the fall but I didn’t have an official contract. I was doing Skype conference calls with the other teaches but I hadn’t been processed through HR. My supporters were praying about the process without too many details about the opportunity.

Then, it all came together very quickly. I got an official email welcoming me to the team, a contract to sign and spoke to the principal on the phone. All of the sudden I was making a list of questions to ask, being included on the email thread and researching the Arabian Peninsula. I wrote, printed and sent out a newsletter announcing this new season of life. Responses started coming in immediately. God demonstrated and is still demonstrating His faithfulness, care and provision through this whole process.After this huge step forward, a trip specific to-do list (quite a lengthy one) began to form. It seems every time I cross something off another task gets added. By God’s grace, I will be able to finish it. 

*Anybody interested in receiving my update emails with more specifics about this trip let me know (via comment or email) and I'll put you on my list*

Confirmation

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

I'm quite a poor communicator.

This isn't a joke...my communication skills leave quite a bit to be desired. My thoughts make sense in my head but when it comes to expressing them to other people it's quite difficult. I attribute this to a couple different reasons:

1. Thoughts flow through my head at an incredibly rapid pace. I'm constantly writing things down on post-its, making lists on my computer and setting reminders in my phone. If I don't record something quick it enough I'll completely forget

2. My brain tends to skip steps when it comes to solving problems. This caused many problems in my math and science classes when it came to showing work. It always made sense to me how I got to the answer but some steps were so automatic to me it didn't seem necessary to write them down.

So when it comes to explain my thoughts to other people I tend to ramble, take multiple tangents and forget to connect my thoughts together. This affects the way I do my lesson planning and the way I write my update letters.

This struggle caused some anxiety in the month of July because I was in the position where I needed to ask for financial support. I prepared a letter and decided to send it out hard copy instead of via email. I agonized over whether or not I had made it clear how God had brought me to this place so quickly and why I was asking for financial support. At the time I was reading an amazing book about the support raising topic and it helped tremendously. However, there was still a small seed of doubt within me, wondering whether or not everything would come together.

Just the other day I was on the phone with my mother (who has been incredible throughout this whole process, I heard some horror stories at orientation about other families) and I was telling her about all of the new financial supporters had given. I was so amazed that in only a couple weeks God had provided all of my one-time financial support needs, a third of my monthly pledges and nearly a quarter of my daily prayer partners. Then my mom said something that really struck me:

"It's quite a confirmation"

This revealed two different things to me. One, God has called me to this work. He wouldn't have placed it on people's hearts to give and He wouldn't have provided the way He has if it wasn't His will. Two, no matter how poor of a communicator I am, I cannot mess up God's plans. It reminded me of the story of Moses, who even though he was old and had a speech impediment, God used him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God works through broken, imperfect people to accomplish His Will. God's shown me this countless times and it still manages to astound me every time :)

P.S. I got to meet a young woman who lives about 45 mins outside of Chicago who's going to be teaching at the same school this fall and she's AMAZING!!!!! We spent a couple hours at Starbucks talking and getting to know each other. I'm so excited!

On My Way {Part 6}

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

I figured I break my blogging absence (while recuperating from my wisdom teeth removal) with another addition to the On My Way series...

I arrived in Texas on June 12th and I was so excited! I couldn't wait to meet the other candidates and see all of the office staff again. It had been a year since I was at the office and I missed everyone during that year. After picking up some other candidates, short-termers and mobilizers we headed back to the office.

First, we had some lunch and I got the opportunity to say hi to everyone from last year. I also got to spend some time getting to know the other candidates and some office staff I hadn't met last year. Then we started the orientation to orientation :) I was practically jumping out of my seat waiting for the opportunity to talk about the teaching opportunity. God was (and still is) teaching me patience. Afterwards, we spent time sharing our testimonies. It was so amazing to hear how God brought all these different people to this place.

Finally After, I got to speak to the woman who sent me the email as well as a couple who is headed to the same school. The more and more I heard about the opportunity the more excited I became. The next day I emailed the principal of the school and got started on the application process.

It was exhausting trying to fill out the application during my free time at orientation. Our days were packed with training, interviews and meeting everyone. However, by God's grace I was able to finish the application during my time in Texas.

Then began the process of checking references, submitting medical forms and HR putting together a final proposal of the principal.

In other words, more waiting...

*This doesn't really have to do with my journey to getting overseas but I did purchase it because I'm going*

A package with my favorite company name on it was waiting for me when I got home from work this morning...

And inside was...

I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!! The bookworm inside of me is freaking out. I'm torn between my hard copies and my new toy.

Anyone else have an e-reader? How do you like it?

P.S. 28 days!!!!!!!!!!!

*Anybody interested in receiving my update emails with more specifics about this trip let me know (via comment or email) and I'll put you on my list*

On My Way {Part 5}

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

They're here!!!!!! I have a diploma and a TESOL certificate :)

*Anybody interested in receiving my update emails with more specifics about this trip let me know (via comment or email) and I'll put you on my list*

Dear...

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

Dear Jillian Michaels,

You and I are not friends...yet. Your video made me regret having legs. I can't believe I spent so much time with you last summer. Why are you punishing me for choosing a different workout style for 8 months? I hope I can learn to appreciate you soon.

Dear HIMYM and Big Bang Theory,

Your nightly marathons on Ion television are keeping me from doing what I need to do. While you are incredibly funny and quotable I cannot afford to keep you in my life. My to do lists will get longer and longer. My productivity level will get lower and lower. Please replace yourself with a TV show I don't like.

Dear Sunday School Students,

I love you all so much! I am privileged to spend every Sunday with you and learn from you. Thank you for putting up with my poor frisbee skills, my Spanish language errors and silliness. I know God is going to use each of you in a very special way. I'm praying for you all.

Dear Future Students,

I think about you all the time. I pray for you just as much. I'm incredibly excited to meet you. I can barely contain it. I know God is preparing each of you for our upcoming class time together. I hope you're enjoying your summer break. I'll see you soon!

Dear Blog Readers,

Each of you are precious to me. I'm so glad you're joining me on this journey. Know that I enjoy reading your blogs as well and staying connected with you. Thank you for all of your encouragement.

Blessings,

On My Way {Part 3}

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

I opened up the email on my iPhone. The subject line simply read...

"Teaching Opportunity in the Arabian Peninsula -- Interested?" It was from the director of one of the departments of the company with whom I was doing orientation with in two months. 

Obviously, no harm would come from simply reading the email so I skimmed the contents:

The position is for this fall *uh-oh*

They needed an ESL teacher *check*

The position is paid *sigh of relief*

The required education was a Bachelor's degree *check*

Teaching experience was preferred *check*

As I finished the email I felt myself getting excited. I prayed, "Lord, keep my emotions in check. Don't let me starting making plans without knowing it's your will first."


I emailed back saying I was definitely interested and would love to talk at orientation in two weeks.

Then I prayed and waited...

*Anybody interested in receiving my update emails with more specifics about this trip let me know (via comment or email) and I'll put you on my list*

Transition

Location: Old Town - Chicago, IL

Things I will miss about the barrio:

-The vendors selling paletas, nieve y elote :)
-The music from the parties at night
-Being able to walk to church
-Living in the same neighborhood as most of the women from church
-Small group on Wednesday nights
-Being able to say hi to the neighbors on their porch steps on the walk home

Things I'm looking forward to in the AP:

-The FOOD; shwarma, rutub, lahem 
-Sitting on the floor eating with my hands (I'm a child at heart)
-Cahwa (real cahwa)
-My students!!!!!!!
-New roommates 
-No winter :)

Happy Friday!

P.S. 41 DAYS!!!!!!!

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Arabic Practice

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

A demonstration of my basic remedial Arabic skills:

١ إسمي تيفاني ايش اسمش؟

٢ من أين آنت؟

٣ كيف حالش؟

٤ السلام عليكم، عليكم السلام

٥ الرب الاحنا ترابن واخد تثحنيه سته اربعة

٦ أفر حو ا في الرب كلحين واقول عندن أفر حو فيلبي اربعة اربعة

Translation (this is all in Gulf Arabic by the way):

1. My name is Tiffany, what is your name (female)?

2. Where are you from (female)?

3. How are you (female)?

4. Peace be unto you (and the response)

5. The Lord our God the Lord is One (Deuteronomy 6:4)

6. Rejoice in the Lord always I will say it again rejoice (Philippians 4:4)

My Arabic is a bit rusty so I'm sure there are some errors here :)

Happy Wednesday!

On My Way {Part 2}

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

*I leave 6 weeks from tomorrow (CRAZY RIGHT?!?!?!?!) for my very first official teaching job. I was inspired by the way my friend Annie shared her journey to Spain and started a series of posts titled "On My Way".*

It all began May 12th. I had walked across the stage. All of my stuff was officially moved out of the dorm. I had a couple five jobs that would last me until the of the summer. Then what?

The question plagued me as the big dark cloud (also known as the fall after graduation) loomed nearer and nearer. Every day I woke up having to surrender this anxiety to the Lord, seeking the peace that transcends all understanding.

I had put off grad school known that it wasn't where God had me in the fall. The security of school had vanished and I had to start applying for jobs. Thanks to the generosity of my pastor and his wife I was able to live in their house (RENT FREE!) until I figured out what I was going to do. I had a whole team of people praying for me and so I began the post-grad job hunt.

I didn't limit myself to teaching jobs, though inwardly that was my desire. I went on interview after interview. I found an apartment and then it fell through. A couple jobs looked promising but then they found someone else. The only thing I new for sure was that I would be going to a two week orientation in Texas. Beyond that I had no idea. By May 25th I was really struggling.

I prayed and I prayed, hoping the Lord would open a door.

And five days later He did :)

*Anybody interested in receiving my update emails with more specifics about this trip let me know (via comment or email) and I'll put you on my list*

On My Way {Part 1}

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

This my friends is my very first official teaching contract...

*Anybody interested in receiving my update emails with more specifics about this trip let me know (via comment or email) and I'll put you on my list*

miscellany monday

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

1. I had a Skype conference call with the principal and some of the teachers I will be working with this fall last Thursday. If it's possible this only made me more excited. We have another conference call this Thursday and we're going to focus more on getting to know each other. I'll be leaving 6 weeks from this Thursday...crazy right?!?!?!?!

2. I got to spend Saturday morning with my lovely friend Dawn. We got breakfast, did some shopping and hung out at her place. Due to our busy schedules we only get to see each other about once a month. It's always a treat :)

3. Sunday School went really well for what I would consider the first time since January. My gifting is not necessarily with young children but I'm learning a lot. 

Some of my boys begrudgingly let me take a picture of them

Frisbee time outside

The city isn't big on front lawns

Sidewalk chalk was also quite popular :)

4. I sent out my letters this weekend, officially announcing my trip overseas. I'm already getting some responses and I'm thankful to God for the people on my support team. *If you would like to receive these letters, send me an email and I'll put you on my list :)*

5. My to do list is getting longer and longer and so I've decided to make it my goal this week to finish everything on these 4 post-its. I'm sure new stuff will come up this week but if I can finish all of this by the end of the week I'll be one happy camper.

How was your weekend? Anyone else have some lengthy to do lists for the week?