- bought plane tickets to the PFO (Pre-Field Orientation) training in Southaven, MS
- sent out support letters
- received most of my immunizations (2nd Hep. A shot to come this summer)
- started to brush up on my very limited espanol with the help of Rosetta Stone
...and yet to do:
- make a packing list
- develop long-term teaching goals by becoming more familiar with the school's curriculum and North Carolina's learning standards
I have also contacted the 2nd/3rd grade teacher at Highlands International School and she assures me that I have an amazing class to look forward to for this summer. I can't wait! I will have around 11 or so 3rd graders and around three 4th graders to teach.
This will be my first full year of teaching experience, so along with the excitement also comes a fair share of doubts that are hard to shake. Am I up for the challenge? What if I fail? When those questions come, I just remind myself of the peace and sense of God's calling I had when I interviewed and accepted this position. If the Lord is for it, than who can be against it? So what do I do when presented with these doubts? "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me." -John 14:1 "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." -Ephesians 6:11 The devil's darts of doubt miss their marks everytime when I am trusting the Lord's plan for my life and following it in His strength and might, not my own. "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." -John 15:5 Praise God and his Word for the encouragement and comfort they have been and will continue to be during this time of preparation!
I would love to hear feedback and answer any questions you may have regarding Bolvia, this blog, anything in general, etc... I have two e-mail addresses now as well and am in the process of converting one of them bjotho@bethel.edu to my new one bjorlie@gmail.com. Feel free to drop me a note. God bless!
P.S. One last thing regarding contact information while I am in Bolivia. I will not be using a cell phone while in Bolivia, but a free computer program called Skype. I would encourage you to download it at www.skype.com. It's a great way to stay in touch. My skype name is bjorlie. Pretty simple, eh?
11 comments:
Welcome to the blog universe!
Excellent update. Keep at it a bit everyday. August will be here before you know it. God does have plans for you. Plans to prosper you, to give you hope and a great future. You make us so unbelievably proud. We are blessed. Love you most. Mom
Just saw your blog tonight. I'm impressed; I didn't know that you knew how to set up one. This will be a great way to stay informed on your progress and preparation for Bolivia as well as your experience once you are there. Keep seeking God. Love Dad.
nice looking blog tom! you continue to inspire and bless all those who come in contact with you! (now with yet another method - bloggin! ...the Lord works in mysterious ways. high tech ones too! haha)
look forward to following your progress and adventures abroad!
I think you need a new update
true that Stacy get Tom to say something new!!
stop just playing computer games and make an update!!!!
Tom - what a nice blog. You are off on a wonderful adventure that God has planned just for you! We are all excited for you.
Would you consider posting what you know of your schedule over the next few months? Specific prayers get specific answers - this would be easier to do if we know where you are and what you are doing :)
I'm praying that your flight is going according to schedule and you should be departing Miami as I type this comment. It sure was nice to have you at home the past couple of weeks, but now the house seems kind of empty again now that you left. I miss you. But, I'm happy for the kids that will have you for their teacher. Once you get past the first few weeks, you'll start to get more comfortable with your responsibilities and then your personality will start to draw the kid's attention and respect.
You were a good teacher for us on the Skype program too. Mom and I were able to call and talk with Stacy this morning and we made very few mistakes. Love Dad.
I commented but when I looked it was not there but alot more comments showed up that were not there before. There are now 9 comments. I'm very tech weak and I work at Staples. Go figure. This space bar is still driving me nuts. I said that before on my first posting that is not showing up now. I'll repeat what I can remember of my first post so if it does show up, know I'm not getting so forgetful that I'm repeating myself. That does happen enough already. So... I'm praying Isiah 41:10 for you and memorizing it too cause it will help me with this hole in my heart right now. I called and left a msg with Al English regarding the start date of your insurance as it seems to be Aug 1 not July 1. I also told you I willingly accept the responsibility of reminding you to post each and every week. Looking forward to hearing that you arrived safely and are able to breathe in at 11,000 feet. Love you most, Mom
Hi Thomas,
How are things going at school? Are you getting used to Bolivia and all the beautiful scenery? Trust things are going good for you. Relax and enjoy! Our prayers are with you.
Love you, Grandpa and Grandma Nelson
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