Colorado

Hey everyone!

This is my first blog, so I'm very new to this so bear with me as my blogging skills hopefully improve over time! :)

Kinda long, but it's my first one so I'm not too sorry about it ;)

I made it safely to Colorado! Yay! I've only been here for two full days and I more convinced than ever that going to China is exactly where The Father wants me in this season of my life.
During my time here I have gotten even more familiar with the organization that I'm working with and I have grown to love it a lot! The people that serve with ELIC are amazing and truly love The Son and it's evident in their lives. It's been really cool just to see how many people have served with this organization and for how long! Many people came and did the program I am doing (1 year commitment) and have been here for 10+ years since then!
I love that I am a part of an organization that wants to glorify The Son but doesn't take the professional work as a teacher as a lighthearted matter. This organization is super committed to us being teachers that pursue excellence in what we do. They want for us to be prepared and well-trained for our work as teachers, which I love!
Thus far we have had pretty long days, with lots of material to cover throughout the day with regards to TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and our role as teachers. It's been a lot to cover, but it honestly just gets me more excited to get my classroom and live my life serving and loving my students!
In addition, I've met amazing people since I've been here! All the new people seem so full of life and seem equally excited to go China and give their lives away, which is incredibly encouraging to me.

During reflection time yesterday, we looked at a passage in Isaiah-Isaiah 42:16. This verse was so sweet to me, especially with regards to where I'm at right now. I'm heading to a country and a very unfamiliar city, with uncertainty with regards to my ability as a teacher among many other unknowns. Not only will there be unknowns but they will be filled with all the challenges that come with living in an entirely different country. But our Father is faithful. In that passage it says that He will guide me. Not only will he guide me, but during my difficulties He will turn my rough places into level ground. Why? Because that is what He does, and He won't forsake me during the whole process. What reassurance as I embark on an unknown, but very exciting journey.

Blessings,
Alysse