Living in Grace: The Story

I was asked to share how I know the people from my previous blog entry. Thank you Leah for encouraging me to tell this story. I am uncertain of the exact time table as to how the events came to pass but it goes something like this: Towards the end of my college graduation of 2006 or after, I was presented with the idea of going to teach for a couple of months at Santiago Christian Academy in Chile. I thought about it and thought "how could I pass up this opportunity?" After student teaching and graduation from PBC, I had returned to the Federal Building where I used to work and at the time I wondered why the Lord was leading me back there and as the story progresses you will see why as well.

The decision was pretty much made up in my mind, I just needed to talk it over with both sets of parents and I did. Needless to say mom and dad were surprised. So here I was on my way to Chile. Here is where the Federal Building comes in to play. A couple of people that I worked with very graciously and kindly fixed a box so that other employees could give money to help fund my trip. I received money from believers and unbelievers alike. I was in total amazement. They helped to pay for a good portion of my trip. I then understood why the Lord led me back there. Not only did they help me out but Altamahaw Baptist, Salem Baptist, and family and friends helped support me as well. Sitting here writing all of this brings me to tears as I realize what God did.

On July 17th, I departed for Santiago, Chile and arrived on the 18th of July. I stayed with the Pattens for a couple weeks. They are missionaries to the deaf there in Santiago and Mrs. Patten is the one who told me about the opportunity. They were very kind to open up their home. There were many things to be done before I could begin teaching-cleaning, learning, and basic classroom preparation. (Elementary Building Below and my classroom on the right).

On 7/23/2006, I went to Iglesia Bautista Vida Nueva for the first time, and I am sure this is where I first met the Chileans who befriended me. I was able to meet the deaf and was able to interact with them in the deaf ministry. They were so kind to me and the workers were as well. Along the way I was befriended by the Chileans but especially by Flor Maria(one of the deaf,los sordos) , Mauricio(pastor of the deaf), and Andrea(lay worker who works with the deaf of the church). So this is how I came to know Andrea.

Mrs. & Mr. Patten and Flor Maria on the left. The Patten's & Mauricio Rojas & Lori Brock

on the right.

Annette, Mauricio, & the deaf sing

August 2, 2006 began the first day of class. What an adventure! I definitely did not feel adequate to teach, but the Lord used that experience in my life to show me His power and the power of prayer. I know the prayers of family and friends are what gave me the strength. There were some days where I said Lord I can't do this and He of course helped me. He is so faithful! I had a combination class of first and second graders and it was a multicultural combination as well. There were Chileans, Koreans, Americans, etc... What an experience! I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!

Now how in the world did I meet Americans all the way in Chile. Well, Miss Ruth from High Point, NC came to teach in the kindergarten. She was already there when I arrived. She is a very sweet lady. Lori Brock, from Indiana, has been at the school for a few years. James and his friend Jared from Pennsylvania arrived about 2 weeks into the school year. They

had been working at a camp and were not able to come at the beginning of the school year. They came to teach in the high school. There was also another girl, Leah Bayne from Mississippi, who had arrived at about the same time I did to teach in the high school as well. So here we were a group of Americans who came to teach in a School in Santiago, Chile. Leah, Lisa, & Miss Ruth on the right

We did things together as a group. Once Andrea and myself became friends, she became a part of our group as well. Towards the end of my time there in Chile, James and Andrea began talking a lot with one another and thus the forming of a relationship had begun.

Andrea, James, Lisa, Jared, Leah

It was so hard to leave, but as you can see God so graciously allowed the paths of Andrea, James, Miss Ruth, and myself to cross once again. What an awesome, magnificent, all-powerful God we serve. And some day, I hope to go back to see my kids.