Thursday, June 21, 2012

Placement!

Hello again! Just wanted to share that today, I found out that I have been placed at the BCCM's Women's and Handicraft Center in Tenom. I'll be working with women who are developing vocational skills in Fair Trade Hadicrafts.  There are also opportunities outside the center to work with a children and youth choir and help with conversational English (and have plenty of chances to learn Malay!).  I have to say, I'm incredibly ecstatic about my placement and the challenges and joys it presents. I feel that it will incorporate my gifts and talents and allow me to grow in new ways.  At the same time, I can't think of an assignment that pulls together so many of my interests and lets me explore and learn at the same time.  It has been truly amazing to witness how God has been at work in this process and watch the puzzle pieces fall into place. I look forward to August and getting to meet everyone at the BCCM and building relationships in the coming year.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Welcome

If you're reading this blog, you've most likely heard that starting in August, I will be spending the next year in Malaysia working with Young Adults in Global Mission, a ministry of the ELCA.  Though I'm not on the far side of the world yet, I feel like I've already embarked on a spiritual journey with lots of love, help, and prayers along the way.  Back in February, I turned in my application and began the waiting game of wondering what I would be doing after graduation (fresh out of Newberry College as of May 5!).  In mid-March, I was overjoyed to find out that I was asked to interview for placement in either Malaysia or the United Kingdom.

In April, 62 fabulous YAGMs came together in Wisconsin to discern, interview, meet, pray, worship, and learn where they would be placed.  On the last day, I found out that I would be sent to Malaysia...what a fantastic feeling!  Finally knowing where I would be for the next year, but still wondering...what kind of ministry would I be involved in?  What would I be doing?  Since then, I've been in contact with my country coordinator to think about gifts and talents and determine where God is calling me to serve.

The journey still continues as my departure date nears (August 15th to Chicago and then August 22 to Malaysia).  I'm amazed and overwhelmed by the support that friends, family and even strangers have shown to me as I prepare for this year of overseas ministry.  This blog is for you.  Feel free to check in, leave comments, and share this site with others.  I'll be posting regularly throughout my year of service and sharing pictures.  For the summer, I'm working at camp and will probably be posting on the weekends.  I'll be sure to share updates as I find out more specifics about what I'll be up to in the coming year.  Thanks so much for your prayers and support!

Peace,
Rebecca