January / February
In all honesty, as I sit here trying to consider what to report from January I’m drawing a lot of blanks. School started back up on January 9th with minimal fanfare (I think from students and staff alike) and I have since been pushing forward into the groove I think I’ve developed with this work. Semester 1 ended on January 20th. Tests were graded, projects presented, assignments missing, found and turned in late, scores contested, quarrels quarreled and resolved. School stuff. In brief, January was a very normal month. From a teaching side I have very little to report, but I think finding some normalcy in my work has allowed me to turn my attention inward and try and recognize some of the heart stuff I believe the Lord is working in me currently.
The term I’d probably use to describe the last few months is spiritually watered. Like most of my years Stateside I was bracing for a cold, dark winter but was met with generally mild weather and plenty of sun. I’m sure this worked wonders on my overall mood, but God has also been gracious with who He’s crossed my paths with so far in 2023. I can say with 100% confidence that my favorite hobby is quality conversation- nothing energizes me more than making a new friend, discussing life stuff and hearing about what’s on someone’s mind. On more than one occasion a quick chat with the person next to me at a coffee shop has turned into a longer conversation, a walk in the park or another coffee on a later date. I befriended a team of young believers living in Tirana as part of a YWAM Discipleship Training School out of Norway and have truly seen their presence as an encouragement I don’t think I could have known to ask God for. Our faith can be so exciting with the creative ways God surprises us with His blessing.
Part of this discernment process for life after June has made me question the voice I hear God speaking to me with. Is there a voice at all, or am I just making it up? What’s influencing it? What tone of voice is He using, and how does that influence how I approach Him? While I haven’t recognized God necessarily answering the prayers I wish He’d answer, I’m spending less time trying to analyze what I’m asking for and more time just waiting for God to respond however He will. I’m finding our Father’s voice ever more gentle the more I just listen. Jesus’ ministry isn’t built off of a narrative of him having nasty quips for the Pharisees or being passive aggressive to his disciples when they fall asleep in Gethsemane, it’s built off of Matthew 11.28-30;
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Working at GDQ has allowed me to chew on some of these meditations more than I think a usual workplace would. My students might not enjoy it as much as I do, but I like sharing my morning readings with them in hopes something will eventually resonate with them.
While there isn’t much activity to share from the classroom, I’ll share a few prayer requests with you-
The Middle School is leaving for a 2 night retreat on Monday. The theme verse is Hebrews 6:19- “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul”. Pray that students hearts would be open to the Gospel and open to how God might be speaking to them during this time of intense communion.
The GDQ staff retreat is also coming up this week. Pray for the refreshment and spiritual renewal of GDQ’s teachers.
Pray for my 7th grade boys- for the interpersonal dynamic and that they would all be captivated by the good news and powerful transformation of a Gospel driven life.
Continue to pray for my next steps after GDQ- I confirmed with the school and TeachBeyond that I don’t foresee returning to teaching in 2022/23. I’ve been practicing a bit more intentional discernment practices based on St. Ignatius’ principles of consolation and desolation and praying God might slowly open my eyes for how he might provide and allow me to serve on the mission field with my giftings. I might write more on this in the future, there’s a lot that’s been on my mind in this regard! I hope you’ll join me in prayer.
Albania is starting to warm up and I look forward to what God has in store for the coming spring. Peace to you all!
Aaron.