june 2021.

Sigh. This month was a hard one. It started off by ending the school year, which can be emotional for teachers, having spent the past 10 months with the same group of kiddos. I continue to be grateful that we were able to finish the last 2 weeks of school in person. We were able to have Spiritual Emphasis week and a super fun water-filled field day! I know these will be memorable times for the kids. This was my first year teaching Grade 3 and my sweet girls all cried on the last day of school. It touched my heart to see how much our relationship has meant to them in the past year. As their teacher, I feel so proud of my students and will miss their fun personalities next year, but I know God will bring more to love in the Fall.

Shortly after school ended, I moved into my own place. It was perfect timing since all of my housemates were returning to the US for the summer. I’ve been really enjoying setting up my new place and making it home-y. It feels so fun to have my own place. I’ve enjoyed hosting the women in my Bible study and other friends. My prayer is that this new home brings joy and life to all you enter in. I’ve also adopted an adorable cat to keep me company and she couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.

My first night in my new place, with my new companion, I received a call from my family that my grandfather had passed away. That was definitely the last thing I thought I’d hear. It was heartbreaking as my grandpa has always been close to me. We’ve been pen pals since I left for college. He was always a source of encouragement and joy to me. It was difficult to be so far away from my family at a time like this and it’s always hard when you don’t get to say goodbye. But, I am so thankful that my family was able to attend his funeral. It still doesn’t feel real sometimes, but that’s how grief works, I guess, it’s unpredictable. Many thanks to those of you who have reached out to me during this time, it meant so much to me to know that people were praying for me and my family during this time.

The next few weeks consisted of me working on my Masters courses. I doubled up on my course load for the summer to keep me busy and boy, did it ever! I took a course on Autism and another on Theology. Was I ever thankful to have a pastor with a Masters of Divinity for a father then! It felt like I was reading a different language at times. Yet, I really enjoyed the course and the opportunity to firmly put into writing what I believe to be true about God, the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and all of it. This week, I began the second, follow-up course on Autism and I’m enjoying learning more about how God creates all of His children so uniquely different.

Unfortunately, shortly after hearing about the passing of my grandfather, I experienced something rather traumatic. I’m not ready to go into details here, but I am grateful that the Lord has been healing me in miraculous ways. I really expected to struggle in the days that followed, but God has carried me steadfastly. It is truly by His grace that I have been able to process and move forward so easily. I am so thankful for the Lord’s protection and sovereignty. If anything, this experience reminded me about the importance of the power of prayer. As followers of Christ, we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. The power of the Holy Spirit is mighty and we have the privilege to engage and rely on Him at any time. The same Spirit that dwelled in the hearts of the disciples, dwells in us! How amazing is that?!

A highlight of mine this month was celebrating sweet Natasha’s first birthday! When I first began visiting my friends at the market. She was only a few months old. It has been so precious to watch her grow. I made a birthday cake to share with the market vendors and celebrated this wonderful little one. It was so special.

The last week of June consisted of a much needed trip to the coast with my friends. It was relaxing, refreshing, and peaceful. Just what my soul needed. It was so amazing to be able to see another new side of Kenya and swim in the warm Indian Ocean. This country continues to amaze with its diverse beauty.

My apologies for the delay in writing this post. I have wrestled with knowing what to share, but I feel at peace knowing that my work and purpose here rests in God’s hands. I want to thank all of you who take the time to read my updates. It means a lot to me that you are interested in my life and what the Lord is teaching me. It is a gift to serve here. It’s hard to believe that August marks one whole year of living here. As I approach a new school year, I want to give an invitation for anyone who would like to support me as I continue to teach here in Kenya. It doesn’t matter if you want to give a one-time 20 dollar donation, decide to be a monthly supporter or are just here to read my updates, I appreciate you. Thank you for being a part of my global community. If you’d like to support me, you can do so here:

http://www.gcfcanada.com/jocelyn-smart/

Jocelyn Smart

Thank you,

J.