My summer break truly went by in a FLASH! I can’t believe July is nearly over! I write this on long layover headed back to Kenya for my fourth year. As I reflect on my break, I can’t help but get emotional thinking of God’s many beautiful blessings this year. This was one of my best summers ever. I got to spend quality time with my family, get to know my nephews more, have fun at the lake with my dad, and travel with my mom. I also got the privilege of being a bridesmaid in one of my closest friend’s weddings. I was able to meet up with many friends, prayer warriors, and supporters. I thank God for this much needed rest. My soul is feeling refreshed & I am grateful. I am reminded of the importance of rest to restore our souls.
The lesson I felt God was teaching me during this time was the phrase, “I get to.” While God was showing me all of the beautiful things I get to do, He was also reminding me that I also get to do the hard things with him.
I get to teach children.
I get to teach in Kenya.
I get to see my family for two months a year.
I get to experience heartbreaking goodbyes.
I get to experience joy-filled hellos.
I get to have two homes on this earth.
I get to know community.
I get to know challenge.
In every “I get to” listed, I can add “with Christ” at the end. How good is our God that we get to journey through all of life’s highs and lows with Him? Living abroad, the biggest struggle for me has always been the fear of something bad happening to my family while I’m on the other side of the world. I recognize this is not a fear (burden) the Lord wants me to carry. He wants to take that load off my shoulders. He is teaching me to seek Him in every situation and to tangibly trust & know that He is God, He is good, and He is with me.
As I enter into a new school year next week, my prayer is for deeper intimacy with Christ as I allow him access to my fears. I pray for deeper faith, stronger trust, and His peace as I seek His presence.
Thank you for continuing to journey with me. It is hard to believe that I am entering my fourth year in Kenya! Thank you for your prayers and love since day one. I am forever thankful for the body of Christ.
-j.
Prayer Items:
-Safety in Kenya as protests have returned
-My new students & teaching partner
-A blessing over this ministry
-Thankful for God’s many blessings
jocelyn's adventures in kenya. 
It was so good to see you at Trailview this past weekend. We pray God’s richest blessings for you as you return to Kenya.
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Dear Jocelyn,
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div>Thanks for the good report
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Praying for you that you will enjoy this your fourth year in a way you never have before. And that God’s incredible peace will surround you every day. Harvey & Lois
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Hi there!! I am always so happy to read about your adventures in our monthly emails! Thank you for sending these faithfully to all of us. It is very encouraging to read about what you are doing with your life, seeing the pictures brings Africa so close to us, it is almost like we are living it with you. I understand what you mean about being far away from family members and worrying about things, but I love your outlook that God has everything in His hands. It is hard to trust it sometimes, but I think you have a good grasp on how to do it. Thank you for sharing it with us. I thought you were staying in Canada for the next teaching year, but I am glad you are following your dreams and heading back. Can’t say I envy you having to start again next week, but I guess that may mean you are off earlier. For that I am grateful. Things at Regent are ever changing, and this year is going to follow that pattern. Darlene retired and Rachel is taking the head of our wing. (I am totally sure you already know this, but it is one of the changes.) I am happy for Darlene being able to retire, so all is good. Karen also retired, I have to say I would have liked a bunch more years with her, but I am also grateful that she was able to finish strong and be done with this season of her life. Things will not be the same without her, to be sure. New people are coming in, and we “lifers” are still here. Come to think of it, I think “lifers” are now only Rachel and myself in the primary wing… haha! its all good. I hope you are able to settle back into life in Africa after being with family. I hope that God brings you strength and peace for the year. PS I loved watching you and your mom travel this summer! It made my heart warm to see! Blessings my friend!
Tracy Elliott
Grade 1 Teacher
Regent Christian Academy
15100 66A Ave, Surrey, BC V3S 2A6
Phone: 604-599-8171
http://www.regent.bc.ca
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Tracy,
It is so good to hear from you. Thank you SO much for taking the time to write this. Your words have been so encouraging to receive. I am happy to hear about the updates from Regent too & very excited for Rachel in this next season. I hope I can visit RCA next year! I would love to reconnect with everyone again. May God bless you as you continue to be such a light for Christ! Thank you, again. I appreciate you and your prayers!
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Hello Jocelyn,
Kerry’s here, I lost the donation information, I need your email address for the donation please.
Thank you
Kerry Lam
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Hi Kerry,
Here is my email: joc.smart4@gmail.com
Thank you so much and let me know if you need any other information.
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