september 2024.

I’m not sure about you, but for me, the days this month felt long, however the month itself has flown by.

This month I read the book Meant for Good by Megan Fate Marshman. It is on the passage of Jeremiah 29:11-14.

Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most quoted verses of Scripture, and in her book, Megan purposefully continues on in the chapter to highlight the critical importance of the following verses. She writes about how humans are meant for good not because of who we are or what we do, but because we are meant to know God, and when we know Him, all things are good, despite what our present circumstances may look like. Here are two quotes from the book that have me reflecting and pondering:

“We know God will answer us when we call because one terrible day He did not answer Jesus when He called. . . . Jesus’s prayers were given the rejection that we sinners merit so that our prayers could have the reception that He merits.”

“What if?” questions can lead to fear and anxiety whereas “Even if” proclamations build faith… Trust says “even if” in the face of fear. Even though “God can,” we trust Him “even if” He doesn’t.”

Here is the passage: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

This month, I had the opportunity to accompany the 5th grade classes as a chaperone on their 2 night camping trip out of the city. It was an amazing time filled with intentional discipleship, friendship-building, and shared cultural experiences. The main focuses of the trip were for the students to experience God in His creation through enjoying and learning about the natural world He created, to focus on building friendships, and to deepen their understanding of God. It was such a privilege for me to be a part of the trip as I support so many of these students in their classes already. It was really special to see these students in a different setting, have time set for them to ask their big questions about God and faith, and to pour into these relationships. I enjoyed sharing devotionals with the students, singing campfire songs, hiking in the beautiful outdoors, and building connections with them. I had many great conversations about God with many students and I am grateful for this experience. My prayer is for continued deepening of faith and friendships for these students throughout the rest of the year.

Right after the camping trip, unfortunately, I caught a terrible 10-day case of what seems to have been tonsilitis. It was my first experience going to the hospital in the middle of the night, but I am thankful for access to healthcare and medicine. I am healthy and well again, but boy, that was painful!

This month also held a fun-filled dress up week. One of the days was “Dress Like a Teacher” and I was so amazed by the amount of students that chose to dress up as me. Seeing so many little Miss Smart’s around campus was adorable (key pieces: fun earrings, glasses, headband, tucked in top, and sandals). It touched me because it showed me the impact that I have been having on this community without realizing. I don’t the students who chose to dress up like me and it was special to feel seen having only been at this school for two months. Praise God for this sweet reminder that I am ultimately seen and known by Him.

I want to thank you for your prayers this month. I am continuing to adjust to my new role, school, and part of town. I am reminded that God’s best plan for our lives is not a synonym for easy. I am stretching and growing in this season. As I transition, I have been intentional in making time for some sweet visits. I went back to my previous school to visit the students I taught and it was so wonderful to see them. It definitely felt bittersweet. I am so grateful to have taught there for 4 years and I am also so grateful to be teaching children with learning disabilities now.

I wish I could include a photo for you of my new ‘class’, but for privacy reasons, I am unable to. Just imagine the sweetest bunch of international kiddos and that’s my new crew!

This month the school held parent teacher conferences. This was a time for me to share with the parents the growth that I am seeing in their child and what we have been working on. One of the parents shared with me, her eyes misty, that she knows that her son will be forever marked by this school year as this is the first time he has been included into a ‘regular’ school. Previously he had been placed in ‘special’ schools for children with disabilities. She shared her gratitude for seeing her son as capable and precious in God’s sight. I was beaming – THIS is the reason I wanted to be in this ministry. For ALL of God’s children to be welcomed, seen, and loved. To God be the glory in this little one’s story.

I also spent some time visiting previous coworkers turned friends. I am thankful to continue these relationships. I plan to reunite and visit my friends from the market next month and I am very excited!

Thank you for your continued support. As I was writing this month’s entry, the website notified me that this is my 52nd post in 5 years and I know that some of you have been here since my very first post on this blog. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your faithful prayers and support. We are doing this ministry together.

https://thegc.org/ca/projects/jocelyn-smart

Asante sana. Nashukuru Mungu. (Thank you very much. I thank God.)

-j.