Dear Friends and Family,
I have been here in the Dominican Republic (DR) for over a month now and God has been teaching me so much about what is truly important in life. Some days I feel like my students teach me more than I teach them! If there is one thing I have learned this month, it would be the importance of filling up my “tank” with God’s love. Teaching is tiring and, as my cooperating teacher continuously reminds me, it is so important for teachers to take time to rest and focus on God’s love and what God has given us to love. All that love fills up our proverbial fuel tanks with energy and helps us to be more effective in what we do. I am still learning how to balance work and rest but I have definitely learned how important both can be, especially when it comes to teaching my very diverse group of 2nd graders. I have a couple more months with this group of little ones and I want to be able to savor every moment by putting who they are as people over the progress I would have both them and myself make.
As some of you already know, I will leave the DR on April 16th to stay with a family in Boca Raton, FL. I will work as a substitute in Palm Beach County until the end of the school year. After that, I will spend the summer babysitting, nannying, tutoring and taking any other odd jobs I can before I leave on the World Race. In June, I will undergo 10 days of training camp in Georgia. During these 10 days I will meet my team and work on preparing my heart and mind for the mission God has called me to during the next year of my life. Please pray that God begin preparing me now for all that I will encounter on my next journey.
As far as finances go, I am beyond thankful for God’s provision and your generosity so far. I have raised almost $3,500! That leaves only $1,500 until I reach my $5,000 goal! Once I reach that goal the amount will be matched dollar for dollar. I feel so blessed and I am believing God for the rest of the funds as the deadlines are fast approaching. Thank you so much to those of you who have already been a part of supporting me through prayer and finances. Please pray that God would continue to provide the support I need. If you feel led to give, you can follow the “support me” link on my blog at www.emilybrowning.theworldrace.org . You can also help by sharing this information with your friends and family or hosting a fundraiser for me at your church, school or workplace. Please e-mail or Facebook message me for more information if you are interested.
Once again, I cannot thank you all enough for your love and support thus far. It means so much to me to see how you all believe in this calling God has placed on my life. World Race August 2016 here I come!
Blessings,
Emily Browning
