Hi, I’m Beth, and I am from Asheville, North Carolina. I grew up in Alabama and returned there for college at Auburn University (WAR EAGLE)! I majored in Elementary Education and then accepted a job back in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. I began teaching 5th grade three years ago. Teaching has always been a passion of mine–I love working with a diverse variety of students and love that every day brings different challenges and new adventures. I love seeing students grow and change throughout the school year.
My teaching career has molded my spiritual journey as well–teaching me about the fruit of the Spirit and how to serve His children depending on their unique circumstances at home. I learned about my personality (strengths and weaknesses) as I have worked with a team of teachers to better our school and curriculum development–through this journey, I have learned to ask, “Is this a priority?” and “So what?” I have seen the need for priorities and the importance of every action I take with my colleagues and my students (and reflect Jesus’ light within my work ethic and actions taken with the school community).
When I was in college, the Lord also made an impression on my heart that international missions would play a part in my life in the future. However, this vision He gave me wasn’t what I expected or thought would come. He has given me the opportunity to go to Peru the past three summers. I have worked with a children’s ministry and adult conversation clubs (to practice their English skills) in Lima, Peru. When I returned home from my first summer in Peru, I remember the Lord telling me “Be ready in 3-5 years.” I wasn’t sure what that meant, even though I had an idea in my mind. I assumed I would teach overseas and work in a ministry as well. Last summer in Peru, I took the reigns into my own hands and checked out how to get a work visa in Peru and almost didn’t return back to the United States.
I am very thankful that the Lord reminded me that I was taking control, not obeying His command. As I have worked through this school year, He reminded me that I need to seek His face on His plan for my next journey overseas. The only clue He gave me was “This summer will be your time to prepare. Be ready to prepare for the next step.”
As the spring semester arrived, I started looking at teaching overseas again–I was getting ready to submit my application to an international school in Peru, and the Lord said, let’s come back to that. Ironically, I didn’t go back to that. He led me to the World Race. He said, I have given you a desire to go to Africa and Asia, let’s make that happen. I knew that the Lord wanted me to see His people all around the world and challenge me to work with a diverse group of His body through the journey.
I look forward to how He continues to transform my heart to be obedient and listen closely to His Spirit. I look forward to sharing my journey with each you!
