My Next Adventure

It's official... I have my next adventure right in front of me!! I've accepted a new job and I AM SO EXCITED!!!!! I will be the Site Director for a tuition preschool and wrap around childcare program. I am very excited to get started and get to know my co-workers and students. One of my favorite parts...I will be moving into a new classroom and have the freedom to decorate and organize the entire room myself(with the help of my co-workers lol)!!!
Of course the excitement is carrying me on cloud nine right now but I also know I am facing a huge adventure right in front of my face! Let the fun times begin. =)

Camp Kinawind

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer once again for Camp Kinawind's Grand Island Kayak Camp. One week with a great group of high school students on Grand Island in Lake Superior...what could be more of an adventure? We enjoyed beautiful weather while camping, kayaking, hiking, and biking. If you have never had the opportunity to travel to the U.P. more specifically to the Pictured Rocks Area...you should. 

Romania Report

The past two weeks of my life marked mission trip number 8!!

2004 North Carolina
2005 Brazil
2006 Chihuahua, Mexico
2007 Detroit, MI
2008 Jackson, MI
2009 Jackson, MI
2011 Chihuahua, Mexico
2012 ROMANIA

I do not say any of that to glorify myself or to try to impress you. I share that with you because I feel convicted by Romans 10: 14-15 "How will they call of him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News!'"  

My heart breaks for those individuals that have not heard the truth of the Gospel. I live in America where 51% of people call themselves Protestant Christians and another 23% claim Roman Catholicism Christianity. I've always assumed that if I were to walk the streets of my hometown and ask people about God and Jesus I would probably meet several people who trust is Jesus Christ as their Savior...however I cannot say that for sure because I have never walked the streets and asked people such questions. In Romania those percentages are extremely different 7% Protestant and 4% Roman Catholic!! 86% of Romanians state Eastern Orthodox as their religious beliefs. Based on some of the conversations and stories our team encountered while in Romania my eyes were opened to the reality of the extreme need for evangelism in Romania. Members of our team had conversations with Romanian people who knew very little about the life of Jesus Christ and the eternal life he provides for us. The thought of people never hearing the truth of the Gospel...is heart breaking!

I enjoyed my time in Romania more than I have the words to describe right now... What I can say is that I have been reminded of the need to 'Let Go and Let God'. God is in control of my life and all I need is to have faith. Matthew 17:20 He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."    

Romania

I haven't posted recently but here we go....WE ARE IN ROMANIA! We are all safe and adjusting well to being together 24/7;-)  Ministry is going great...we have shown a film in one village and are headed out to a handicapped school shortly. Life is fun when you are living out of a suitcase and going moment to moment with a smile!

Another Adventure or Two

My first year of teaching was completed on Wednesday! I will not be returning to that classroom or school in the fall therefore over the past several weeks I had been packing things up and moving them home. My bedroom is now being over taken by the 'pink mountain monster'. My mom has taught me that if I cover piles of stuff up with a sheet it's like it isn't even there! lol. I guess there isn't another option when you live in a small, old, farm house with very little storage space. Anyway, I now spend several hours surfing the internet for job postings and filling out applications. I am excited for what God has planned for me in the near and far future. However, I am not excited about the time I wait in the unknown.

What I do know is I leave for ROMANIA on Wednesday!! I am a part of a 17 person mission team headed to Romania for two weeks to minister with Drive-In Ministries and a local missionary. I can't wait to update you on our travels and ministry opportunities. This trip has been in the works for a long time and it is finally here! We have raised all of our support plus a little extra to share with others!

I'm off to do a little job searching and suitcase packing...  

Tickets Purchased

It is official! Our Romania plane tickets have been purchased. Our group leaves from London, Canada on June 14th and returns on the 27th. We are so excited for this experience and hope that you will be excited with us.

Vacation Time

My grandma and I are on our way to Florida for a week of vacation together. I don't think I ever really thought I would survive this far through my first year of teaching. It took 6 long hard months to get to this week of Spring Break. I can now relax and confidently say ”I'm a survivor of two rounds off parent/teacher conferences.” Praises to the Lord!

Beautiful Sight

Washed and dried our team shirts so they can be handed over to get out names embroidered on them!

Journey to Romania

Mailing out a stack of support letters! Several envelopes, letters, and stamps...but most important... prayers.

Welcome

Welcome to The Adventurous Life of Lauren! I've decided it is time for me to join the blogging world =) I chose the title 'The Adventurous Life of Lauren' because I like the word "Adventurous" ...it is defined as the willingness to take risks or to try out new methods, ideas, or experiences. Umm... Hello... does that not describe my current life?!?!
I am a recent college graduate almost 3/4 of the way through my first year as a third grade teacher adjusting to what people call "life". My intentions through this blog are to share with you what risks I am taking, and what new methods, ideas, or experiences are in my current life.
If you are in, prepare yourself...because I do plan on taking you all the way to Romania and back this June!!!