What can I say about Cactus, TX? Or rather what can I not say; the people and this place have become my home!! The last 4+ years have been some of the hardest yet most rewarding years of my life. I have seen and experienced some of the greatest heartaches to date in my life while at the same time some of the greatest joys! One of my mentors and close friends made a statement as I was processing life with them, "God has led and you have found your people!" To which I confidently answered "You know, I really have!" These are my people; my friends, family, neighbors, and community. During my years here I have seen and experienced things I NEVER thought possible on earth! Things you read about in the bible as God moved through cities and towns. If I had time, I would LOVE to share with you all the ways I have SEEN the LORD in and through the people of Cactus; maybe one of these days I can tell you one or two :)
But for today, I would love to share how He has been working most recently. As some of you may be aware, I have worked bi-vocationally at Cactus Elementary since I got here. The children and staff at Cactus Elementary have been a source of JOY in my life from the very beginning and I LOVE IT!!
As well, you may know that Cactus Elementary and Cactus Nazarene Ministry Center have been community partners since before I moved here.
Well, with the arrival of directors at Cactus Nazarene Ministry Center we have been in this process of transition for some time. During that time I was praying that The Lord would reveal to me what it is that He has uniquely designed me to do. You see, while being at CNMC I have had many job titles and responsibilities but with directors and a growing staff again, I would be able to focus on 1 or 2 instead of 3, 4, 5, or 6.
That began a season for prayer, conversations, and waiting on The Lord's timing to help confirm what it was that He had uniquely designed for me next. In the last few months He has been leading more and more toward a new job at Cactus Elementary. A place and people I dearly love. This would mean I would need to go back to school (at least for a little bit - which if you know me, you know that when I was done with my undergrad I said I was NEVER going back - - - well don't ever say you won't do something! This is my 2nd time back since my bachelors, but I digress.) With all that said, and bringin g on new directors, I could be free to focus my attention in a different direction.
The Lord has opened the door for me to step into the classroom full-time this Fall at Cactus Elementary. I have stepped down from my formal position at CNMC to accept a position teaching Kindergarten and I could not be more excited!!
While I am saddened to not be at CNMC formally, I'm excited to serve our community in this new capacity! I will volunteer at CNMC as my new schedule will allow but for now I am back in school to become state certified with the long term goal of getting my bilingual certification in Spanish - which is a huge need in our area.
As far as my church assignment goes, The Lord has continued to confirm this is where I need to be as I have been appointed on special assignment at Cactus Elementary. Since CNMC and Cactus Elementary are community partners, the church (West Texas district) has appointed me right there at Cactus Elementary. I could not be MORE excited!!
As far as my church assignment goes, The Lord has continued to confirm this is where I need to be as I have been appointed on special assignment at Cactus Elementary. Since CNMC and Cactus Elementary are community partners, the church (West Texas district) has appointed me right there at Cactus Elementary. I could not be MORE excited!!
I cannot wait to see everything The LORD has in store for our community, my neighbors, my friends, and family.
Lastly, when you come to visit instead of at the ministry center, you will find me 2 blocks away in the Kindergarten Hall of Cactus Elementary loving on 15 - 21+ students. When you come by be ready to read a book, lots of smiles, and knee hugs!
