So you shall observe to do just as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right or to the left. You shall walk in all the way which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you will possess.
Deuteronomy 5:32-33
The last two times with my small group girls were wonderful. On our final night we had a great time going to an indoor play place (where big kids and adults can also play). We played on the slides, jumped on the trampolines, and enjoyed some heated games of Foosball. Then we went to Burger King before finally coming back to my place for tea. It was a fun way to end our time together. But perhaps the sweeter memory is from our second to last night together. Libby and I opened this time up to allow the girls to ask us any questions they wanted and we also asked them some. It was a precious time together because each of our girls opened up a bit more and shared some very vulnerable things they were learning about. Libby and I had the opportunity to listen, share some scripture with them, and pray for each of one. I am so thankful for this group of girls, and it is an honor to be able to speak into their lives and watch them grow into women of God. I'm looking forward to seeing them all again in the fall!
My math students also ended the year well. Three of the students I had last year in my math class walked across the stage in graduation with all the math credits they needed to get them there! Another one of my students from last year, a junior, worked so hard this year that he was able to pass his intermediate algebra class with a C! It was a huge accomplishment for him. I am so proud of how far they have all come. And this year's class also managed to finish well despite some shaky points throughout. After all five of them bombed their practice final, four were able to pass the exam the following week. And thankfully, the fifth one will be able to take an online course over the summer and test again in the fall for the credit.
I am thankful for each of you who allow me to be here through your prayers and support. I am thankful that God has brought me here to serve him at Black Forest. I am thankful to be able to pour into the lives of my students and watch them grow, even amidst the pain and trials that we face. As this third year draws to a close, I can rejoice in God's faithfulness and look forward to next year with hopefulness. Our God is so good. His gospel is sure, not that we can ever earn or deserve his love, but that he loved sinners and provided our payment for sin and our righteous reward of fellowship with him.
Please Pray...
For the final good-byes of the year
For all to go well babysitting Monday - Thursday
For all the little things that do need to get done in the next two weeks
For faithfulness in my time with God during my break from routine
For safe travels through Italy and Croatia with my parents
For rest and renewal over the summer break
For continued healing (this is going well)
If you would like to make a monthly pledge or other financial contribution at this time please click on this link or enter the web address: give.teachbeyond.org/support/rebecca-swanson/ You can designate giving for Rebecca Swanson or account number 40335.