Answered Prayers

So after an extremely awesome bachelorette weekend at the beach, I began rethinking the whole rural living experience. Was I going to be able to live the extraordinary life that I have always wanted? How can I make a big difference in such a small town? When will I get to take advantage all of the wonderful things that the world has to offer me? Yes, I want to see the world, but most of all, I want God to work through me. It is then that I will fill like I have really fulfilled my purpose, and therefore, experienced life to its fullest.

So I got to thinking: you know what, Karessa! It doesn't matter where you live - God can still use you! Duh, why did it take me so long to realize that? Sometimes I'm an idiot. Anyway, so I began to pray: Lord, show me where I can be used and just give me peace about this move.

He began to answer my prayers:

1. I visited the school where I will be teaching 5th grade math next year ~ the first woman I met already knew who I was. She is from Southern California and married a farmer in Olton. Ok, example: people from big cities really can make it in a small town.

I ventured on to meet several other teachers who all seemed extremely sweet and very proud to be working at this school. And once again, they all already knew who I was.

But the best part came when I was able to meet some of the students. I was introduced to the current 4th graders as their new math teacher for next year. They were all very excited and wanted to give me hugs or hold my hand. Later when I was spotted walking down the hall by the same students, they all pointed me out and began telling the others who I was. As I was in the hall with the principal, one fourth grade girl came to see me and I asked her what her name was: STAR.

For those of you who do not know, Star is my middle name. I knew right then that I was going to be used in ways that I don't even know right now.

The students in Olton are mostly Hispanic and of lower income, and for the most part just need a lot of love. I am so excited to give my love freely to these beautiful students and hopefully impact some lives in the mean time.

From that moment through the rest of my stay in Earth (while I was moving my stuff into the new house) I was completely at ease and enjoyed every minute there. I love our house, I love the community, I love the school, and I love the beautiful sunset that we get to watch every night from our incredible back porch.

I can't wait to live an extraordinary life in Earth with my husband.