All that I need

I have now made it through a week in Ohio.  At times, I feel so alone and simply long to talk face to face with someone from Indiana.  It is the little things I miss most. 

 I miss my dad making coffee every morning.  I miss our family devotions together.  I miss my mom coming and sitting on my little chair in my room and simply chatting with me as I got ready for work. I miss her coming up the stairs saying, "It smells like fire...Brooke, your burning your hair!!!"   I miss simply sitting on the couch with Nicole and catching up after a long day of work. I miss beading with her.  I miss  watching her take pictures of anything and everything we did and then quickly sharing it with the world on Instagram. I miss the smart little comments Lauren use to say to me.  She could always make me smile and laugh. I miss my cat..and I miss the pounce I would get on my bed in the middle of the night.  I miss his morning cries insisting that I feed him right NOW!  I miss my dear friend Kemisha. I simply miss spending time with her.  I miss "working out" (I don't know if you would really call it a work out..our brisk walks were more like a stroll) I miss laughing together and sharing so much with one another. I miss my church terribly.  My church really is more like a family to me.  There are so many people that I miss seeing on a regular basis.

One night was especially difficult for me.  I remember feeling so absolutely alone.  I knew no one in Ohio and I longed to simply be with the people I knew and loved.  I felt like I could not make it all alone.  However, the following morning God truly revealed Himself to me.  Through His Holy Word, the Lord reminded me time and time again that He was with me.  I am not alone.  I spent a long while with God that morning and I truly felt His presence with me telling me He would not send me somewhere without His presence.

It seemed like as soon as I told God your right..."You are all I need." God put me to the test.  

Monday, I got the call saying, "Brooke, mom has cancer.."

The first thing that came to my mind was why?  

Why now? 

Why her? 

I was sitting in my classroom lesson planning..I immediately gathered my stuff and left.  I had absolutely no one to talk to.  If I had gotten the news in Indiana I know I would have immediately ran  to someone for comfort.  But here in Ohio..I had no one to run to..no one that is but God.  I gathered my Bible and my journal drove to the lake and sat there for three hours...

After those hours alone..I can honestly say I truly learned God is all I need.

I don't know why God chose my mom

I don't know why God chose now...I hadn't even been Ohio a whole week when I got the news.  My older sister's wedding is rapidly approaching...why now?

I don't know.. I simply don't know the answer to all the questions that are flooding my mind.  But I do know God has a reason for allowing things to happen. I may not understand his wisdom but I must trust His will..He knows what is best.

"When my heart is overwhelmed lead to the rock that is higher than I."

Settling in Middle of Nowhere,Ohio

Early Tuesday morning after a large and amazing breakfast my parents and I began our journey to Ohio.  This trip truly made me realize how blessed I am to have the most amazing parents in my life. My mom and dad were both a huge help in setting up my bedroom and especially my classroom.  I often am a tad too much of a perfectionist and a bit too meticulous.  By myself a bulletin board takes me hours.  However, with the help of my mom we were able to complete the bulletin board in 15 minutes.

If I say so myself..it turned out pretty cute!

After the bulletin board was finished. We continued to add more decorations to brighten the classroom.

I absolutely love the huge world map my mom and sister got for me..it definitely will come in handy when teaching 6th grade Geography.

Sadly, after getting my classroom somewhat organized and grocery shopping I had to say good bye to my parents.  Although I am very good at hiding my emotions in public..that was very hard.  It has only been 24 hours since I have seen them. However, I miss them terribly!

Early this morning I headed over to the school and attempted to finish my classroom..here is the almost finished product

After finishing my classroom I decided to be adventurous.  For the very first time...I shut off my GPS and went for a drive without the aid of a little woman continually saying "when possible make a U-turn...recalculating.."

In my little Middle of Nowhere town..I came across a quaint little library.  I decided to go in a check it out..and as soon as I can prove I am now an Ohio resident I am getting myself a library card.

 I then drove along looking for something in particular.  You see, back home, I had this park,bench bench and fountain that I called my own.  It was my own special little place where I'd often go to read, pray, and simply think and meditate.  I wanted a special place of retreat for myself in Ohio as well...and then I found it..my own little park!  I am sure it will become special to me....

My secluded little place

Please continue to pray for me.  My desire is that I will be a blessing and make an impact on these country people in Middle of Nowhere, Ohio.

Life Changes

On August 14, 2012 my life is going to change in so many ways.

You see, Tuesday morning I will be moving to Ohio. 

This came about so quickly it has hardly had time to register.  Three weeks ago I received a call from a Christian Academy in Ohio.  Honestly, when I received the call I never expected that I would actually say yes.  However, I decided to take the trip over to Ohio to look at the school and church.  Upon my arrival the pastor showed me around the facilities.  I was highly impressed by all I saw.  However, I knew I would never make a decision based on simply what I saw I would have to meet the people of the church and school before I could make a decision.  Sunday morning as a walked into the church I was greeted by person after person- with great big hugs- which is totally against my Hoosier stiff personality.  As I sat in the church I simply began to pray and ask God, "Lord what will you have me to do?"  I had already made up my mind that I would do whatever God wanted me to do.  As I sat there it was as if God himself came down next to me wrapped His arms around and filled me with a deep peace that this is exactly where he wanted me to be.

There was something about that small Christian school and something about that small country church that simply put a fire deep inside me.  

Now, I sit here just a few days before leaving on a life changing adventure, so many different emotions have begun to take over me.  

First, I am filled with absolute excitement.  Because I know for sure without a doubt that Ohio is where God wants me to be.  Day after day God has showed me in a very real way that He is coming along with me.  I am so excited to put my teaching into use and actually stand before my own 4th and 6th grade students and touch the future through their little lives.  

Secondly, I am absolutely without a doubt scared to death.  I am terrified to be a first time teacher in a strange new place where I know no one.  I am scared to death to be out on my own for the first time in a strange small country town. 

Thirdly, I am sad.  There are so many things I will miss.  I will my family, friends, my church, and everything about my beautiful home town.  I will miss it all. And I know at times I will be homesick. Terribly homesick- Indiana is all I have known.

  Sometimes, all of these different emotions rise up and begin to rage within me.  Yet, every time I begin to doubt and wonder "will I make it?" a still small voice inside of me simply says, "Calm down Brooke...You won't be alone.. I am coming with you.  I love you and I will not leave you alone.  I called you to Ohio and I will provide."

So..in a few days from today I will embark on my adventure..an adventure that I am fearful to make..however, I know that God wants me in that small country town in Ohio. 

My New Ride

This week I was able to purchase my first vehicle.  I could go on and on and explain to you how God gave me this beautiful vehicle.  As I shook hands with the dealer I shook my head and sighed...Wow, my God is truly an Awesome God!

It is truly the most beautiful car I have ever laid eyes on. And it's red!

Proudly sitting behind the wheel of my Pontiac Grand Prix

Summer Pictures

I cannot believe this summer is already quickly coming to a close.  This summer I began a new job, which I thoroughly enjoy.  Although I am working more hours I was still able to squeeze in fun time with my family and friends.

My family along with my friend Christian and Nicole's fiance took a trip to Cedar Point.  We had a great time riding all the raging roller coasters. 

Dad and Jack on the Power Tower

Nicole and all of us bridesmaids were able to meet up one Saturday afternoon.  We had such a wonderful time shopping for our wedding shoes, eating, and simply talking and catching up with one another.  It is a rare occasion that Nicole gets to be with all friends, seeing they live in California, Michigan, and Missouri.

After a great time of shopping and eating at a local pizzeria we headed over to get some pictures together.  

The summer would never be complete with a few stops to the local gyros place.  This summer I was able to introduce my friend, Kemisha, to gyros.  Although I believe she was rather leery of eating "lamb" we all enjoyed the time together.

Being so close to the Dunes.  An evening family picnic has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember.

Lauren, Kemisha, and I successfully completely a rather intense hike at the dunes.  Although the sun was beating upon us and the sand dunes seemed never ending.  We completely our trail which ended at beautiful Lake Michigan. 

One day I was able to take a day off work to go to Shipshewanna.  My family and I enjoyed our time in Amish Country.

My sisters and I

Lastly, a summer would ever be complete with a couple trip to the County Fair!

Elephant Ears!