Good-bye 2015!

"As seasons change, I’m reminded that
change is natural and beautiful."

From towering snow mounds in my drive to incredibly vibrant leaves on the trees as I drove through upstate New York, this year has been one to remember.  Yep, it snowed a lot last winter – a record setting winter, but I survived.  As seasons change, I’m reminded that change is natural and beautiful.  There has been a major change in my life this past year - I am no longer on YL staff.  After nine wonderful years ministering to teenagers in Cambridge and Somerville, I began to ask the Lord, “What else do you have for me?”  It took me time to process the truth and decide that God was leading me to leave YL.  At the end of September, I stepped away from my role as Area Director in BNYL.  Since leaving, I have felt peace and rest.  Of course, I miss the kids, leaders and staff.  I pray that others will be called to take care of the mission and continue to grow the local area.  I know that God has something ahead for me and I have faith that it’s something good.

Everyone’s been asking me, “What have you been doing the past few months?”  Great question!  The first day off staff I packed up my car, loaded up my dog and took off on an epic road trip for two weeks across New York state and Northern New England.  I had nearly everything planned out from dog-friendly hotels, to campgrounds, to friend’s homes.  I finally visited the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY and revisited the village of Youngstown, NY where I spent the summer of ’96.  It was incredible!  I enjoyed time alone in God’s creation, as well as valuable time with dear friends along the way.  Both were equally welcomed as a gift from God!

Since the end of October, I have been subbing in the SPSD two to three days a week – primarily elementary classrooms.  I’ve had days to clean out YL storage and throw away a lot of papers that I no longer need.  Other days of the week, I’ve taken time to read, journal, and meet with people that have encouraged me to continue to rest and seek God.

The big question is, “What is next for Sarah B.?”  Another great question, but this time I don’t have a clear answer.  I know that I still want to be in ministry to fulfill my mission to love and glorify God as I reach and disciple young people.  But my next assignment is not known to me at this time.  I’m not even certain as to the location, however, this does not bother me much.  I am secure that the Lord loves me and has a plan for my life.  I can’t go wrong in my future endeavors.

Thank you for reading this update and for praying for me.  I am grateful for friends and family members like you who support me in all that God has called me to do.  I hope to hear from you soon and keep you informed of how the Lord is leading me.

May 2016 bring you joy and laughter as you grow in the love God has for you and everyone in the world!