Guest Post: Hannah in Niger

The following post is from one of the girls I serve through TeachBeyond member care. Hannah teaches at Sahel Academy in Niamey, Niger.  She is doing a great job as a first year teacher in a foreign country!  I am proud of the woman she is and proud to call her friend.

"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice." -Proverbs 27:9

I was interested in teaching abroad beginning in high school.  I watched some of my close friends go, and after traveling a bit myself, realized God's call on my life.  After graduating from Grove City College with a degree in Elementary and Special Education, what felt like a dream was finally becoming a reality.  Little did I know of the crazy adventure God and I were about to have.  Over and over, He has proven to me that He is trustworthy.  He has provided for my every need and I can't think of one prayer that He hasn't answered. 

Katie Johnston is an answer to one of those prayers. 

My relationship with Katie began the summer before leaving to teach at Sahel Academy in Niger, West Africa.  I had just graduated from Grove City College in May and was attending TeachBeyond's week-long orientation in Chicago.  I was excited about all I was to learn, especially as a rookie at just about everything - teaching, living abroad, and well, just life in general. 

Before leaving for orientation, a friend of mine who teaches at Black Forest Academy recommended (more like insisted) that I introduce myself to someone named Katie Johnston.  I didn't have any trouble finding her, and as we talked before lunch, I found it so easy to joke with her and laugh like old friends.  The second night of orientation is a reflection of the ease with which we conversed. 

It was there at orientation, when the days are long and full of meetings and everyone is super tired by day two, that Katie stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to talk with me.  I guess I didn't even realize in the moment what was happening, because it felt more like friends having a late night chat.  Katie was mentoring me, helping me to process.  When I asked her about her story, she openly shared, modeling for me how to be honest and vulnerable.  She listened to my story, too.  And rather than telling me all the things I was doing wrong, she simply asked questions, prompting me to find the answers myself (a skill that a rare few people have).  I didn't realize it, but it was so hard for me to be honest and to ask for help.  I didn't want to be a burden to anyone.  Katie gave me the freedom to share and loved me even after knowing my "junk" and never made me feel like a burden.  She read scripture, leading me to God's Word and not her own.  She prayed for me (and I am certain she still does).  It was day two of orientation and late at night when everyone else was too tired to be up when Katie listened to me, helped me process, and ultimately helped me get to a healthier place emotionally, spiritually and mentally before going out "onto the field" as a missionary.

It's been seven months now since I've lived in Niger.  And Katie has consistently provided the same encouragement, advice, guidance, laughter, and prayer that she so easily gave at orientation.  She has helped give advice on how to counsel the high school girls' Bible Study I lead, as well as how to love my students well.  She helps me to see areas in which I have improved and to set goals for the future.  Katie constantly points me to the Word and isn't afraid to ask the hard and uncomfortable questions.  It has been so important for me to have a friend and mentor in the States who can listen to relational conflict and provide a fresh perspective.  She is my ear and outlet for all of the things that I can't process with people here.  What an amazing blessing it has been to learn from someone who has "been there, done that."  Katie has given me encouragement, relating to my struggles as a single woman missionary through her time in Bolivia.  Her lightheartedness and humor compliments her ability to seek the root of the issue and speak truth.  She is comfortable in her own skin and her confidence radiates Christ. 

I look forward to skyping Katie, not only because of the wise woman of God she is, but also because of the incredible friend she is to me. I thank God for the amazing confidant I have found in Katie Johnston. 

I share this with you not to show you how great I am but to offer you a glimpse into the work that I do through member care.  I love it! It is my sweet spot, and I thank God I get to work in my sweet spot! If you desire to support me in my service to others through member care you can donate here as well as pray for the time and ability to glorify God in my interactions with these women! Our God is faithful to provide all we need!

If you would like to follow Hannah's journey teaching in Niger you can follow her blog. (Just click on the word blog.)