There are few people who know what really went on this year, both in the physical world as well as in the spiritual world, and I find it hard to be polite to the ones who think they know (as well as the ones who contributed to the problem). I have been continually reminded this year of Ephesians 6:12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Thankfully, this verse and two dear friends (Darla and Lin) have helped me keep my mouth shut at work when it needed to be shut.
However, I am not leaving USD 470 or Arkansas City for any of those reasons. I knew (and so did my principal) that I would not return after this school year. I told him last summer before I went to Romania in July. I am not sure he (or I, for that matter) truly believed it, but I said it last June. I didn't make it public to the rest of the "world" until March 25 when I turned in my resignation with the intent of moving to Romania.
I am thankful for the people who have supported this change. Making a change in your life is hard; making one this big is really hard. It resonates with people who are "stuck" in some facet of their lives to see someone else take that step. I cannot tell you how many times I have been told, "I'm so proud of you." or "You're so brave. I admire you." Let me say, to the world, this seems foolish. It is difficult to explain. There's nothing truly brave about what I am doing...it's just trying to follow God as best I can.
There are lots of things I need to do before I leave the area for good: most importantly, sell the house. Selling the house is important for finances mainly, but also to eliminate any need for someone to take care of the house. For the first semester, I will probably be a vagabond...teaching English clubs or helping the ministry in Brasov and Sibiu (or wherever). All prayers are totally welcome and if you have questions, please feel free to message me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/LauraDEhler).
Cu drag,
Laura