Wait

Wait

A few years ago I was challenged to come up with a word for the year.

My word for 2015 has been WAIT.

Wait on the Lord.

Every week I would read a scripture on Waiting on the Lord

or read a devotion with the application being Wait on the Lord.

I learned that I am not patient when it comes to waiting. 

Ive had to lean on the Lord and lean to trust his plan.

I've had to accept doors closing--no wait Slamming shut

while waiting on him to answer.

While waiting on the Lord:

• I've reconnected with old friends.
• I have been encouraged by friends who are waiting on the Lord.
• Ive been blessed by an amazing team that walks through life with me.
• Ive had the opportunity to serve in Jamaica, Boston, and  local community.
• Ive been blessed to babysit for families and build lasting friendships with the moms.
• I've had friends text me they are walking through this journey with me.
• Ive learned to cry out to the Lord.
• In the waiting period God has been at work.
• Ive grown in the waiting period.
• I'm still waiting for the Lord to answer but while I wait I will not get discouraged- I will trust him.
• IF you are waiting on a prayer to be answered-let me encourage you to keep going before the Lord.
• PRAY. PRAY. PRAY.
• Hold tight to scripture...

Remember you are not the only one that has waited...(Abraham waited, Hannah waited, etc)
Psalm 27:14 KJV Wait on the Lord; be of good courage 

and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait I say on the Lord. 

Blessings,

Jenn

Merry, Merry,Merry Christmas

Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas

Christmas was a little different this year for us, 

I'm thankful for spending it with my parents, Uncle Rob and Aunt Nan.

Plus Im grateful for spending time with my dad's side.

It's not about the Gifts

But the True Meaning of Christmas,

Jesus...Jesus..Jesus...

One of my favorite traditions is attending a Candlelight Service.

This year I got to see alot of my childhood friends, 

which lead to meeting up for breakfast the next day.

You see this is what my heart needed,

 to talk about life the good, bad,

and most importantly how the Lord is at work. 

We picked up r like we had never been apart. 

Each girl at the table has a heart of gold,

and each girl at the table I admire. 

We may be in different stages of life but sitting around the table 

we laughed( I may have snorted laughed a few times).

We were given words of encouragement 

but most of all,

Those Girls are Gems...

It's a Merry Christmas to start it off with them.

Thank you Lord for placing each of those girls in my life.

Thank You Lord for sending your son to this earth,

Jesus you are the Reason for this season.

Merry Christmas

Jenn

 

An old hobby

Back in my mid 20's I got into scrapbooking. The other day I was cleaning out a closet when I ran across my old scrapbooks. Of course I had to sit down and look through them. As I looked through one I had cut out all different cards I had received over the years. Tears  rolled down my face as I read through cards. The hardest thing was seeing words of wisdom and notes from my great aunts who passed away this fall. I'm so thankful to cherish their sweet words. Then I came across words from my Big Mama and Mama Smith which just made my heart beam. Next, I came across a letter from my Pop. He had written me a letter the day I graduated college! Tears rolled down my face as I read it. His words of wisdom and love from my Pop are priceless! 

Even though I've stopped scrapbooking I'm so thankful I took the time to make a card scrapbook. 

                             Thankful for the memories!

                         Jenn

                      An Excellent Read

Last week Lori posted a picture of a book she was reading. Fight back with Joy by Margaret Feinberg, it immediately got my attention. You see I have had some friends go through some hard times lately. Sometimes it's hard to find the JOY in the circumstances you are deploring with. This book encouraged me, gave me tools and strategies to help others, but most importantly reminded me to fight back with Joy, and the power of prayer. I could not put this book down it is an easy read with short chapters. She used a huge trial and shared her story how she fought with joy! This is such a reminder of how we need to fight back with JOY! 

One of my favorite parts  was at the end when she gives a play list of songs!

I know some of you are going through some tough times but grab this book and be encouraged! 

If anyone has any other book selections I would love to hear them!

                           Finding the JOY,

                                  Jenn 

I'm not a Writer..

I'm not a Writer...

A few years ago, I was encouraged to start blogging... Well I was really good about writing for awhile.  Then I took a break...

Recently, Ive run into friends that say they have missed my blog.  If you know me to sit down and just write is hard bc I'm constantly on the go.  Now I can blog on my phone which is super handy. I write what comes to mind and might erase a sentence 10 times before writing the sentence. 

My reason for blogging are:

letting family and friends keep up with my adventures!

To encourage someone who might be going through a tough time

To bring joy and laughter to others

I apologize if I ever ramble.

I'm just a girl enjoying the adventure! 

Blessings,

Jenn

I'm Thankful...

I'm thankful for God and that he is working in my life, even when I cant see it.

Lately I have been given lots of opportunities to be thankful for so many blessings, like reuniting with sweet girls from college, and other friends at various stages of life.

I'm thankful my Uncle Charles is healing from open heart surgery.  He's handling it like a CHAMP.

Im thankful for the opportunity to teach students especially 6th grade Science/SS. 

I'm thankful for opportunities to build relationships with former parents and students!

I'm thankful for a team of co-workers who encourage, bring laughter, and make a difference in the lives of our students daily.

I'm thankful to be apart of sweet friends upcoming weddings.

I'm excited that Dec is coming and we are adding the sweetest addition to our family(just a little bit longer Kristen before you deliver sweet baby girl!! 

I've been blessed with amazing friends to make some incredible memories.

I'm thankful for my family that they are constantly encouraging me and my support system.

My parents have set many examples before me and I hope that I can be an example and serve others. I'm beyond thankful for their serving hearts!

I'm VERY thankful for my BIG MAMA- every girl needs a Big Mama.

I'm thankful to see prayers being answered!

I'm thankful God is at work!

I'm thankful for time off to spend catching up with friends and family. 

I'm thankful for the adventures that are to come!

Blessings,

Jenn

Right on Time

Recently I had a coffee/tea chat with a friend after school it was a last minute opportunity.  It did my heart so good to chat because she just gets me. Maybe its because she is an only child to!

I received some messages from several college friends that I have reunited with, they just happen to be going through the same stage of life as me. It's truly crazy how our paths have crossed and it has been the biggest blessing to me.

One of my favorite workout partners and I have started working out again. This has made life more enjoyable but its nice to lay out our hearts of what is going on in our lives.

Then a group of girls who I have had the pleasure to do life with have all of a sudden gotten back together. My heart is full. We have laughed together, made some crazy memories, and have prayed together. We have loved one another through really good times, and been there to wipe tears off each others faces during very difficult times. 

As always RIGHT ON TIME these girls come back together. 

Once again I'm reminded how blessed I am.  

At work I have been blessed with amazing co-workers who make work FUN and students who are Amazing.  

Today, I am reminded how everything happens right on time.  God's Perfect timing. I trust that and cling to it.

Im thankful for the peeps he has brought in my life at the most PERFECT time!

Blessings,

Jenn

I

 A Weekend of Firsts                         Football and  Lazy Dog

I've been to a lot of football games but never to any in the rain.  On Friday night after several delays it was time for kickoff. Literally played one play and then the sirens went off. So we had to leave the stadium. Then  Zachs game started at 9:00. It was a memory in the making with Becky, Gma, Nancy, Chris, and I. We were prepared for all the rain. Zach got to play after he's been recovering from an injury. He played until the last few minutes of 3rd quarter then reinjured his leg. I was very impressed with the opposing teams players. They came over and checked on Zachs re-injury. It rained the entire game! My fingers were so pruny, no dry bone on my body, but to watch Zachary play his heart out for the game he loves was all worth it.  

On Saturday night Elizabeth and I met up at the Lazy Dog in Addison. On the patio ppl brought their dogs to dinner. The dogs were all so well behaved. The food looked delicious. We just wanted desert to split. Let me just say that they had so many options. The prices were not bad at all! I will be going back there again! It was such a fun place. 

                             Making memories,

                                Jenn

A Weekend of Firsts

                   A Weekend of Firsts....

I've been on a roll since school started of trying new things to the point it's pushed me out of my comfort zone. 

After our fall picnic at school on Friday evening I drove down to my friends Elizabeth and Pavis apt. They live in uptown so we walked from their apt with a group of friends to the Aurora event that was happening. The streets were packed with so many different things. 

So the firsts begin:

* going into the Nasher

* free showcase work by artists from lots all over 

* AT&T Performing Arts center 

* DMA

While in the DMA I added a words of wisdom to a board, created a puzzle, and chose a tile to color to recreate a piece  of artwork to the wall. If you know me I'm by no means an artist but really enjoyed coloring my tile and adding it to the wall. We went and listened to live bands playing outside. My favorite was listening and watching the  digital shoe on certain buildings.

Sorry the pictures went in crazy order. 

The next first for me was on Saturday:

As you know Brooke and I love an adventure. This was a memory I'll never forget! From the moment we walked in till the time we left. 

I had won free tickets to a concert!

My first time to see Taylor Swift.. It was the best concert I've ever been too! 

It was my first time to stand holding a sign at a concert the majority of the time. 

My first time meeting Taylor's mom! 

We didn't meet Taylor but we will never forget this memory.. 

Here's what I've learned don't be scared to try or do things you may not have done before because you're scared you might not be good at it. 

I'm learning there are other firsts I want to do now and I can't wait to write about these adventures! 

                              God Bless,

                               JennSmith

 

The Scar

As I have been healing from my fall, I have been left with a scar on my nose and underneath my left eye.  My knee is still healing from the fall who knew it would take so long to be restored. It is my daily reminder of healing of a true accident.  Yes, I can cover it up with make up but it is the first thing I see in the morning.

 A Scar...

As you think back in life we all have Scars, of all shapes and sizes, its apart of life.  We learn life lessons through our scars. This scar can leave a mark on our lives that we can make the choice of how we deal with the pain of it or to decide to move forward. 

No, you cannot erase the scar it is there forever but you can make the choice of how you heal from the scar. I was recently told A scar does not define you but adds character. Plus its a great story piece.

I'll admit six weeks ago I put on my running shoes and was very nervous about running again. I couldn't let the fear or the scar keep me from my workout routine. 

Finding Joy through the Scars,

Jenn

 

The Fall

This summer has been about working out, eating healthy, and getting back in shape.  On Tuesday morning I decided to go for a run.   It was already warm outside so I loved seeing and running through the sprinklers.  Next, I changed my route I wanted to go by the lake. During this run I didnt have my ear buds in  just my music playing. Then my running app telling me my pace, mileage etc. I was looking straight ahead when the sidewalk was uneven and I took a tumble.  A man was running across the street so he came over helped me,  and told me my nose was bleeding. I start walking back home at a fast pace.  I decide to take a picture of my face and send it to my parents.  Then I called a friend to see what I should do next.  You see until I got home and looked in the mirror I did not realize how bad it was.  My knees were really scraped up.  When I saw my face in the mirror I knew this day was not going to be how I had planned. A chunk of skin from my nose was gone.  I called several friends no one was answering due to being in trainings or other things.  So Brooke told me to go to Legacy Er,  and off I went.  Im so thankful for my sweet friend Donna Walsh who went through the next events with me.  She has boys so nothing grossed her out.  When the Dr saw my nose he said after we do a scan we are going to get you to a cosmetic surgeon to stitch you up.  Well, I have only had stitches once in my life but never on my face..  Little abrasions have showed up all over my face. We got in with the surgeon and he worked to get me in.  My eyes were closed very tightly during this process I was super quiet. 

I was thankful that sweet Becky brought us lunch. The chicken noodle soup was so good.

I got home and settled in.  I had to cancel a days plans one being getting my haircut, and then taking sweet little Gavin to the Roughrider game. Being me I was trying to think of ways I could still go.  

I started on the meds and realized I would not be driving over the next few days.  

I was taught some very valuable lessons:

• I had to say no to doing certain plans.

• I had to let people come help me: with dinner, reapplying ointment to my nose and knee, and having friends take me to the store.
• I had to rest and ice!  This is hard for me!
•  Of course I wear a hat right now to keep the sun from hitting my nose and scarring the stitches.
• I've had to rely on other people and Im so thankful for friends who have just come by to say hi!

So If you see me you will know what happened and that I am recovering great!Thanks to everyone who has called or come by to see me I am so blessed!  
                                                  Never a dull moment,
                                                   Jenn
 

 

The Adventure continues

The past two days have been a huge blessing but exhausting in every way. I'm still trying to wrap my head around all that has happened! 

We ended our conference with 128 teachers. This was the most we've ever had! 

One of my jobs was to interview the teAchers who came to the conference I can't wait to show you what they had to say. Their videos were do heart felt and just precious!

I will upload videos of the conference ending! The Jamaica teachers gave each one of us a gift to ThAnk us for blessing them. Then they sang songs to show their appreciation to us. 

After the conference was over each lady came and hugged us. My cup runneth over! 

We are done loading the back of the bus with boxes every morning and Afternoon.

I think I'm going to wait until I get home before blogging about the schools and the orphange. The orphange was harder than I imagined.

Tomorrow is our vacation day so stay tuned for what we have planned!!! Another first will be happening!!

Thank you for your prayers! They are felt and appreciated more than you will ever know! 

           Good night fromJamaica,

                            Jenn  

The Bat

The Bat

On Monday morning I was sitting at the registration table when Peggy said Jenn I need you to come my room. She meets me in the hallway and says We are okay with this but there is a bat in our classroom. I walk in and sure enough there was a bat sleeping on the wall. I look at her and say I'll take care of this on just a second. I go find Steve the janitor and tell him what's going on. He says are yall scared of a bat? Hmm no but we don't want him to start flying around during a session. So Steve walks up to the wall and hits it with his fist. The bat starts flying around in circles for a few minutes. Finally he flew out the window and I saw my first bat in Jamaica!

                           Making Memories,

                                Jenn

Drum Roll Please

                         Drum Roll please

Today we had 107 teachers attend the conference. This is the most enrolled for a Tuesday we have ever had. We had 69 schools represented by their teachers. Wow! It was an Awesome day that went by way too fast! I have learned so much on this trip. I was blessed and was brought sweet treats by some of the women. Our team is having a blast and everyone is working so hard and teaching their heart out! I promise I will blog longer later but tonight is very quick! I am very tired. After the conference today we cleaned up loaded up the bus. We had our devotion and team meeting before dinner. As soon as our team washed dishes and cleaned our dining area we took off on an adventure. We went to glistening waters! Our group got on a boat and went out into the water where the salt and fresh water meet. Then You jump in about 5 feet of water. The water lights up and it glistens all around you. This was truly the coolest thing I've ever seen. Glistening waters only takes part in 4 places of the world. Google the images it's breath tAking. This is a moment and a memory I will never forget. 

Tomorrow is the last day of our conference so please keep praying for our team!

              Good night from Jamaica,

                              Jenn

Let's get this Conference Started

Let's get this Conference Started

My morning started off with a fabulous braid by one of my team members Lisa. We packed the bus and it was time to go to the conference. When we arrived at the conference we set up the classrooms and registration. My job this year is helping with registration, setting up lunch,  anything team members need, take pictures and etc. etc.

This morning as the teachers arrived they were so happy and excited to be at this conference. Some teachers were dropped off, some drove and some walked. These teachers are the sweetest and such a joy to work with! For lunch we served: cow foot, veggie tips, barbecue chicken, rice and peas, and a pasta dish.  After lunch two of the women brought Patti and I a guinep (pics below). You bite it in half take the skin off, and get the juice off the seed. It was delish! 

This was the first year we have had volunteers at the conference. Can I just say they were a huge lifesaver and a blessing. 

As we were wrapping things up at the conference it came a huge rain. I run to the cafeteria to wrap up our materials and quickly go put them on the bus. While outside in the rain I just looked up and could see this magnificent scenery of mountains, rain falling down, and the coolness that it brought. You see the classrooms we teach in do not have air conditioning so you sweat a lot. 

Due to the rain we changed how our conference was suppose to end for the day. Honestly it was hard to see some teachers walk away in the rain but they had the sweetest smiles and were so excited to have their new materials for their classrooms. 

The conference was a huge success with 80 teachers! 

After we got back to our home for the week we rested while listening to the rain fall which was soooo peaceful. The rain stopped for us to watch the sunset. The ocean is right across the street from our home for the week! 

Yes I have more stories that I want to share but it's late so there's more to come. We appreciate your prayers! 

                          God Bless,

                               Jenn

Jamming in Jamaica

This morning when we got to attend a new church service called Uprising that has been started at Fairhaven. Pastor Dave has started this ministry to reach the people in this area. They are focusing on the people on hip street.  This service is set up in the breezeway where we are staying. It was outside with fans blowing on us. Pastor Dave started the service by reading the verse," blessed are those who trust in the Lord." This is a great reminder that at all times we need to trust the Lord. We sang new songs that I will try to upload the videos of it. During the service a precious little boy and girl sat in front of me. They were so just so cute. After service we tore down to get the area ready for unpacking all of our materials that were shipped here. Donna and I went into the shed to hand the ladies there boxes for the week! Have I mentioned it's hot here? Today was a true workout from lifting and carrying boxes from the shed. Everyone pitched in and through the heat we got everything done quicker than usual! each day we will take about 25 to 30 boxes to the conference. We will take new boxes each day which means we will load then into our bus each day. 

As we were preparing bags for each teacher a guy walks up to me and says You look familiar.. I said I live in the Dallas area.. I go to Prestonwood. He says do you know my brother Brian Pruett. Yes I do! In fact didn't I meet you with him at a Roughrider game a couple of weeks ago. 

Small world--he's leading a trip with a different group.

I want to tell you more but I'm tired! Our breakfast is at 6:30 in the morning. We leave for the conference at 7:00 am! The conference will be from 8:00-3:30! 

Thank you for your prayers! 

God bless 

JennSmith

PS I'm blogging from my phone so please forgive me if I have any spelling errors.. 

Remind me to tell you about my new friends!! This story will encourage you!

Rise and Shine- it's Jamaica Time

                  

                  Rise and Shine 

               It's Jamaica time 

This morning came pretty early but I was so glad to spend it with my mom. She dropped me off and headed for Lufkin.

After security I go get my last tea for the week. As I'm in line the ladies ask me about my shirt so I tell them what I'm going to be doing. Well I was immediately blessed with a bigger drink than I ordered  and they gave me some tea bags for the trip! I was blown away and just thankful. I find my seat and this study is for the Longs Bc they always say I don't meet a stranger. So the guy sitting by me is from Wichita Falls. Side note they are a group of 35 going to help with construction, hanging out with kids in the orphanage and etc..

Back to the story He says so your a teacher in Allen. This is a long shot but do you know my cousin Katie Massey. Yes my jaw drops Katie and I have taught together, been roommates, gone to church together, and etc. 

pretty cool right!

Today was our travel day  getting to Jamaica. Once we get to were we are staying we unloaded our bags.Then we Went to the school to set up the rooms for the conference. After this we headed to the pier for dinner. As we ate dinner we watched the sunset- which truly is breathtaking. 

After we got back we had our orientation meeting followed by our team meeting. The ladies led our devotional time they had made a spoon with a word written on it. So I reached my hand in the bag the one I drew  has been my word lately- FAITH. Immediately it was a sweet reminder of all I have been learning. 

Our team consists of 15 women from all stages of life. I'm really excited to get to know these women and work with them this week!

Tomorrow is a full day! 

 Thank you for all your prayers! 

God Bless,

Jenn

Let the Adventure Begin!

Let the Adventure Begin

It will not be long until I will  be boarding a plane and headed to Jamaica! This trip fell in my lap on April 15th with an opening so I jumped on the opportunity to go. It has all happened super quick to booking flights,  raising funds, helping different teams pack for the trip, learning my role, and etc etc.

I have to stop and SAY a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone for helping me prepare for this trip whether it be financially or through your prayers.  I am still in awe of how quick this has come together! A huge thank you to those helping take me to the airport and then picking me up when I get back!

In case you didn't know I went on this trip a few years ago and  I came back so thankful for everything we have in the US and our schools.

Questions I've been asked this week:

Are you ready for this trip???   

Yes I am!!  I am still in last minute packing mode and finishing loose ends here. Plus spending time with friends who have been on vacation before I go!

What are you most excited about this trip?

 First, the teachers of Jamaica they are so thankful to learn different teaching strategies to teach their students.

Second, having the opportunity to attend church in Jamaica.

Next, getting to go on this trip with some amazing women which for some of them it will be their first time. I'm excited to get to know these women on the trip and make memories that will last a life time.

Finally, on Thursday we will be going to spend time hanging out with children.  

Thank you for following this adventure! 

 I can't wait to share stories with all of you!

God Bless and Love y'all,

Jenn