Anza.

“It’s been a busy and exciting couple of weeks. I have had a job interview with Oasis, and training that ends this Friday. I get to start working at the Valley as an educator tomorrow! I’m a bit nervous because it’s a huge role and I’m not even sure where to begin but I’m excited. I’m up for the challenge. Pray … that God directs me on the best way to plan and also be able to love and help these kids as He wills.”

This is part of an email I wrote to my now mother-in-law, on August 8, 2016. 

Little did I know the kind of challenge that awaited me 😊.

Anza (verb).
Meaning to begin.

It was in this very room, a simple library at the Valley, that I met these amazing fourth graders. 

Their lives changed mine in ways I never imagined possible. Together we explored through science, painted to music and traveled the world through our books. 

It was here that one of them would learn how to read, another would come to love math and another would pick up a paint brush for the very first time. 

This was our fun and safe space where there was no shame in not knowing, and creativity ran wild.

As I reflect on these memories I am reminded of how God has made everything beautiful in His time. 

These children are now young men and women in their second and third year of high school and I am blessed to have been in their lives as God planned.

August 9, 2016 was my first day of work with Oasis for Orphans and these children, these fourth graders were my inspiration and were also the beginning of what God was about to do through education at Oasis.

They are my first reason for running the Chicago Marathon this October. I have always been the teacher but now I want to help fund scholarships that will mean another child getting an opportunity to learn and be loved. Will you partner with me?