It baffles me how quickly this year has passed us by. I'm thinking about our New Year's Eve plans, and I'm thinking, "Didn't we just celebrate the new year?" I can't say that about blog posting (sorry). My last post was on the eve of my birthday, October 25. People have asked me about this, and my excuse is , "I'm just so busy." As I share my reflections on this past year, hopefully it will make more sense to you.
Perhaps the biggest change that took place for me this year was in the area of employment. In February of this year, I was feeling restless, as though God was ready move me. I felt ready, and prayed that God would do what He did best, guiding me in the direction He would have me to go. I was a para at one of the local elementary schools, working with students who have developmental delays. I had been there for almost 6 years. One day, I got a message from a former supervisor. She was now working in another elementary school across town. She had gotten some new students in her classroom and she needed another para. Was I interested? I felt an instant peace about saying yes! While I was sad about leaving behind some great kids and staff, this new school quickly became my new home in which I feel valued and accepted. I am working in a modified classroom, a more intensive form of learning disabled. I love these kiddos and the staff I work with. It's not always an easy job, but the positives greatly outweigh the negatives. In August of this year, I accepted a position at the local bowling alley. My job there includes running the snack bar, getting snacks and drinks for customers, and cooking. People were astonished at this step I took. "Why would you take an yet another job?" people asked me. There is a method to this madness. The paychecks I receive from the bowling alley are going toward the costs of mission trips. The baking business has not been flourishing, and not bringing in what I need to put toward my mission trips. I have put my baking business on the back burner, and only bake if people request it, and if I have time (of which I have little). Yes, the hours can be late, and it can be tedious, but I'm looking at it as a way to raise for my next mission trip. Where am I going? Stay tuned. The area that pretty much stayed the same was my job at the Boys & Girls Club. I am a Vision Leader and run homework room, and teach several classes, consisting of Positive Action (giving kids the tools to be successful), Kidzlit (a children's literacy program), Smart Moves (similar to Positive Action), more. My favorite part of my day at BGC is just hanging with the kids. They are a great bunch of kiddos, and I feel fortunate to be able to be a part of their lives.
I am still actively involved in my church. I teach 3rd-5th grade Sunday School along with another teacher I've worked with for over 20 years. I also am a Director for our church's AWANA T&T program which is a 3rd-5th grade boys group. During the summer time I work with our kids at camp and VBS, where you might see me wearing crazy costumes, portraying some wacky character. PS:I love it! Recently, I began taking our Junior high students to camp, and found out that I really enjoy it. I was able this past Spring Break to join the youth group on a mission trip to St. Louis, MO. Our church has partnered with another church down there, so we took a trip to go and be a blessing to them. We helped with a laundromat takeover, where we paid for everyone's wash/dry, and we also took over an ice cream truck, buying ice cream for everyone that walked by. We canvasses, witnessed, and did what we could to help with church outreach. I got to help with teaching children's church, which I really enjoyed. I'm hoping that we can one day return to St. Louis. I think we were more blessed by them than they were by us. This next Summer, some people from our church are taking a mission trip Honduras to help with a new church. Our church sponsors a missionary from there, and he has assured us of our safety while we are there. I have been to Mexico 4 different times, and feel like God wants me to see other fields. I will deeply miss the friends I have made over the years in San Diego/Tijuana, but feel that God is calling me in this direction. This trip is $1,200, and I am making progress on this goal. If you feel God might be leading you to make a donation to this cause, I have a fund set up at Westside Baptist Church, 400 West 12th, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Just designate it to Rob Rue's mission trip fund.
Those were the big headlines for me this last year, but what's coming up for 2018? For starters, there's the trip to Honduras I told you about. Coming up during the first week of January, I will be welcoming my 2nd grandchild (1st grandson) into the world! Come February, I'll get to meet my 2nd great-niece! She has some health issues, so please pray with me in this regard, and thanks. The rest of the year remains a mystery. I do not know the future, but I know the God who knows. Whatever happens, God is in control, and I leave it all in His hands.
That's about it for the year in review and look ahead. Thanks for taking the time to check out my latest post. I hope to post more this year, but we'll have to see if I can make the time, Lol. Thanks for reading, and God bless!
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