Final preparations…
The plane ticket is purchased, the refresher French tapes are playing, the suitcases are waiting expectantly in my room…on September 3rd, I leave for France to start my position with A Rocha International as the Executive Assistant of the President and Founder of the organization, Peter Harris.
As Peter’s Executive Assistant, I’ll be responsible for managing his communications with A Rocha supporters, scheduling international speaking and fundraising trips, and building relationships within the global conservation community.
I am passionate about reconciling people with their fellow creation and with their Creator. I’m so delighted to contribute the skills God has given me towards an organization that reflects the gospel and my vocational calling.
Time has never moved more quickly! Since graduating from Messiah College in May, my time has been filled with farming with my parents at home, visiting close friends and family, and learning as much as possible about fundraising and my new position with A Rocha. The learning curve has been steep and challenging, but nonetheless rewarding. I have enjoyed developing relationships with friends, strangers, and church congregations as I share about A Rocha’s mission to show God’s love for all creation.
The journey so far…
So far on this journey, I’ve been blessed with encouragement, enthusiasm, prayer, and financial gifts from the most surprising of places.
· Kids at my small home church’s Vacation Bible School program donated over $500 to my work in France , and the board matched the amount
· A Mennonite church in Pittsburgh invited me to share during the sermon time
· The director of the thousand-delegate New Wilmington Missions Conference invited me to set up a display about A Rocha during the event
· Friends in ministry themselves have sent notes of encouragement, advice, and small financial gifts.
I have been blessed abundantly, and I haven’t yet left! I’ll admit, I’ve gotten wary looks from people who struggle to connect “Christian” with “environment,” or folks who don’t understand why a college grad would spend her time raising money rather than making money. Granted, there have been days when I wonder why graduation did not guarantee a shorter to-do list, or when support-raising is a lonely task. However, to be in a season of life when I have to trust God to provide all my needs is an honor.
The journey from here…
Upon arriving in France , I will jump right into my role as Peter’s assistant…and into the A Rocha “family.” Peter’s wife, Miranda, already has promised some homecooked meals, and A Rocha France scientists, International board members, and administrators have emailed me a warm welcome.
However delightful my new home will be, I leave behind my own family, and a “family” of close friends, kindred spirits, and a community of support. This is why I need you. You are my support network—my “family.” Please pray, encourage, and support me as I dive into this new adventure!
