by Anne Schaffer | Jun 14, 2022 | Europe
Since I last wrote, things have been busy! To calm the suspense, I did get a car. :). I also unexpectedly joined St. Michael’s staff to help assist with the livestream, right in time for Christmas. Talk about a major learning curve! There’s still so much to learn, but we now have an A/V team, yay! I’m making progress and have enjoyed getting to serve the Church in a very different capacity than I have in the past.
As mentioned last post, I taught French at an elementary school this past year. Something that was reiterated this year is that I cannot pursue coaching while I teach. Teaching takes so much time and energy; and the coaching got put on the back burner. As it turned out, the coaching course I mentioned in a previous post wasn’t ready for winter/spring; so I’ve enrolled for the summer. In case it isn’t obvious, I did not renew my teaching contract for next year.
With the long-term goal of officially moving into the language/culture coaching role and resuming missionary status, I decided to make a few lifestyle changes to help set me up for the transition. First, the Lord provided a roommate and apartment to help reduce living costs. Second, He provided a second part-time job so that I don’t have to teach, but will allow me time and energy to devote to the coaching coursework and coaching.
That’s where the chocolate comes in. Starting July, I will be working at my favorite local French chocolate shop and patissier. If you’re in Charleston, come see me! I don’t get free chocolate, but would love to see you! I’m excited and looking forward to this new season, though there are still many unknowns. I would appreciate prayers both for SAMS and me as we discern possibilities–whether internally or elsewhere–for me to coach in the future.
by Anne Schaffer | Jun 14, 2022 | Europe
‘Tis the season to be moving, it does seem. As mentioned, I moved into an apartment practically across the street a couple of weeks ago. It wasn’t as nice as before, but I wasn’t looking for nice as much as safe, clean, and affordable.
It seems the downpour on moving day was ominous when my strategic plan of a 6-person moving crew of friends foiled. We were grateful to move the boxes in that Sunday and the furniture the next day, thanks to the generous help of friends and family.
Tuesday I was dismayed when I realized I couldn’t even go into my bathroom or the laundry area without having to cover my nose and mouth because of the smoke smell, which we later discovered was pouring in from our smoking neighbors’ apartments through the vents every time they smoked. By Wednesday, we were thankfully let out of our lease and had less than a week to find a new place to live!
We were able to find a place not very far at all, and by the grace of God, signed the lease in time to move in June 1. This was technically move #3 because we’d temporarily stored our things in my parents’ garage.
This was all happening the last week of school with two major events, and I had to move out there as well! It took a few days to get unpacked, but by Tuesday our apartment was starting to feel like home. That’s when we had to accept the hard truth that we had a bug infestation!
When I called the pest management company, the man told us we had to clear our cabinets out! Move #3 or 4 depending on how you look at it, as we emptied the kitchen contents which covered our dining/living area!
There is no way to sugar coat this move. It’s been one for the books! I pray that we are on the other side, and I choose to trust that there is purpose even in this. It may have been before the move (which was preceded by the flu, then 2 weeks of sleeplessness), the Lord reminded me that He trains our hands for war. May I and we allow Him to use the difficulties we face to prepare us for future hardships. May we continue to draw near to Him no matter what. He is for us.
by Anne Schaffer | Nov 20, 2021 | Europe
Coming up for air as I’m officially on break, at least from school. Hallelujah! 🙂 Since I last posted, I had many goals and set off with high hopes. I like being productive especially when there’s a sense of moving forward. Sunday, October 10th, I was encouraged not so much with progress in my own life, but in the lives of those I love. I was literally rejoicing as I was driving home from visiting family. That’s when a deer plowed into my car full speed, knocking my car off the road and left my head spinning, my heart racing, and my car totaled.
Sidetracked is a fitting word because it describes the past 6 weeks quite well. All of my time has been focused on the cares of the world: to sum up, caring for my back and getting a car. Doesn’t sound so bad when I phrase it that way, but the limitations and things I’ve had to let go off plus added stresses/responsibilities were certainly not what I would’ve chosen this past season.
That said, it’s incredible all the ways that the Lord takes care of us and more importantly is with us during hard times. He certainly has been, and I’m humbled and grateful for His provision and care especially through others. I’ve had two cars generously lent to me for week(s) at a time from rather new friends! As I write this, I still haven’t bought a car but maybe by the time you’re reading this, I will have!
I’ve been reminded of the importance of listening to the Lord and hearing His voice in this season. I think that is so important because sometimes the other voices sound comforting, but actually feed our flesh, which is the very opposite of how the Lord wants to work in our trials and put those things to death! I confess that there was a bit of appreciation for those wanting me to not to be taken advantage of by insurance and to stand up for myself, etc., but it didn’t take much time with the Lord to hear a very different message: suffering.
When I embraced this message, I could more readily accept misfortune and trust Him to be my advocate and ultimately provide for my needs rather than relying on my own efforts. Instead of focusing on thoughts and feelings of injustice, I actually wanted to be pure and free of the frustration and defensiveness I was feeling every time I spoke with rental (high prices/car shortage), towing (delays in getting my car), body shop, insurance (I won’t go there), etc or looked at the inflated prices of used cars.
A second message was to “reset” which very fittingly came the weekend of Daylight Savings time when our clocks were also resetting. :). Good word because Jesus has the last word on everything (1 Peter 3:22, Msg) including attempts to gets us off track with discouragement, cares of the world, whatever. I may have experienced some loss, but I’ve also gained through this experience, and the Lord is faithful and will fulfill His purpose for me (Psalm 138:8).
I haven’t made it to the other side yet, so prayers appreciated. I’m thankful that God wastes nothing and seems to be developing perseverance as well as these days require it more than normal. On a positive note, I’m slowly getting back to being more mobile and active which makes me appreciate things I often take for granted like cleaning, ha ha, and walks. I pray that whatever unexpected trial you may be facing that you may hear the Lord’s voice, know His presence and provision, and come out purer and freer than before.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Eccl 3:11
by Anne Schaffer | Oct 5, 2021 | Europe
Hello. It’s been a while! I know that many of you have lots of questions about what’s going on. So have I. :). I’m finally at a place where I have something to share and can hopefully answer a few of your questions. Happy reading!
The main reason I’ve been so silent is that last year was a big blur and took a lot out of me. I was in survival mode getting through the most brutal, intense year I’ve ever experienced. I taught French at a new local high school. Besides being new to the system and being at a new school, we were required to teach hybrid–online and in-person at the same time–the entire year, going fully virtual for a week in the spring.
If I’d had the time or energy, I could’ve shared some stories! But fast forward to this year where I’m now teaching French at a local elementary school just a mile away from the high school. I could also share stories, ha. But what most people are wondering, if not asking, is what are my plans regarding missions.
So, I’ll attempt to share a bit more of my thoughts and potential plans–if the Lord wills. I think we all take that verse in James a bit more seriously now! When the doors closed for me to go to SE Asia in 2020, I had the question in my mind if the “closed doors” included language/culture coaching or not.
I’ll have to write another blog to describe what a language/culture coach is, but this role was the long-term goal for me if I had gone to SE Asia. As I’ve prayed and asked some supporters (I have some who continue to give monthly even though I’ve had no plan to go!) to pray with me about this, they have consistently encouraged me to pursue coaching. I believe my own increased desire is also affirmation from the Lord.
In my mind, even though the “where” has been removed from my assignment, the “what” hasn’t changed. As I shared in my update, I believe that serving as a language/culture coach is the ministry role I am to be involved in wherever I am in the world. I know of other LCC’s who raise support as missionaries who live in the US and others who live abroad. I’m not sure at the moment if I will go abroad; but I must be faithful to take the next steps of becoming a coach. My hope is to be able to serve those who are on the field.
A few weeks ago, I was questioning this and decided to reach out to another language/culture coach I’d spoken with in May 2020. I knew that she was very experienced and had a platform in the field, but I was surprised as she shared a new business she and another lady have started to train new and existing language/culture coaches specifically for missionaries! Some of the coursework includes a class I took in 2020.
I couldn’t believe it! Could this be an answer to prayer and the missing piece and next step I’ve been needing? I believe it is; and I’m very encouraged and excited to write that I’m planning to do it! The details are up in the air, but I would very much value your prayers as to which session and to have the time/energy while I teach. I also hope to network and get connected with coaches as well as those I will be coaching in the future.
That’s really all I can say for now, other than I am looking forward to the upcoming New Wineskins Conference in September. I highly recommend attending!
This is a long post, so I’ll stop there; but it’s good to “be back” on the blog. Thank you so much for your interest, support, friendship, and prayers. Thankful for you!
by Anne Schaffer | Jul 3, 2020 | Europe
So much has happened since my last post! It was early June that I made the decision with SAMS to shift to associate status. This means that I’m not actively raising support and do not have any immediate plans to return to the field, but am discerning what the long-term will look like regarding my role in missions.
I had an overwhelming response of love and affirmation, which was an incredible gift since it was a very difficult decision to make. One of my supporters who happens to be a relative, asked if I’d considered a sabbatical, even a short one, to get away. Well, I hadn’t mainly because I’d barely left the house for months! But St. Christopher had been on my heart, and I really wanted to support them, so I called to ask about that option.
Later that day, I got an email from the camp inviting me to a retreat that weekend! That led me to taking almost a week for a personal retreat. That was not my plan, but how it worked out, and I am so incredibly grateful! I’ve never had so much time like that. I read several books of the Bible, my journal in entirety (which was very helpful), went through a debriefing SAMS had sent, and spent time praying and journaling. I walked the beach twice a day. It was just what I needed to gain perspective, and by the last day, I had a sense of direction for next steps.
The very evening I got home, I came across a French teaching position at a local private school, which led to me learning of at least four open French teacher positions in Charleston. That’s unheard of! I couldn’t believe it! I ended up applying for two and accepted the offer at a brand new public high school in nearby Mount Pleasant. I’m so incredibly thankful and recognize God’s hand of favor and grace, particularly in His impeccable timing! So now I’m looking for a place to live and have lots to do before we hopefully start on time this August. That’s it for now. 🙂
