Commissioning

1Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:1-3

This past Sunday was such a special day for me... I was blessed by the opportunity to be commissioned in all three services at Brook Hills. I didn't realize how powerful it would be to literally be surrounded by my faith family along with my family and friends and to hear them interceding on my behalf. I was reconnected with some people I haven't seen in awhile, and I got to worship in one of my favorite places with some of my favorite people. My heart is full...

So now I'm spending the week saying goodbyes and tying up loose ends before I leave on Saturday. It's been nice to finally slow down from all my summer travels and just try to enjoy my last week in the States.

In many ways, it still seems completely unbelievable that I am leaving on Saturday and not coming back until Christmas break. I guess that's a good thing though because I don't feel nervous or anxious yet. I am ready for the anticipation and preparation to be over and to settle into a routine there. I'm excited to meet my roommates and the rest of the faculty. I can't wait to begin working in my classroom and planning lessons. I'm thrilled to meet my students and to begin forming relationships with them.

I would appreciate any and all prayers as I travel this weekend. It seems that the political situation has calmed down a little for now. I know that my God is sovereign and in control of the Honduran government and of my life. He will never leave me nor forsake me.

We are supposed to have Internet access at our school and in our apartments, so I intend to blog frequently and keep my Facebook updated as often as possible. These sites, along with my email (JameyLynne@gmail.com), will probably be the best way to contact me. For anyone interested, I will also post my address and the instructions for mailing something to me.

Jamey Benton
Academia Los Pinares
Apartado 3250
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Central America

Be sure to send everything by airmail. There is no such thing as house-to-house mail delivery there. All mail goes to the school post office box and the school runner picks it up daily. Keep it under 4 pounds and attach a green customs sticker (available at the post office) with the words “No Commercial Value” written on it. Any package over four pounds or without that label is routed through Honduran customs and can be very expensive for me to claim. It is extremely important that all packages be sent airmail. If not, it can take literally months for a package to arrive.

Thank you for your love, support, and prayers as I set out on this new adventure!