84 Days

Only 84 days until I leave for Australia and so much to do before then. Today was my last class at Cedarville ever, sad times! Starting tomorrow I have 5 weeks at Xenia Nazarene teaching Math and Social Studies. I am excited but at the same time nervous about this experience because its my first time teaching my content areas and my first time teaching a class in over a year.

In The Works

Hey all,

I know only a few people know of my blog so far but I wanted to give an update.

• I bought my tickets 2 weeks ago. I leave for Australia January 24th and will arrive the 26th (by crossing the international date line I will lose January 25th) then I will return to the states in April.
• I have a few of my support letters out so far.
• Yesterday I applied for my Visa, which turned out to be a blessing because instead of having to get a regular tourist Visa I was able to apply for an electronic one called an ETA (because I will be there for less than 90 days). The Tourist Visa would have cost $115, the ETA cost me $18. Also, instead of 24 pages of application the ETA consisted of me providing some info from my passport.

Please be praying that I will get some kind of communication from my contacts at Annesley College, I have only heard from them once, and it makes me really nervous because I have so many quesitons

Support Letter

I hope you are all doing well. I cannot believe that I am already in my senior year as a Middle Childhood Education major here at Cedarville University! I absolutely love it at Cedarville and have learned much more than just academics from my experience thus far. God has used this place and the people here to guide me and to shape me more into His image over the past few years. This semester I am taking my final block of education method classes while continuing to work for computer services. My excitement and purpose for this letter is to tell you about a once in a lifetime opportunity that I have.

I am excited to share with you that I have been given the amazing opportunity to spend ten weeks completing my student teaching requirement at Annesley College in Adelaide, Australia. This is a boarding school where I will teach seventh grade math and social studies. My students will be from all over the world! I am so excited about the opportunity that I have been given to experience a diversity of cultures and gain experience and understanding in the field of education. I will leave from home the end of January to the middle of April.

Please pray faithfully for me in this endeavor. Pray that my preparation for the trip will go smoothly and be completed on schedule. Pray that God will keep me safe as I travel and as I serve at the school. Please pray that I will adapt well to the new culture and the distance—handling the transitions with grace and strength from the Lord. Pray that my teaching and ministry to the students are effective—influencing students for life and for eternity. Finally, please pray that God gives me direction in what to do and where to go after I return and that I am sensitive to His working in my heart. This experience will have a tremendous influence on my future, and I pray that I will have an understanding of God’s leading and direction in regards to His plans for me.

In addition, I have been asked to raise support in order to cover travel, room/board, food, and living expenses. My goal is to raise $5,115 toward these costs. Would you consider helping to defray these expenses? In doing so, you would become a part of this experience, joining as a support member.

Thank you in advance for your financial support, and most importantly, your prayer support. I plan to send out weekly or biweekly email updates as I prepare and while I am in Australia. If you would like to receive them, please let me know by emailing me at chelsiehoffman@cedarville.edu. You may also read a blog of my updates here at http://chelsieinaustralia.blogspot.com. I am so thankful for each and every one of you and how you have impacted my life. I appreciate your willingness to be a part of this ministry.