Educator to undertake year-long mission trip

Jennifer Womack Some people would say that teaching a classroom full of squirmy kindergarteners is enough of a challenge for anyone, but Buffalo ISD teacher Jennifer Womack has enjoyed that position for four years. Next month, however, when she says goodbye to her little ones, she begins an exciting new endeavor. She will be moving to Germany for a year-long mission trip, working with an organization called Teach Beyond. Last summer she participated in the summer English camps through the program, and this year she is taking a greater leadership role, helping to train teachers for six summer English camps that will take place in July and August. After the camps are completed, Womack, who is an enthusiastic "people person" with strong mentoring skills, will be following up and encouraging the campers.

“Last summer I made a lot of connections with the campers, and I want to go back and encourage them more,” Womack explains.

Womack herself is encouraged by her church family at Chapel of the Hills in Centerville, and by her family, friends and fellow teachers. In fact, BISD teachers Tina Elsom and Kelly Blakeslee are planning a fundraiser to help Womack finance her journey. They are planning a barbeque luncheon and bake sale on Sunday afternoon, May 16th beginning at noon at the Davis Feed Store. Each plate lunch will be $6 and all proceeds will go to Womack's mission fund.

Pledges are also welcome and you can donate online (go to www.teachbeyond. org then mention her name in the missionary box) or send a check to Teach Beyond, PO Box 6248, BLoomingdale, IL 60108-6248.