"Those who know your name will trust in you. For you LORD have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:10
I still remember the feeling. The prayers of desperation for direction. My choices volleying in my sleep. Playing through the options and scenarios of endless what-ifs. Through it all, I discovered the inexpressible joy and assurance of knowing that God's perfect will was all I needed to fix my eyes on. I listened to the LORD, packed up and moved across the world on an adventure of a lifetime to the beautiful country of Indonesia. Not long after I arrived, I felt in my heart that I would stay here until God called me elsewhere.
Four years later, I am now preparing to finish up my last year in Indonesia. Many people have asked me why I am leaving. Do I not like it here anymore? Do I miss my family? Am I getting married? (to the last, my response being, "belum"- Indonesians' way of saying NOT YET-- a positive spin on things is always appreciated). I usually respond to the big question with many answers to how I am feeling. I would find myself looking around my apartment and thinking of what items I was going to sell, even though I wasn't going anywhere for at least a year. I would have pangs of loneliness and I wished I could just hug my family or at least pick up the phone without having to think of time change. I would get frustrated over cultural mis-communications. And although these may all seem superficial and small, I knew that my heart was preparing to leave. After-all, most of these thoughts and feelings had crossed my mind many times before, but this was different. I believe that it was God laying on my heart to prepare for change.
Like four years ago, I had a dream and goal in mind for where I wanted to be, only instead of Asia, it was Canada, Abbotsford, B.C to be exact. Why Abby, you may ask? Well, the biggest reason is because of people. After visiting there last summer, I realized that this was a place where I had several friends from different chapters of my life who I wanted to continue growing in relationship with. Not only that, it was a lovely hybrid between city and small town (and if you've been to my hometown of Houston, B.C. and/or Jakarta Indonesia you might be able to understand what I mean). For the other two big moves I have made in my life (Dordt College in Iowa and then SPHI in Jakarta) I pretty much had the opportunity to make a fresh start. I believe these were both hugely important times in my life that God has used to grow me in amazing ways. But, for this next chapter I felt the call to be planted in a community where I already had some connections. So, I had a destination, but that really didn't help me if I didn't have a job.
As the months passed, my plans to be in Abbotsford settled into my heart and I began the job search process. I filled out my resume and researched schools in the Abbotsford-Vancouver area. I soon came across Abbotsford Christian School. As I perused the ACS website, I became excited about all that the school stands for and I heard reports from friends about how great of a place it is. The only problem was, that they didn't have any job postings. Although disappointed, I decided to go ahead and work on the application anyways. A few weeks later, I sent all of my documents in to the principal and was very excited when the principal mentioned that there was the POSSIBILITY of a job opening. That gave me hope, but also left me in suspense for a good 1-2 months. In the meantime I was able to fly to Abbotsford for a few days (I know, crazy trip!) for a friend's wedding and visit ACS. It was everything I hoped of and more, and confirmed my desires to get a job there and live in Abby. But, I also had to be realistic so I continued to weigh my options. I sent applications to schools in Northern BC after hearing from people that jobs were hard to find in the Greater Vancouver area. Maybe my dream of living in Abby really was just that--a dream. I spent much of these weeks in prayer, often at night getting on my knees and praying for a position to be available at ACS. I still sometimes prayed for a job there, but then figured I shouldn't be too demanding and then prayed for at least an interview. :) After-all, God would lead me where he wanted, but he also knows our hearts and listens to our prayers, which is a promise I will always cling to.
Finally, a few weeks ago, God began to open doors. I got an email saying that there was officially a position open at ACS and they wanted to interview me. I did a victory dance in my mind as I attempted to calmly walk home from school. It was just an interview, not a job. But I praised God to at least have the opportunity to interview. Then, this past week I got another email with an offer for me to accept the position. Another victory dance, only this time for real, in my classroom...when no one was around. :) I was overwhelmed with thankfulness and joy at God's providence. He, in his grace, answered my prayers! I am excited to announce that I will be teaching grade 7 homeroom (most subjects) and French at ACS for the coming school year. The staff and students sound wonderful and I am very excited about working and living in that community. God showed me, like he does over and over, that he is forever faithful, forever loving, and forever giving. I believe that this next chapter, like all of my life, is in God's complete control and direction. It is not a coincidence that I will be moving to Abbotsford. Here are some reasons why I know:
-The timing and location of my friend\s wedding allowed me to visit the school and make some initial connections
-My good friend needed a roommate and I needed a place to live in Abby (I am so excited Monique!!)
-The position includes French: I have a minor in French and have been thinking throughout the past year about brushing up my French
-The position was for 7th grade (my favorite grade) and seems to function in a way that I enjoy and have some experience with at my current school
-And of course: By faith, I sent my application in with a small hope of there being a job, and in the end I am going to work there!
This is my testimony of God's provision and guidance in my life, a reminder that it is Him I live for and Him I ultimately serve. His sacrifice on the cross was a far greater gift than this new job, and it is my goal to live each day, not just in awe of his vocational provisions in my life but more importantly in awe of the daily grace I have through salvation in Christ Jesus. I realize that life in Abbotsford will not be perfect, for there will be times of cultural frustration (reverse culture shock), missing Indonesia, and struggling through transition. However, this is the place that God has planned for this next stage of my life and with Him I know that the adventures (although different than Asia), friendships (both old and new), and opportunities to grow will be well worth it. This is the song of my heart:
"May He fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
I leave you with this question: what has God been doing in your life lately?
