my first big leap

For the past two years I have felt a steady leading from God to consider teaching in a foreign country. This realization started during my missions trip to Peru. I wrote the following in my journal as we left Peru; ‘We just got on the plane and I feel a sinking feeling like I just left home. The mountains are pink and purple and all is gorgeous. Lord, are you telling me something? What a beautiful city, what a beautiful people. I’ve spoken lightly of teaching in another country and now I feel like it could happen, and I wouldn’t mind. God, please take these feelings and thoughts and allow me to process them Your way. I strongly feel that my cultural differences, my struggles were the same as these men and women. God, allow me to keep this broad point of view for as long as possible’. This trip, this moment was where I felt the calling of God to go.

In November, I began to take steps of faith in this direction. While at the ACSI convention, I attended a seminar about teaching overseas. As the speaker listed the requirements for such applicants, I felt as if she was speaking directly about me. I met and far exceeded the requirements (which mainly included being single and having no debt!). I was contacted by multiple interested schools after posting my resume on the ACSI website and I applied to and was accepted by one school in Quito, Ecuador. The position they offered to me was something similar to  Minister of Spiritual Life at my current school. I knew that I would not be content in that position and would desperately miss the classroom. The process, especially because I am applying to schools overseas, was a time consuming process, and by February, I felt that I would be at King’s another year. It was at that point that Bethany Topham made me aware of Lincoln School in Guadalajara, Mexico. She, through her graduate studies, became friends with the Elementary Principal and had only marvelous things to say about the school. 

Throughout this process, I have asked God to be abundantly clear in His direction and His will for my life. When I applied to and was accepted at this school for as a fifth grade classroom teacher (my love and my passion), I took it as such. Each day, since accepting this position, I have felt confirmation and peace about the steps I’ve taken. I am not worry free, or innocently unaware of the culture or challenges Mexico is facing at this time. I do know that I am  walking by faith, and that with faith comes obstacles. Those obstacles are what draw us into a deeper relationship with the Lord, and this is what I seek first and foremost. As I follow God’s direction, I have peace about His plan and protection.