About a year and a half ago, I realized that I had no clue what I was going to do following graduation from high school. Knowing that I wasn't sure just what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go, I started looking into my options of where I could teach (as my degree was in Secondary Social Studies Education), For example, I thought about grad schools to attend and private schools and public schools to teach in in different locations along the Eastern Seaboard. North Carolina was my favorite of these choices, for both.
Then I began to feel this nagging notion in my mind that maybe that wasn't at all what God had planned for me. When this feeling wouldn't let me go, I googled overseas teaching ministries. The results were headed with a website called teachoverseas.org. Easy enough, right?
After checking it out, I realized that this was something I really wanted to do. I began the application process and was accepted in to the program. However, once this occurred, I chickened out. I couldn't believe that I was even considering leaving the US and my home for that long. So I began applying for jobs here in the States. I did not get any of the jobs I applied for. In the end, I got a great opportunity to work as a tutor for the year with AmeriCorps. But God did not let me forget about full-time ministry.
About a month ago, I decided that I couldn't ignore him anymore. I would be going to a place that I had always had a heart for--Eastern Europe, specifically the Czech Republic. The people of this region and all that they had gone through in the past called out to me. They suffer in a way that is different than what most in America view as a place needing missionaries. They may not need food and medical aid, but all the same they have been deprived of being allowed to hear about Christ and his love for them. My desire is to use my gifts and training as a teacher to reach out to those that I come in contact with and tell them about Jesus when I can. ;-) Sorry to ramble! Cheers!
Hey girl!!! I am excited to meet you this summer as well!!!
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to the running you experienced. At the same time I was pursuing this I had over 3 interviews for full time jobs here. I was actively pursuing tons of things. Nothing worked out except for this teaching in Czech.
Clearly God has us both headed in this direction. It is going to be SO AWESOME!