Part 2: The Plan

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps (Prov. 16:9)

Alone with my thoughts on the long return trip to the States, I determined that in exactly a year, I would be teaching abroad. I returned as a woman on a mission. Less than 12 hours on American soil and I was camped in front of the computer spending countless hours inhaling vignettes about international teachers, scrutinizing international schools, researching job fairs, and examining the qualifications of successful candidates. I even had a short list of schools I would consider. I was obsessed. It was ridiculous.

Enter my mom to do what she does best: rain on my parade. (I'm JUST KIDDING!) My mom is one of the most wise, discerning, and blunt individuals I've ever met. I rely on her counsel because I know that she is forthright and has my best interest at heart. My enthusiasm + stubbornness is a disastrous duo sometimes; thank God for a mother well seasoned in tempering my gusto with her pointed inquiries. What were my motives? Was I running away from something? What was wrong with my current job? Was I absolutely certain this was the Lord's leading? Was I discontent? What was the source of my discontentment?

I pondered and I prayed. I asked Him to mark out my path clearly. I prayed that I would be characterized as contented and joyful rather than continually wishing life away until the next grand adventure. I didn't want teaching abroad to stem from disgruntlement, as if I were running away from my job here. And let's be honest, my job is cush. I do something I am passionate about (teach), with lively children I love as my own, alongside co-workers I adore. Leaving an ideal work environment here for the risk of the unknown abroad seemed to be a harebrained endeavor...

I pressed on.

As I prayed about it, I didn't sense the Lord giving me a stop sign, but neither did a bright light shine and loud voice descend from the heavens telling me to make the move. Knowing that myriad details would have to fall into place in order for me to move, I decided to pursue the adventure, trusting the Lord would thwart any plans. I begged Him to do just that, fully aware that was the last thing I truly desired.