So much praise!

1 Year ago (October 2013), I was sitting in the library and half crying while looking at pictures from Israel while Bradley helped me with my exegesis.

About 8 months ago, I found out my prayers of returning to the Middle East might actually happen.

2 Months ago, I took the steps to do training with Mission Corps down at Kansas City.

This last week, I finally received official word that I'll be heading back. My heart is overjoyed and I can't believe where God is taking me.

7 Months from now, I'll be on a plane headed to Jordan, a beautiful country, to work at a school to teach English (Not exactly a part of my degree...but thats o.k.)

Praise that God is in the details though I tend to be so big picture. Praise that God put this calling on my heart in the 5th grade a camp. Praise that I was able to feel that call solidified 3.5 years ago in Israel. And Praise that God uses us despite circumstances, skills, faith, and our plans.


There are a lot of questions and a lot of things to do in prep. In my last blog, I mentioned a possible TESOL class online, which I still may do. There will be a lot of long, hard goodbyes, but I know this is the center of God's will.

It's not often that someone has such a clear idea of what God's vision is for their life. Its not often that one is able to just walk and see God move before them. But, with the exception of a few missteps, God has been working, He has been moving, and I can't turn back.

Many might know that LOTR happens to be my favorite book series and Tolkien is therefor my favorite Author. In LOTR there is a poem about Aragorn who I always identified myself with. (Either as my ideal man or just crazy wilderness awesomeness)  But the poem goes as follows:

“All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

The crownless again shall be king.”

-JRR Tolkien

In many cases, this seems to be my story. I don't wonder because I'm lost, but God has a plan for my journey. I haven't been perfect, but deep faith within my family has kept me and from that great blessing God has shown me is God of Redemption, Restoration; a reclaiming grace.

Yes, I'm a nerd who took a nerdy theme and made it allegorical which probably would make Tolkien turn over in his grave; but regardless, I'm so amazed by how great God is. I'm astounded at His work in my life. Looking back, I can see how ever challenge has been in preparation for this summer.


So no, I have very little idea of what 52 weeks starting in August will look like. But I do know that God has a plan. Financially, it will be taken care of. Emotionally, He's placing people there to help me. Spiritually, it will be trying but guidance and love of an amazing people.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~My Prayers*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

My prayer is for the children that I'll be interacting with. I might be working with Syrian Refugees, Muslim and Christian children. Regardless of background, may God transcend language (Acts 1), grant favor, and allow me to be a blessing.

My prayer is for the missionaries, that I can be a source of renewal, not a burden. That they are encouraged.

My prayer is that I never say too much, speak when should be silent, always be a learner, and to hear what the Spirit prompts.

My prayer is for my family, my bestie, my boyfriend and his family, my friends and everyone that I am leaving behind. This is not going to be an easy year. The Lord is good, but a lot happens in the course of a year. I prayer they can be encouraged to keep perusing God's calling. I pray that I will still be connected. I pray for health. I pray for strength.