This blog is to allow people whom I love to continue with me as I take my next step of my journey.
I have made it known to the online world that I will not be returning to my normal routine as a math teacher at White Knoll High School the next school year, but I will be taking a position in Brazil. I plan to eventually fill in those who don't know about my passion for Brazil; but for now, I will be giving the details of the resent fork in the road which lead me to my decision to move to Brazil.
I have felt a change coming in my life as well as others (church, family, friends, etc) since the end of last year. I knew 2013 was a year of transition; however, I knew this year (2014) would be the year the change would occur. I was and have been filled with excitement to see the change take place. I am not one to shy away from change. In fact, I love it! I embrace it with open arms. Knowing the change was coming this year, my roommates and I decided to sign our lease for only six months instead of another year. Not knowing what God had in store for us, but allowing us to be open to Him to take us wherever He wanted. That being said, we have been discussing where each of us was going to be in the next few months. My roommates had their plans already in motion, and I was still at a standstill. I had no idea where I was going to be living and, to be honest, was a little frustrated with the whole thing. I finally felt like I had things together for once in my adult life; however, I still did not have a peace about the direction I was to continue on.
The feeling of being stuck in a revolving door without being able to stop it was not unfamiliar to me. I had this same feeling before I moved to Lexington, SC almost three years ago. Actually, it was exactly three years from the time I made the decision to follow God's calling to SC. This time I was not expecting for it to be a move so monumental for me.
The same wise women whom gave me the words I needed so many years ago obeyed the urging of the Spirit and sent me an email that has completely changed my focus over the last few weeks. The email described the need of a teacher for a missionary family in Recife, Brazil. The email was too good to be true. It blew me away. I kept the details of the email to myself for several days still in shock over the accuracy of the position and the dream I had for my future. Through the encouragement and "threats" of friends and family, I sent in my resume. I have to admit. I checked my email multiple times a day. Making sure I sent the email to the correct person, everything was included, and that the email wasn't still sitting in my outbox. I reasoned with myself and decided I had done all I could. It was now in the hands of God. Nothing I could do would be able to change the outcome.
A few days after I signed the peace treaty with my mind my roommate prayed for me at our church Wednesday night prayer (a week from the date I sent my email). When the prayer was complete, I had an overwhelming sensation to look at my phone. I wrestled with the feeling; since, I was in church. I gave in, and I was glad I did. I looked down at my phone, and I had a response, the one I was waiting for. It took my breath away. I couldn't even read the entire email. I took it over to my roommate and had her read it, so I could see her reaction. I began to cry as she read it. THEY WANTED AN INTERVIEW! I couldn't believe it! All I could think or say was, "God, you are awesome!"
I interviewed with Nic and Rachael directors of Shores of Grace ministry (http://shoresofgrace.org/ ) in Brazil on the following Friday (May 23). I was blessed to just have the opportunity to speak with this couple. Their hearts are amazing. I listened to the needs they have for their family, and knowing I have the skills to meet those needs brought my awe of how great God is to extreme levels. Just like any interview, the uncertainty of the outcome still hung over my head, but it was short lived. I was offered the position on Monday, May 26 and expected it that night. I immediately messaged those who knew of the position quickly to let them know and have spent the last week trying to tell people before I announced it on Facebook. I know I missed a few. Word was spreading fast, so I made the decision on Saturday after the White Knoll graduation to scream it from the mountain of the social media world that I made my choice.
Now that you all are caught up on the details of the last couple weeks, here are the details of the position. I will be teaching Nic and Rachael's three eldest children. They will be enrolled with an online school and my tasks will be to aid in their instruction as well as supplement activities and subjects they may not get with an online education. I start in September. Dates are not finalized other than that. I will be there through November and return to the states for a few months, then I will return in February through April. With a tourist visa, I am only allowed to be in the country of Brazil six months out of the year. This schedule will allow me to be with the kids through most of the school year. If things work out on all ends, there is opportunity to pursue a more permeant position.
There you have it. As the sun sets on my current journey, the sun is rising for my next.
I will do my best to keep everyone updated on things to come. Thank you for your prayers and support not only in this time but down every path of my journey.
Blessings!
