Why Australia? That's a good question, one for which I do not possess a great answer. While Southeast Asia stole my heart when I was very young traveling throughout India, an opportunity to move to Sydney opened up and I pursued it. I have always desired to live in another country before settling down, and even after marriage and children, but there was always something standing in my way. I kept hearing people say, "Get a college degree," then "Get experience." Well now I have both and I'm grateful that I listened to that sound advice. However, after working in the secular world, I discovered myself being pulled more and more toward temporal things that don't have much eternal value. I felt the tug inside my heart to do something more: a dream I held close long ago was nudging me again. So I began to pursue opportunities around the world: Ghuangzhou China, Bolivia, Alaska, Norway, Cambodia and Australia. I have always wanted to travel to Australia and here was an opportunity that was pursuing me as much as I was pursuing it! The decision was not easy and even still, insecurities remain. But forgetting what is behind, I press on to obtain the prize for which God is calling me.
How do I feel? Scared, excited, unsure, stoked, eager, exhilaration! Do I have a job lined up? No. Do I know what I will be doing? Not really, at least not in great detail. This is an act of faith. There are seven recent graduates and one family moving overseas for this adventure and I'm eager to meet and reconnect with all of them! I have experience sharing my faith in an atheistic country and while it's challenging, it is also very exciting. Seeing the expressions of a person who is hearing about Jesus for the first time or reading God's words for the first time is unique, especially coming from the bible belt of America where everyone you meet is a "Christian." Sometimes I feel like you have to spin Jesus just the right way to catch someone's attention in the south; it's like you have to make God and Jesus trendy before you'll get a response from some people. So I'm excited for this opportunity to travel, to grow, to be stretched beyond my capabilities, to learn how to be mission centered.
As I wrap up my last week in this city of Tallahassee that I've grown to love so dearly, I feel bittersweet emotions. Saying goodbye to friends at work, packing my material possessions, eating out of my pantry and freezer and trying to be creative with the perishables I have left, and leaving best friends and families are all very challenging. On the other hand, an unknown adventure awaits and my perfect, loving, omniscient father is my pilot! I'm learning more and more to lay my anxieties at his feet and to trust his guidance.
Please join me along this journey of self-discovery and personal growth!
Because a thing seems difficult for you, do not think it impossible. --Marcus Aurelius
