I'm going to China!

Several years ago, my sister and brother-in-law went to China to serve with English Language Institute/China for 2 months of their summer.  Ever since then, I knew that The Father was calling me to serve with ELIC someday as well.  
 
In the summer of 2000, I went on a trip to Guatemala with a group of believers.  That trip was a seed that continued to grow and flourish in my life – the seed of love for other cultures and languages, a passion for the poor and oppressed, and most importantly, a deep desire to carry out the great commission and preach the good news to the nations. That first trip was truly the beginning of something that would change the trajectory of my life and cause me to go on more overseas trips, serve in Mexico for a summer, study abroad in Costa Rica for a semester, and teach English in Spain for a year.
 
When I came back from Spain, I felt clearly led to pursue my Master’s degree in Education. But ever since I graduated in December of 2011, I have felt a conviction that The Father was leading me to go abroad again.  Since then, it has been on my mind and I have been petitioning to Him about it on a daily basis.  During this time I have been so blessed in all aspects of my life, that walking away from it is not an easy decision.  There is a song that has been resonating so strongly in me as I accept the reality of leaving family and friends behind to pursue what The Father has called me to.  The words are from the hymn A Mighty Fortress is our God:
                    Let goods and kindred go,

                    this mortal life also;

                    the body they may kill;

                    [His] truth abideth still;

                    his kingdom is forever.

As followers of the Great Shepherd, we must understand that our lives no longer belong to us, that we have been purchased, and through that purchasing, redeemed and given fullness of joy and everlasting hope.  Leaving the life that I have is foolishness by the world’s standards, but I must step out in faith and do this now.  In July of 2013, I will begin teaching English/Spanish in China for the next two years; seeking to develop relationships with people in my community, and opportunities to share the reason for the hope that I have.