When I was little, I always wanted to either be a ballerina, astronaut, or teacher when I grew up. I never took ballet… and when I found out that all of the water is constantly recycled for drinking on a space station/space ship (including toilet water), astronaut was out… so I ended up going with teacher. In middle school, I started playing flute and decided I would probably be a music teacher. (Thanks, Mr. Simpson!)
My senior year in high school, my senior project was working with my Mom's awesome 4th graders to put on a musical about Jamestown. Yep. Music teacher for sure.
So I went to college for music and I loved it. My sophomore year in college, we had students living on my hall that were studying abroad from Argentina. I became really close friends with them and they convinced me to study in Argentina for a month the following year. (It didn't take a lot of convincing.) When I returned, my mind was blown. I planned out my life of being a teacher at a very early age and never even thought about all of the other things I could do- like travel and learn languages!
Skipping ahead to senior year of college, I did my student teaching and LOVED it. Yep- teaching is what I'm supposed to do. I was convinced (and still am), but I was also antsy. I wanted to go places and meet people…
I ended up taking a job as an Admissions Counselor partially for the travel all over the country and the new experiences but looking back on all of these things, I think that I needed these three years after college to get me to where I am today. I am about to me a missionary– a job that always sounded cool to me when others talked about it but something that I never imagined myself doing.
I needed to study music and education because one day I am sure I will be teaching music or at least using it in some way.
I needed to study in Argentina to catch the travel bug.
I needed to work in college admissions to push my boundaries and comfort zone.
I needed to take the admissions job to mature a bit and learn more about independence, but not settle.
I needed to see more of the country so that I could better understand and have more compassion for people.
I needed to learn more about independence before taking on a trip that requires so much dependence.
I needed to live on my own for a few years to desire the community that I will become such a huge part of my life on this trip.
I needed to find more of myself before embarking on this new journey…
And here I am.
I know that it won't be easy and I know that there are TONS of what ifs, but I also know that I needed everything that has happened in my life so far to lead to where I am today. The World Race is humbling and I am so thankful for everyone that has helped shape me into the person that I am today- a person that is ready to take on the challenge. THANK YOU! 🙂
It's funny how you can spend your life planning and planning, giving yourself timelines and goals, trying to follow the social norms of people your age, when ultimately God has a bigger plan. God has different timing. And God might have a purpose for you that is totally off your radar at first.
How great is that though?
It's really easy to get overwhelmed about this process and have doubts, but as long as I am praying and reminding myself that this is God's plan, it's like I have an "easy button" to help!
Haha… and I found this easy button, which is perfect. 🙂
I pray for a continued push and drive to be all that you want me to be. I pray for continued blessings, surprises, and lessons through this journey. I thank you for all that you have provided thus far- and for all that have helped support! I pray for continued patience and an open mind. I pray for daily smiles and reminders that I am on the right path. And I pray that you help me to shower your love on all of those around me.
