Over the last couple months, nearly every conversation I have had with a stranger has gone a little something like this:
Person: Are you in school?
Me: Yes, but I am about to graduate!
Person: Oh! What highschool?
Me: uh….The University of North Georgia…graduate college…
***PAUSE- Yes, I know. Someday, one day, this will be a compliment. I am still waiting for that day***
Person: Oh my goodness! You look so young. What's your major?
Me: Early Childhood Special Education. I love working with children in self-contained classrooms.
Person: That's awesome, where are you going to work?
Me: Well, I am currently fundraising for an 11 month long mission trip to 11 different countries to share Jesus with everyone. I leave in September.
Person: 11 countries? Where ya going?
Me: Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, India, Nepal, Ukraine and Romania. But it could change.
Person: That's brave! Bet your parents are freaking out and you have to get a lot of shots huh?
Me: *Polite laugh* Yup.
Person: Well, where are you going to teach when you get back?
~Conversation shifts to job opportunities for my degree here~
Questions I keep expecting/ wish to hear:
1. Why do you want to do that?
2. What will you be doing?
3. Can I give you $1000 for support? (only half way joking on that one.)
4. How can I pray for your trip?
The closer to graduation I got, the more I started to doubt: "What if the money doesn't come, does that mean I am not suppose to go, should I be working to pay for this, but if the money doesn't come in than I can't go and I haven't applied for any teaching jobs, should I be applying for teaching jobs? What about when I get back, how do I apply from overseas, what if I am not back in time, I have to figure out where I will be when I get back!!!"
The week before graduation I broke down. For a type A, I have lists for my lists, person like me, this was a NIGHTMARE.
Fast forward a week to graduation. I was given the honor of giving the invocation and benediction at my graduation. As we lined up I met an older gentleman in pastor robes among all the education professors in their usual graduation garb. He turned and looked at me and said, "You look like a lady who is going to pray for us today."
I said,"Yes sir, thats me."
Our conversation proceeded as the one I mentioned earlier except this time, as i quickly rambled off the countries I would go to, he pulled out a business card, handed it to me and said,"You get in any trouble in Thailand, call me. I live there part time and can help you."
I stood there dumbfounded, holding the man's card. After saying thank you, I quickly shuffled to follow him on stage. This man I just met, offered to drop whatever he was doing to help me if I needed it. It was God's way of saying, "Dangit Bailie! Be still and listen already!"
So I listened to him tell stories of building wells in Africa and bringing medicine to others in Asia. The pastor broke bread on stage and handed the other half to the university president. He told everyone there to take what they have and give it to others. Sitting there in my public university graduation, I was reminded why I am going on the World Race. –>To take what I have and break bread with the nations. Not to have a comfortable job but to be confident in the provision of my Savior. To take that very difficult leap of faith and go because God said to. To give up the control I crave and let God do His thing.
So for all of you who are wondering now that I have brought them up, here are the answers to those four questions I mentioned earlier:
1. Why?–> God called me to, so I may share His love and grace with everyone I meet. So I may give what I have been given and go where He has led.
2. What will I be doing?–> You know, that's a very good question. Whatever it is that God wants. Whether it's teaching kids, constructing homes, working in the fields or just being with people, God is going to lead to where my talents can be used and His people need to know Him.
3. Can you give me monetary support?–> No….haha just kidding. YES! please! I am still $9,800 away from being fully funded. Just go over to that little button and click Support Me. Any amount helps and remember, everyone has been called to make disciples of His nations, through travel and monetary support. If you can't go, give so others may.
4. Prayer?–> To be fully funded~ Confidence in God's plan~ Safety for those who have already gone~ Wisdom to take advantage of my opportunities here before I leave~
*I would also like to build a prayer team before I leave so if you are interested in receiving updates and prayer requests, please click the subscribe link and enter your email!!
And again, thank you for your continued prayer and support. 🙂
