I was content with my plans after college. I was moving back home, my gracious brother let me live with him, and to top it off, I had financial independence in one hand and the approval of my parents in the other. Seemed like a balanced equation to me.
I began a career as a field engineer in the oil and gas industry. Being in the field is a crazy different world and field engineers aren’t taken very seriously. I was young, I was an engineer, and I was a female.
Three strikes before I even had the chance to introduce myself. Talk about odds being against you.
I truly appreciated my job. I learned a ton, was financially stable, started a 401k, and no longer relied on my parents for things like medical insurance – it was the beginning of my very own American dream, right?
My expectations were high. It was a three-year training program and I planned to do the international track, spending two of those years abroad. I had no say about where and I didn’t care – I just wanted to experience a life different from my own. Nine months into my job, the market was down, the international program was on hold, and I was being relocated somewhere far from ideal. Dreams crushed.
I know, I know, you are probably all thinking if she was willing to be sent anywhere in the world, what was wrong with anywhere in the United States? Don’t worry, I too asked myself this question.
My loving parents and I went to visit my new potential home *cue two weeks of emotional breakdowns here* and I kept trying to convince myself that it wouldn’t be that bad. The idea of quitting isn’t something that sits well with me and the fear of letting anyone down was almost enough to convince me to stay. Heavy emphasis on almost. Long story short, I knew in my heart it wasn’t where I was supposed to be.
After careful consideration, a lot of prayer, and searching for answers, I took a huge leap of faith and quit my job. It wasn’t easy. The feeling of everything you worked for, disappearing as fast as you can sign the dotted line. Disappointed in the circumstances, I signed the paperwork, turned in the keys to a very large truck, and left the known for the unknown.
Sometime during the decision of whether I should quit, actually quitting, and what I should do next, I randomly came across the World Race. I told my family I was interested, but I’m not sure they were taking it seriously at the time. I can’t blame them though.
The next week, God showed me purpose. My sister in law was on bed rest and bed rest plus toddler does not equal easy – especially with a toddler as active as my niece. Without much thought, I packed a small bag and drove to Dallas. A month later and here I am, taking care of my favorite toddler and committed to the World Race in September.
Things continued to fall in place and God kept reminding me that His plans are far better than my own. As I sit here writing this, the most calming wind chimes are just outside the door and the faint awakening voice of precious Devon is coming through the baby monitor. What a gift. Dev might not remember these months, but I sure will.
I would be lying if I said I didn’t occasionally miss work – the professional world, future financial security, and being able to relate to all of my friends. The idea that I am falling behind on life because I’m not working in the corporate world is a lie that frequently filtrates my mind – but a lie nonetheless.
While many of my friends are stressing out about engagements and weddings, I’m stressing out about which sleeping bag to buy, how many clothes I actually need for a year, how to pack an entire year into a 62L backpack, and the idea of raising sixteen thousand dollars.
Of course I’m scared. I love my bed more than anyone should and camping was not in the mix of our family vacations. I think I’ve camped a total of five days ever.
I have not a clue what my future holds, but I do know who wrote my story. What could possibly be better than that? Here’s to a year of aiming for zero expectations and leaving behind every comfort I’ve ever known.
I cannot wait to share this journey with you!
