Yap

At 6:30 tomorrow morning I will be on my way to the airport. After a few weeks of planning, packing, paying, and praying, I am on my way to Yap to teach some 2nd graders. Here's a quick summary of the story in case some might not know the background...

I was planning on finishing my Masters degree in May of 2010, but at the end of the summer, it seemed that God was leading me to change directions slightly. Instead of a Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling, I settled for a Masters of Science in Christian Psychological Studies. And I was really restless. I seemed to be feeling the "wind" blowing, but didn't know exactly where it would take me. I spent the semester finishing my Masters, helping tie up some loose ends in Campus Ministries, and basically began putting up my "sails." I was blessed enough to slow down a lot, and had a lot of time to talk with God about life. At the end of November, we were shocked at Southern to learn of the unexpected death of our Student Missionary in Yap, Kirsten Wolcott, who was a 2nd grade teacher. After the incident, a few of the other Student Missionaries from other universities decided to come home, understandably. Somewhere during this time, a Southern student, Alex Bolaños came into the office and said he wanted to go help fill the vacancies. I thought that was awesome, but the thought did not even enter my mind at the time as an option for myself. It wasn't until Thanksgiving break that I woke up one morning with a question: why not me? I began thinking of the masters I was graduating with, my lack of plans following graduation, and the desire I had to help those who were hurting. The idea seemed outrageous, but it also seemed to make sense. I began praying that God would open doors if this was His idea--like my family's support and peace, finances, application process etc.

I guess the rest is history. It all worked out. So tomorrow I'm leaving. God has given me a sense of peace and purpose in a way I can't explain. I know it won't be paradise, and there will be a lot of learning and growing, but I can't think of anything else I'd rather be doing right now, and I know God will provide.

That's the story. Quick itinerary: Atlanta-Houston-Hawaii--spend the night--Guam--spend a few nights with other Yap SMs--Yap on Saturday night.

I love you, friends and family! Thanks for all your prayers and support! It has been invaluable to me.