SAFE

This afternoon I sat in the beautiful library of my Christian university, leisurely reading “Radical” by David Platt for two hours (excellent, btw), then listened to the gospel of Matthew on the drive to my suburban home where I live with my parents, and where I will later go for a walk on my own after dark, in complete safety. I know how this sounds. But really, it’s not like that.

I’ve never been a “Christian bubble” kind of gal. Seriously. But I recognize that this is a special period in my life where God has blessed me with a temporary period of safety as I prepare for what He might have in store for me in my next stage in life. Life might not remain this safe, nor comfortable. Since becoming a follower of Christ about four years ago, God has been developing in me a heart for missions. I would like to become a missionary, long-term. What this will look like, I don’t know. I think I’d like to go abroad, but perhaps He’ll have me stay right here, instead reaching the nations by continuing my current involvement in ministry to international students. I often think that being asked to stay here might be an even greater challenge to me than going elsewhere. I have a strong distaste for the American Dream around me. I don’t even want to own a home.

In September, I started graduate school to pursue an MA in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.) For the Kingdom, I think it’s strategic to reach college students and adults with the gospel, and it is my hope that TESOL will open those doors. It seems the best occupations for getting to and remaining on the missions field are medical practitioner, English teacher, or entrepreneur/BAM (Business As Mission). I’m continuing to explore whether there are other options, but for now, pursuing TESOL seems the wisest path.

There is uncertainty about my future. But over these last few months, God has continued to introduce me to people—nearly all strangers to me, but with an immediate connection as my brothers and sisters in Christ—who through their experience, advice, and prayer, have encouraged me and shed light on my path. There is uncertainty. But I can rely on the One who shapes all paths.