If you have kept up with my blog, you probably already know that since my sophomore year of high school I have dreamed of teaching overseas. My dreams were crushed by a professor my junior year of college, a professor who went as far as attempting to persuade me that teaching wasn't my forte. This professor, my practicum advisor, had me in tears more than once, and my residents (I was an RA that year) always knew when I had met with this particular woman. After graduating university and a second mission trip to Peru, I was reminded of my dream to live and teach in South America, and the Lord provided an opportunity to do just that for a short time from August - December in the year 2009. Ever since this experience I've dreamed of going back; yet the more I prayed, the more I felt the Lord saying, "not right now."
I have found comfort and joy in working at New Paris Elementary for the last three years. Since acquiring a third grade position at NPE, I have always said that if I have to be in the USA there is no place I'd rather be. However, my dreams of returning to teach in Peru never subsided. Since January 2010, I have prayed for an opportunity to return to Peru to teach making a sustainable wage while also being involved in ministry outside of the school day.
In June I quit praying to return to Peru. Having moved into my own apartment in January, and feeling confident in my position at work, I decided I would let the Lord open the door when it was His time, and if He never did, I would be content. I remember going for a run, one morning in early June. I left my iPod at home; it was just me and God. I cried out to the Lord and prayed that His desires would become my desires. I told him that I was no longer going to pray for a teaching position in Peru, but that I would wait for Him to open that door in His timing, if it were His desire.
You may recall posts leading up to my trip to Peru in which I stated this year was my year for closure and good-byes. I treated it just as that, too. I had been offered two opportunities for interviews while in Peru, both of which I turned down - one at a Catholic school and the other at a missionary school in which I would be responsible to raise all of my funds. I left Peru feeling confident that Goshen, Indiana was right where I belong, and I started into the school year by consuming myself with work as not to meditate on my time in Peru.
On September 10, everything changed. I was contacted by a school I had actually interviewed with in 2009; however, at the time the only position available was a preschool position. This time they asked me to apply for a 3rd/4th grade position. I expressed my concern of the school year beginning in February in Peru and not being able to leave my job here until June. The response I received was exciting: "We wouldn't need you until July, in time to start our 2nd semester." I asked about the pay, and I learned that after taxes my net income would be considerably more than I am making here. At first I wanted to run, to say no, and to continue life as normal, ignoring the whole ordeal. I am supposed to be here, remember?
However, the longer I let it sit and prayed about it, the more I felt the need to apply. I talked with a few Godly people whose opinions are dear to me, all of which told me this was the perfect opportunity. Upon telling my parents, my mom freaked out, and my dad didn't say much at all. I knew that would be my most difficult conversation before I even had it. I applied for the job on September 24th, and I was offered an interview on October 29.
The whole time I prayed for an obvious sign if this were not the right thing for me. I asked the Lord to slam the door shut or to provide complete peace. After my interview I felt very confident that this opportunity was indeed from the Lord, and I waited patiently (checking my email every hour) for a response. Finally, on Monday, November 5, I received the email I had been waiting for...I was offered the job. I accepted the offer last evening.
I am thankful that I have nearly 9 months to prepare myself for the move to Peru. I know it isn't going to be easy saying good-bye, cramming what I can into 2 suitcases and a carry-on, and packing up the rest of my belongings to sit in boxes for 2.5 years. However, I have no doubt in my mind that the Lord is going to do great things in my future. I knew all along that ...este es mi ano!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me! I would love to answer them! :)
