When I was little, I dreamed about what I would grow up to do. I didn’t realize how quickly life would fly by. Yes, folks, I am applying to college for the Fall 2013 semester. Let’s take a moment of silence to remember my childhood… *silence*
I’m afriad, you’ve caught me in a silly mood. I don’t feel old enough for college, however, I do have several things I would like to do after I graduate–and college is one way I can prepare for them.
Over the past few months my future has been rather hazy, or as some people, like a bend in the road (i.e. unseeable until I arrive at the bend). I knew (and still know) that God had/has specific plans for me, I just had no clue what they were, when they would happen, or what they would entail.
Two adventures this summer helped direct me towards my vocation.
First — My TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) 18-day certificate course in July.
Second — My 9 day trip to Ukraine.
At TESOL I discovered my love for teaching the English language. I’ve always dreaded public speaking–even after being forced to attend several 1-day speaking classes. So, I was almost shocked to realize that speaking about the English language to students was not only doable but also enjoyable. (of course in a good ESL classroom, the teacher does only 30% of the speaking)
I think I’ve struggled in the past with public speaking because I don’t know what to say or I urn out of things to say on the topic at hand (A rare predicament for me, since I never run out of words, even when I’m asleep).
Then, almost exactly a month later, I flew to Ukraine, not knowing what to expect. What I saw there totally blew me away and stole my heart (in a good way). I became deeply attached to the people I met and a strong love for the people grew quickly. I saw many opportunities for me to serve them through my teaching and though everyday life on life service.
The orphans we visited also touched me. When I go back to Ukraine, I want to spend more time with them and show them through my love, how much Jesus loves each one of them and how God is their heavenly Father.
Returning to the topic of today’s post, I’ve decided to apply to Moody Bible Institute–a small college in Chicago, Illinois.
Why?
1) Because they are a heavily missions minded college.
2) Because I would get a Bible Degree as well as a TESOL Degree.
3) Because they have a TESOL degree (something few colleges offer as a major).
4) Because I will be able to be close enough to home to visit on the breaks.
5) And finally, because the schooling will equip me to knowledgeably serve the Ukrainians (or anyone else God sends me to).
This weekend, during our neighborhood picnic, one of my adult friends made this comment to me. “For some unknown reason, when you were 12 or 13 the thought crossed my mind, ‘She’ll be a missionary someday.'”
She can’t explain what made her think that, and I didn’t know about this until Sunday when she told me. When I was 12 and 13 I had my entire life planned out (or so I thought). I was going to become a librarian and then get married and have 12 children. 🙂
I still love libraries and children (though… 12 ????!), but now I have a heart for foreign missions.
Some of the songs we practiced in drama yesterday fit well with this post… so I’ll leave you with the lyrics.
~
The Bend in the Road
The bend in the road, unexpectedly it came our way one summer’s day.
And who could have known it would lead us here to you.
For a bend in the road can lead you to a place you’ve never known,
But a bend in the road can lead you safely home,
For a bend in the road can lead you to your home!
~
Avonlea
(insert Ukraine for Avonlea)
Come away, come away to Avonlea.
Take my hand to this land of Avonlea.
Can you hear on the wind it whispers to me?
Like an old and dear friend,
it beckons me to travel where the flowers spill o’er the hillside to the sea.
For the young, for the old from afar going home.
No matter where I roam, my heart’s in Avonlea.
No matter where I roam, my heart’s in Avonlea.
~
Languages~Faith~Life 
Nik said,
October 2, 2012 at 9:58 am
Chicago! YES!! (I did my undergrad up the street from Moody, at Loyola Chicago, and am SO homesick for the place…) Best of luck, not that you need it!