As I am here in Alabama in the summer for the first time in 10 years, since I moved to Mexico, I can't help but reflect on the things that led me to full-time missions back in 2006. Let me set the stage for you.
In November 2005, I started working at a company called EBSCO. EBSCO is an international company that started as a magazine subscription agency. As the company grew and different needs arose, the company created and acquired many businesses and expanded around the world. Even getting this job was the result of a series of events that was set into motion several years prior. Don't worry, I won't get into that right now but look forward to even more background info to come.
So, after many years of working as a preschool teacher, nanny, and retail associate, for the first time in my life I had what my parents affectionally referred to as a "real job". With this "real job" came only 5 days of vacation time which didn't really sit well with me! I was used to being free most of the summer to participate in the many camps, missions trips and youth activities that our church was involved in. For the first time in 10 years I had to really pray about what God wanted me to do for the summer.
As I prayed I felt like God said, "Mexico." As it happened our youth group from Metro was heading to Ensenada, Mexico that summer. I looked at the dates and our company's vacation/free days and realized that they lined up perfectly! Not a coincidence. I was able to go to Ensenada and still have a few days to recover upon returning home before I had to go back to the office.
In November 2005, I started working at a company called EBSCO. EBSCO is an international company that started as a magazine subscription agency. As the company grew and different needs arose, the company created and acquired many businesses and expanded around the world. Even getting this job was the result of a series of events that was set into motion several years prior. Don't worry, I won't get into that right now but look forward to even more background info to come.
So, after many years of working as a preschool teacher, nanny, and retail associate, for the first time in my life I had what my parents affectionally referred to as a "real job". With this "real job" came only 5 days of vacation time which didn't really sit well with me! I was used to being free most of the summer to participate in the many camps, missions trips and youth activities that our church was involved in. For the first time in 10 years I had to really pray about what God wanted me to do for the summer.
As I prayed I felt like God said, "Mexico." As it happened our youth group from Metro was heading to Ensenada, Mexico that summer. I looked at the dates and our company's vacation/free days and realized that they lined up perfectly! Not a coincidence. I was able to go to Ensenada and still have a few days to recover upon returning home before I had to go back to the office.
A few of my EBSCO ladies out to lunch.
During my trip to Ensenada, God was doing a great work in my life. I had taken Spanish in high school but hadn't heard the language in nearly 10 years yet, I was able to understand most of what people were saying even to the point of "translating" to our official interpreters during one of our evening services. God spoke very clearly to me through one of the other participants. The person said something to the affect of "it is easier to change the course of a boat if it is already in motion, even if it is facing the completely wrong direction."
This resonated so loudly with me because I was feeling so restless in my life. I knew that I needed a change but I couldn't find the correct direction. All of that was about to change!
... To Be Continued ...
This resonated so loudly with me because I was feeling so restless in my life. I knew that I needed a change but I couldn't find the correct direction. All of that was about to change!
... To Be Continued ...
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and hear about my life as a full-time missionary. It's not an easy life but it is very rewarding. If you liked this blog post, perhaps you would like to read more like them. Below are a few I think you might like:
Make sure you also check out all of the other stories through our YWAM Ministries.
Want to join us for the next quarter? Check out all of our awesome upcoming schools that you can be a part of! Head on over to our newly designed website to find out more. If you have questions, let me know!
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- The Promised Land, Part 1
- It's My Birthday ...
- What's the Hardest Thing About Raising Support?
- The Difference Between 31 & 16 Pesos
- Missionary Life: The Dreaded ASK
- God Gave Me a FitBig
- Unity, Not Division - Video Blog
- God Works in Mysterious Ways, Even Through Beef Jerky
- YWAM Ministry Spotlight: Homes of Hope, 25 Years Strong
Make sure you also check out all of the other stories through our YWAM Ministries.
Want to join us for the next quarter? Check out all of our awesome upcoming schools that you can be a part of! Head on over to our newly designed website to find out more. If you have questions, let me know!
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