After going to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip in November 2013, I felt in my heart that I really wanted to return there to teach. I sought some counseling and started checking out different schools to see what was available for an American teacher. In January, I received an email regarding a resume that I had sent to one of the schools. It is a reputable Christian school. They wanted me to move to the next step involving more in-depth paperwork- references, physical, a detailed application.As excited as I was, I also started doing a lot of praying. I knew I didn't want to make a decision based on my emotions, but on God's will and direction for my future. He didn't have to make the entire plan known, but I had to be willing to take each step He did show me.

The last several weeks have been a lot of waiting. God has taught me many valuable lessons during this time. The first was what it means to patiently wait and not try to rush things on my own. I was being prepared in the waiting. I also started experiencing spiritual warfare. Whether it was the enemy or God testing me, I found the way to overcome it was to constantly go to the Lord in prayer and to ask others to pray for God's strengthening to stand firm. I am learning to find joy, peace, and rest in Him and not my circumstances.

Not everything has gone smoothly. My physical seemed like a minor obstacle to me at first, but became a great challenge. However nothing surprises God. I told Him that I was going to persevere until He closed every possible door. Where God closes one door, He opens another. I was willing to stay here, where I love my job, but it needed to be clear. After going in to speak to the doctor, he changed his mind and signed the form, giving his permission for me to go.  It was at this moment that God proved that when I completely trust Him, not allowing myself to doubt or question, nothing can thwart His plan.

At many points I realized how small my faith was. I saw in myself areas of unbelief that God needed to deal with. I am incredibly thankful for my family and close friends who came alongside me. It seemed their faith carried me when my faith was lacking. Many of them believed so strongly that this was God's plan for my life, and that everything would fall into place in the perfect time. I'm grateful for their prayers, encouraging words, and listening ears.

I had two phone interviews at the end of January/beginning of February. They both went very well and I had peace in answering each question I was asked to the best of my knowledge. I was able to give testimony of the things I've learned from teaching, the trials I've come through, and the many places God has taken me.

I don't know what the next step is yet, but I'm letting Him prepare me in the waiting....