Some of you may know that a few months ago I made the decision to teach English in Vietnam, starting this summer, for a duration of two years--If you didn't know that, now you do!
A few days ago, the man I will be working for in Vietnam emailed me and the other teachers who will be heading over there in a few months, sharing with us his sudden and unexpected need for two teachers to come in April. Apparently two of his current teachers have to leave due to personal issues. Upon hearing this request, my first thought was "I could go."
I wasn't immediately sure of it, and I wasn't exactly taking the option too seriously. I mean, moving to another country in four weeks? That doesn't seem realistic AT ALL.
But...
I am not in school. I am working at a restaurant, which I am not too attached to. I don't have any responsibilities forcing me to stay in the US. I am ABLE to pick up and go.
With these facts came the other perspectives:
-There are so many people I want to see and spend time with
-I haven't started fundraising yet
-I don't know enough about the culture and place of Vietnam yet
-I haven't been certified to teach there yet
-I haven't applied for my Visa yet
So I was at a point that either way, I felt one decision or the other were both justified, and I couldn't pick either way. After I resolved that it would be too much of a hassle to leave in four weeks, my wise and insightful roommate said to me
"I'm not trying to make you feel bad or change your mind, I just want you to think about this:
"Another disciple said to him, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.' But Jesus told him, 'Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.'"
--Matthew 8:21-22
Just think about it Aud..."
Oh Ashleigh...
So I though about it, and I realized that the things I thought I needed to do, I really didn't. With perspective, my agenda is meaningless unless it consists of blindly following Jesus wherever he wants me to go. My "earthly" plans or errands are meaningless in comparison to the ultimate Plan and lifestyle of being a follower of Jesus at all costs and extremes.
So after my discussion with Ashleigh I spent the rest of the night in prayer, really listening for God. Looking into my heart and weeding through my insecurities, doubts and fears, I heard God tell me "You are able. You can do this." It wasn't what I thought I would hear, but once I heard it I believed it. God worked on me the whole next day, and spoke to me through a few other close friends, as well as more prayer. After 4 days, a few emails, constant prayers, and many amazing friends and family members praying for this decision and God's will, I have decided to leave for Vietnam in four weeks!
I emailed my "boss" in Vietnam and asked him logistical questions about coming, which I mentioned before (certificates, housing & such). He emailed back stating that all of that could be taken care of quickly and even finished while I am in Vietnam. So that's no worry.
So now, I am planning out the month of March...my last month in the US for at least two and a half years! I need to tie up many things such as bills, loan consolidation, cell phone, etc. I need to plan a trip home to Seattle to say goodbye to my family and friends there. I need to quit the job I've had for only five weeks. I need to move out of my apartment and sell my belongings. I need to raise funds to get myself to Vietnam--something I thought I would have at least four MONTHS to do, not WEEKS!
As a Christian, my ultimate goal is to live out love and share the hope of my faith and Savior. In order to do this, I must constantly strive to be in communion and close relationship with God. Listening to Him is the start of knowing how to follow. I don't know what else God has in store for me, but all I can do right now is listen, trust and follow.
"So Abram left, as the Lord had told him."
Genesis 12:4
