My Story

"Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him." ~Isaiah 64:4

My story began with a simple prayer:  "Lord, send me."  How wonderfully frightening to know that God takes our prayers seriously!  Truth be told, I had a very narrow scope for imagination when I said those words.  Although my heart was certainly willing to give God the authority to direct my path, I was tragically shortsighted.  As college graduation approached and the job applications piled up, my idealistic mantra became "cast your net wide."  How wide?  Well, to be specific, my net would include comfortable suburban school districts within a radius of three northeastern states.  Three states wide, I tell you!  

I have to stop and laugh.  After all, I have no doubt God was laughing.

I first learned about the Network of International Christian Schools through a presentation on my college campus.  The presenter was a former teacher with NICS who was clearly passionate about the mission of "reaching the world for Christ through international education."  I can remember thinking to myself, That sounds like a neat opportunity...for someone else.  After all, teaching internationally certainly didn't fit into the boundaries of my "wide net" plan.

How often do our fears turn into excuses?  Are our lives meant to be motivated by fear or love? "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.  And walk in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." ~Ephesians 5:1-2

My story may be quite different than those of other missionary-teachers.  I did not grow up dreaming about the mission field.  I did not yearn to travel internationally.  In fact, I knew very little about international education before I discovered NICS.  But the truth is, God often uses unlikely people to accomplish His good purposes (1 Cor. 1:26-31).  He isn't looking for a resume or a list of marketable strengths; He's looking for an obedient heart.

Although it took several months for God to prepare my heart, I wouldn't trade that season of trusting for anything in the world.  I can honestly say that unemployment was one of the best things that ever happened to me.  Why?  Because it forced me to get real with God.  It challenged me to put my faith in His promises.  And, most importantly, it gave me the peace to rejoice in His vision for my life.  He really does act on behalf of those who wait for Him!

Throughout the fall of 2012, I dedicated myself to learning as much as I could about NICS and its 21 schools.  I applied as a missionary and waited to see what God had in store.  Six weeks ago, He opened a door to Highlands International School in La Paz, Bolivia.  I will be serving as the fifth grade teacher to twenty students at HIS!  Only a Gracious Father could have orchestrated such extraordinary provision and timing.  I am deeply humbled by His care for me and this call to serve Him in a unique way.    

So many questions remain unanswered:  What will life be like in La Paz, Bolivia?  How will God use me to impact the students at HIS?  I invite you to join me on this exciting journey as I walk with Christ through the city that touches the sky!