Hear is the beginning of my story on God's leading to Kigali, Rwanda...
“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5 NIV).
I have been praying through this verse frequently as of late. For several months I have felt God leading me in a direction, but I did not know where. He has made me unsettled though I am in a very comfortable setting. I love my community, my church, my job, and my friends. I am blessed indeed!
In June, as I was reading a devotional, I was asked the question “Would you be willing to drop everything for Jesus right now and just go?” I looked at that book and said “Honestly, no.” This made me sad. I wished I could have the courage to leave my community and go where Jesus asked me to go.
Then things changed as I started to piece together several events and conversations. Through the next several days I spent a lot of time in prayer and then with some key people in my life. I realized God had opened a door and asked me to walk through, that He would guide me, and that I needed to follow.
So this has all lead up to my taking a one year leave of absence from Lakewood Christian and teaching at a school for missionary kids in Kigali, Rwanda!
It began with our friend, Lisa Sudman, and her family. Since they returned to Africa two years ago, Lisa found herself helping with administrative needs at Kigali International Community School. As you may know, she has been trying to recruit teachers to give one year of their time to this school. I believe God has been preparing me for this opportunity for a long time, and am excited now to “drop my nets!” and go!
There are many details that have already been worked out (and more to come!), and I am confident that God is in control of all of them. This is a huge step of faith, and I know that I cannot do any of this on my own. Accepting this opportunity involves my whole community, and I am continually blessed by your support. I have a list of prayer requests at the bottom of this blog page, and I will continue to update this list throughout the year.
I will be continuing to raise support throughout the year to cover my daily costs of food and travel. If you are interested in helping me this way there is some more information at the bottom of the blog page.
I am going to miss you this next year but I am also excited for what lies ahead - I know I have much to learn, to appreciate, to experience. Thank you for being a part of my life and my journey. I am blessed to be part of yours.
