It's December... and everyone around here knows that December is
decision making time around the expat community. Let me just say,
decision making, in and of itself, sucks! For those who are not aware,
December is the month the contracts come out for the next school year. It
seems so early in the year to be making such a big decision, but the school
needs plenty of time to do their hiring for the following year.
When Paul was offered the job a year and a
half ago we went through a very difficult time as we decided to leave the
comfort and predictability of our lives for an unknown future. At that
time we committed to two years, knowing that it could potentially be more if
things were going well. If you asked me
a few months ago, when everything seemed to be going against me, I was sure a
return to Canada would make things a little less complicated.
I, however, learned a long time ago that I am not in control of my
life, or Paul's for that matter. Sure, we can make decisions
without regarding what God wants and, for a while, I tried to sort out my own
thoughts about whether to move back or not.
I was not giving God any sort of credit, and I was not allowing Him to
have any say as much as I believed I was.
I could talk myself in circles; one day I would feel like staying,
the next I wanted to go back. After
realizing I was getting nowhere I decided to let it all go. I went about my busy days trusting that God would
show me what He wanted, either by a clear sign (I wish) or by giving me peace
one way or the other. As the weeks went
on I began to feel more and more peace about staying on another year.
I know this news is not easy for our families or our close friends
to hear, and to be honest, it’s not easy for me to hear… but who are we to disagree
with God? I am at peace with this
decision and I know that our loved ones will understand regardless of how they
initially feel about our decision. The
great thing about our family and even our close friends, is that they will
always be there, they will always love us and they will stand by us no matter
the distance between us.
So, yes, Paul is signing another contract to stay on yet another
year and I will make no promises as to what lies down the road for us… God has
the last say! I, personally, have not
yet been offered a contract as enrolment for the program I am teaching in is
low in numbers so far. I definitely
would love to teach (part-time) again next year, but once again, I leave it all
for God to figure out.
“ Peace comes from surrendering to God's purposes. Worry is belief
gone wrong because you don't believe God will get it right.
Peace is the belief that God's provisions are everywhere, like air.
We have the option of living in complete peace.”
– Ann Voskamp
