Every. Single. Step.

This has been a long time coming! The nomination interview for the Peace Corps was this morning and I nailed it with an enormous amount of help from Jesus. Everything done since December 2011, after graduating with my Bachelor's and coming down to Florida wit my parents has led up to this interview.

Everything decision & every moment, God has led me here. Every. Single. Step. Not one foot has been out of place! I have so enjoyed watching the God of the Universe, the LORD of all creation mold and shape me as I melt in His peace and wait for the impossible to happen. I went into the interview blind not knowing they questions to be asked, but charged forward with open eyes and an open heart, trusting God to help me. God gave me the exact wording and phrases to speak. He never fails!

Becky was the interviewer and my recruiter. She has such a sweet spirit and love about her and I felt more like I was having a conversation that being in the "hot seat" so to speak. Upon answering the questions, I used phrases such as "an army behind me, beside me & ahead of me" which caused Becky to question what I had meant by that (guaranteed she had never heard that phrase before!). I explained to her that I have a strong support group of believers who pray for me daily and even though I may not see them or talk to them frequently, I still have those people who have my back and pray blessings and love into my life and that alone makes all the difference.

I am so honored to be nominated!I will hear in early 2015 where I am invited & my departure date is July-September of 2015. I hope the placement is French speaking :)which Becky explained has some different requirements. Apparently to go to a French speaking country one would have to have had 4 years of high school (which I have!) and elementary level in College....which I took a higher level French class that counts for that! LOOK AT THAT!! God KNEW ahead of time that I would need those exact classes. He is a wonderful Father who love His children! I constantly look to Him & trust in His guidance even when I don't realize that is what He is doing.

I often remember when I was young walking behind my Daddy and stepping in his footprints hopping from one to the other because his stride was was so long. I never bothered to look up because I knew I could trust my Daddy, I knew that he would lead me on a clear path and be there for me should I fell. I often feel like that with Jesus! He goes before me, leading the way & I continue to look down at His footprints and before I know it, I look around and He has taken me somewhere beautiful. Somewhere I have never dreamed of going or never knew I wanted to go. Such a beautiful picture, such a comforting thought and what a wonderful & amazing God I serve.

I don't know what is going on most of the time, but I wouldn't have it any other way! Now comes more of a favorite game of mine which is "the waiting game." As Tom Petty sings so eloquently "The waiting is the hardest part" but in this case, I think to preparing to leave for 27 months might be the hardest part!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him & He will make your paths straight! [Proverbs 3:5-6] 

Says it all!

Until next time, E

Dreams Do Not Happen Over Night

As I grow older and am still waiting to start what is called a "big girl job", I often feel stuck. I can't do what I want until I do what I have to. I do not regret moving forward in my education because I have met some incredible people along the way. God has me here for "such a time as this." I am in no way comparing myself to Esther who could have been killed for her heroic act to protect her people. But I am however saying that dreams take time. They take time because God is working them out perfectly and in His own way. "As for God, His way is perfect." Psalm 18:30. It's like trying to take brownies out of the oven before they're finished. You end up with a gooey mess. And although that sounds good, it can be harmful. It's the same way with Jesus. he wants us to wait, be patient, or something won't go right and we will get hurt. WOW! Jesus sure does love us!! In the meantime, I am charging through life, taking the bull by the horns and trying my best to continue on in school. I have to keep telling myself daily "it's all working out according to the good God has set before me." I am not alone, He is with me.