So, it's hard to believe I am four months into my year with Americorps. I was terrified when I first found out where I had been placed (I had requested high school and was placed in 4K, and everyone at my site assumed I could speak Spanish like a native, which I can't), but now I see that God was at work in that placement. I love working with all the staff there, and I know now for sure that my calling is in education- even after the worst days there, I still love working in a school. I'm not sure yet if I want to pursue a career as a teacher or something else (ie a school counselor) but I have time to figure that one out. It's good to have some clear direction, though!
Okay, Spain...I am planning to speak to the congregation at WAC on Jan 9th and then send out my support letters. I was really hoping to have them sent out by now, but my pastor advised that I speak to the congregation first so that they can put a face to my name and know I have the board's approval; not to mention the Christmas season would be a terrible time for support raising. It still gives me nine months to get all my support in, though.
I am having very mixed emotions about Spain...and the funny thing is, I'm glad I'm not feeling 100% enthused. I am watching my friends settle into careers and marriages and wishing that I were doing the same. I don't like the idea of going overseas for a year and then probably having a year or two of grad school when I get back- I just want to be settling down! But feeling this way tells me that I really am going to Spain out of obedience to God's calling on my life, not just trying to put off growing up. I also have mixed feelings about what I am getting into- I have a BA in Spanish (although I've lost a lot of what I learned!) and I have experience with cross-cultural work and ministry, but there is always the overwhelming feeling of going into the unknown, and the questions about whether I am really adequete for this ministry or not. And, again, I'm glad I feel that way- hopefully I'll be in for less of a shock than if I got on the plane thinking I had all this under my belt.
So, that's life right now...oh, and if you aren't in the WAC directory and would like to receive a support letter, please send me your address if you haven't already! (or email address if you are overseas!). Thanks!
