God's Timing

Around 2009-2010, I heard a missionary from China speak about sex slavery and how it was growing. This was the first time I had ever heard about girls being sold for sex, little boys being changed into girls because girls were worth more money, and how there was a growing need for help in this area.

Around 2011, I was sitting on my couch talking to my mom and I told her, "Mom, I think God will be sending me somewhere on the other side of the world. I'm not sure when or for what but I just know that I'll be going".

In 2012, I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Thailand for a couple of weeks to meet and work with an organization (Freedom 4/24 and New Beginnings) that helps girls trapped in the sex trade industry. The two weeks we were there, it was an explosion of feelings (read below posts for more detail). The most important thing I did there was just love on the girls.

After this experience, I felt like God was going to call me back to Thailand. I didn't know when or where or how God would use me, I just knew eventually this would be my life. Before the 2013-2014 school year started, I put it out there that if God needed me I'd be available. He didn't, so the thought and the energy got placed on the back burner and life went on. I got hired to teach 4th grade and I started making plans for my future. I figured I would teach for another year for experience so that by the third year of teaching, I could go back to school to get my masters (in technology or something) and continue teaching without becoming overwhelmed. If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.

Now in 2014, God has made it clear that he wants me back in Thailand and I'm going. I have to admit, I am a little embarrassed because I've always tried living the "I'm for you, send me where you need me God!" life hoping that he wouldn't ever really need to send me anywhere. I wanted to do great things for God, without having to leave my comfort zone and I am now faced with the realization that great things are not done from my couch. I'm still ironing out the details but if all goes as plan, I'll be heading out in August for at least a year.

Crazy how God's timing works, right?