It is interesting how we as humans are always making plans. We are always looking to the future, waiting for the next big thing to happen, whether its graduating from college, moving states, or getting married. That seems to be what most people my age are doing right now. I graduated college in December of 2013 with a Bachelors in Social Studies Secondary Education. I had an awesome, God serving, financially responsible plan. In my mind, it really was perfect, but to be honest, I didn't really give God any say in it. Most major decisions I had made with my life up to that point had always seemed the most obvious thing to do, and I do believe I made good, God-glorifying decisions. I look back and see where God has led me in the right direction. However, sometimes God's plan does not seem very obvious. In fact, they may seem really crazy. My plan after graduation was to get a teaching job for the coming 2014- 2015 school year and make bank. I would then be able to pay off most, if not all, of the debt I had accumulated while at school. After that year, I would make further steps into getting more experience overseas and possibly go to seminary with the goal of becoming a full- time cross cultural missionary. While I still have that goal, the Lord had other plans for how I would get there.
I made many phone calls, constantly checked school websites for openings, filled out an abundance of applications, and had several interviews. I prayed in faith that the Lord would provide. I was heard several times by friends and family saying, "I WILL have a teaching job come Fall." Well, I am here to say that despite the heartache I felt for every phone call I did not get and every list of school board minutes that did not include my name, it is Fall, and I do indeed have a teaching job.
In early June, I began to come to the realization that the likelihood of me getting a teaching job in my area was little to none, and panic ensued. The Lord then led me in seeking out opportunities overseas. After much deliberation, the Lord's will revealed itself in the form of a small international school for missionary kids in the Philippines called Faith International Academy in Davao where I will be teaching Social Studies and also helping with Nehemiah Teams (this is the organization I have served with the past few summers). Nehemiah Teams is based in the Philippines in the city of Davao, where the founders, the Jennings, have lived and served for many years. I will be able to help with some of the logistics with Nehemiah Teams and basically anything else they need me to do! I will be doing one of my favorite things, teaching, which will be more than just lecturing to students about history, but will also be an opportunity to disciple teenagers whose families have given their lives to serving others. Most of all, however, my purpose in being there will be to serve and love others in the name of Jesus through living and sharing his gospel to those who have not heard!
All of this to say, sometimes we have to get ourselves out of the way to truly listen and obey the commands of God. And when we see him begin the work in our hearts to gravitate us to his will, then we must follow. We must.
Join me by:
*praying for Faith International Academy in Davao and for the students there
*praying for Nehemiah Teams, and the work it continues to do in the hearts and lives of young people around the world
*praying for the lost people in the city of Davao and surrounding areas, where some have never heard the gospel
*praying for the financial support I need to be raised and used to glorify God and advance His kingdom
*buying a t-shirt or donating at
https://www.booster.com/kariinthephilippines
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