Tuesday, July 10, 2012

I’m moving to Scotland.

You didn’t read that subject line wrong. =)

I’ve been wondering how I would start a post like this for quite some time. It’s been forming as a dream in my mind for over three years now...and, finally, when the time has actually come, I am at a complete loss of eloquent words.

The short, blunt, to-the-point facts are this: I will be moving to Scotland in March of 2013 to serve as an intern with Calvary Chapel Motherwell for a year. It is my hope and prayer that this initial year will lead to many more years there, but that is still to be determined (and, I am in no rush to know God’s plans. I will go in March and come back when He tells me to).

The long, fluffy, heartfelt explanation is this...

Friends and family: you have all been a part of this decision and process. You have listened to my wonderings, thoughts, and dreams for years. You have encouraged me to seek God’s will throughout the years...and discouraged me to “listen to my heart” when I felt that I wanted to follow the deceit it was calling me to(and since I’m sure you all know of my affinity for Disney movies...that was a necessary and continual reminder!).

This decision has come from deliberation, prayer, fasting, and confirmation over a span of months as I’ve noticed, more than once, that God had started to pull me away from the direction I thought I was supposed to be going...and into directions I never thought I would walk boldly into.

But, here I am. And in about 9 months, that direction will take me to Scotland where I will be working alongside our family at Calvary Chapel Motherwell as an intern. Serving with people whom I call friends and friends that I call family. My heart gets giddy at the thought of this...and overwhelmed at the reality of this. I don’t deserve such sweet and gracious gifts from the Lord.

My heart is overflowing. My head is spinning, and the smile on my face cannot be wiped off at the mention of Scotland. I am reminded of this verse in Proverbs: “A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps” (Pro 16:9 NKJV).

It was *my* dreams and plans that may have started over 10 years ago, but it was *God’s* direction that took me on a beautiful trip to get to this place: a place where I can confidently step forward knowing that He will direct me, guide me, prepare me, and lead me into His plans for my life.

I’m so excited to share more with you. But for now, it’s such a pleasure to at least share this small amount.