This
summer I was feeling a desperate need for adventure. I let my desire take
flight and I started looking at several different study abroad programs through
BYU. I began talking to everyone about my craving for something new and
exciting. Eventually I was lead to International Language Program (ILP.) This
Independent, non-profit organization for teaching English abroad fit me to the
tee. Traveling abroad, seeing the world, and the opportunity to teach children, my
favorite thing to do!
I made
the decision to do ILP very abruptly and with little thought. Nevertheless, I
started my preparations to leave for some time around the beginning of 2018...or
something. I really had no idea. I didn't think about what I would do about
school. I didn't think about how I could afford it. I listened to my heart and
my intuition and I jumped. And I felt really good! I talked to my parents
about it and they felt good about it too. So I carried out with my plans to
leave behind my current life for 4.5 months.
As time
went on and arrangements were made, more and more things kept hitting me that
had not crossed my mind upon choosing this adventure; the main one being that
my church is not very present in China. I realized how shut off from my
religion I might be. How it would be hard to go to church, how it was unlikely
that I'd be able to partake of the sacrament, how I wouldn't be able to attend
the temple, and how I would not be allowed to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Because this is such a big part of my life and who I am, I became very worried
that I had made the wrong decision.
Not being
able to shake this feeling, I went to the temple to be close to my Father in
Heaven. I prayed earnestly to know if I was doing the right thing. I was filled
with peace. I know that Heavenly Father wants us to consult with him, but I
also know that he sent us here with the gift of agency. He wants us make our
own decisions. I knew after conversing with God that he trusts me and supports
me in my decision to serve the kids in China. I couldn't be more grateful for
His trust and support. Despite some fears I still have, this is a challenge
that I am choosing and accepting and so very excited for!
Jesus
Christ is the light in my life and my source of my happiness. He guides and
directs me daily. I feel so blessed for this unique opportunity I've been given
to share the light of my savior with the people of China simply by taking His
name upon me and doing what he would have be do. I am anxious to see how this
experience will allow me to grow and to love and serve more of God's
children.
I created
this blog to share my experience as well Christ's gospel and tender mercies of
the Lord in whatever small ways I can. Thank you embarking on this adventure
with me! Stay tuned!
