As of December the 18th, I am done with my academic career. A journey of six years, transfers, papers, tests, books, reading, writing, and teaching. This culmination gives only a small indication of what this journey is truly like. To put it lightly, it is an ending I've welcomed far before it made itself a reality.
The last few months also allowed me to appreciate my situation in Buena Park. Though my apartment was on the end side of a total of 9 guys living in it over the last 3 years, it is a place that held a deeper significance that just a crappy place to live. I made good friends that will stay with me (in spirit, of course) for the rest of my life.
I was asked by Jenny who my friends were; who the men in my life I considered important and great for my development. I could only really think of a select few, with these two in attendance of that list. I've learned of the importance of friends in life and how deeply that affects the way we live our lives.
For the near future, I'm returning to China. Shortly following my time last summer, I was offered a job from a friend I made while in Shantou, working as a teacher/lecturer for his English teaching company. It's a 6 month commitment, but it gives room for the Lord to act as He would during my time there.
Something that has given me truth was the way I came about going to China. It was not "I'm going, pray that the Lord blesses it." It rather came from God' giving. Asked to come back, I had to think on my time, asking for the next step. I've learned that it is never about what I would want to do, but where I'm being led. I do want to go to China, but it is not my desires or wishes that has led me there. In that, I'm incredibly thankful and look forward to what that future looks like.
I've enrolled in a TESOL course, starting the end of January. This will give me further help in teaching as well as an outlet for future job prospects wherever I may go. As was the last time I was in China, the greatest things I will need is prayer. The Lord will provide all that I need and I hope that you would be willing to join me in bringing all these things before Him. The future is bright and I look forward to seeing how God will work in the lives of myself, the people I meet, and the people who keep me in their prayers.
