In 2005 I took the biggest step of faith I had ever made at that point in my life by beginning a course at Nazarene Theological College in Manchester, England. To set the story up for you here are a few facts about my life back then:
1. I had never been outside of the United States up until this point. I had to get my first passport in order to make this trip.
2. I had only ever had one address at this point. I had lived in the same house my entire life.
3. I was a very reserved person. Some would call it shy...but I prefer reserved. Once I got to know you I wasn't shy/reserved. I was the type of person that preferred to watch and observe before participating.
4. I had already been to and left two different colleges.
I'm pretty sure most people thought I was crazy. How in the world could this reserved slightly sheltered girl ever go to another country...on her own...not knowing anyone? If I'm being honest I didn't know either. What I did know is that I felt God calling me to go. That call gave me the peace and sense of adventure I needed to take this step of faith. It was a step of faith because of those four facts above. It was a step of faith because I had to put my total trust in the fact that God knew better than I what I could do. That's hard for someone who likes to feel in control over their own life.
Long story short...that step of faith changed my life. I ended up staying at NTC for three years and finishing my Bachelor's degree. I was blessed to be put in a situation that forced me out of my shell. I learned to see the world in a whole different light. I met and made friends from all over the world. My worldview was stretched. My horizon widened.
I've done a lot since my time at NTC. Each new adventure has stretched and grown both my faith and me as a person. I was a youth pastor, and student (again), a volunteer, an ESL teacher, a learner, a listener, a friend, a daughter, a sister, a retail worker and a nanny. But here I am, nine years on from 2005 and I find myself making plans, dusting off suitcases, and saying goodbyes.
Full circle experiences make me feel blessed. I get to again experience a new adventure. Yes, it's somewhere I have been before but I am a different person this time and I am sure that NTC has changed as well. It's like getting to experience something through new eyes.
The step of faith is a little different this time. This time I'm leaving behind not only friends and family but a job as well. But there are things that are also the same. The call to go is the same. I don't know what the outcome will be after my time of service but I know God does. He will provide what I need just as He did before. He will grow and stretch me just as He did before. That's a full circle experience in itself.
I am blessed.
