In January of 2013 I felt a stir in my heart to go back to Indonesia. I spoke with professors, missionaries, pastors, friends, and family, asking that they would pray with me for the right opportunity to go. At the same time I was also three months into to my Masters in Teaching program at Northwest University. Sure enough, many doors swung open that were necessary so that by the end of my program, I could move to Indonesia! I was offered a job at a preschool in Surabaya and began right away applying to become a licensed pastor and a Missionary Associate; both necessary qualifications to get overseas. For the next 6 months, I worked hard planning the details, talking with the owners of the preschool and keeping busy in my teaching program; it was a lot of work but, I trusted in the Lord and was more than excited to graduate in July and move to Indonesia in August.
I presented my final research project for my program at the end of July, quit my job, and moved out of my apartment in Kirkland, all in preparation for the big move in August. Soon after my program was complete, I got an email saying the age requirement to teach at the preschool in Indonesia had changed to 25 and I was no longer able to come and teach.
I will skip the part where I tell you how difficult this has been for me. But I will say that I have learned more about trust in the last six months than many people do maybe in a lifetime. I've learned that my identity is not in my calling to "go" but in my relationship and life in Christ. I've learned that what I thought was a waste of time, was actually so vital because in those "wasted times", I found holes in me where Jesus was not the center, and walls that I wouldn't dare let Him tear down. I've recognized and will always need to be reminded that my timing is not when He works and life does not play out according to my ideals. Thank you Jesus for reminding me what life should be like if it is truly lived in unison with you.
And while we are on thank yous, I would like to sincerely thank my family. Thank you for your listening ears when all I could do was complain, your steady encouragement when all I wanted to do was sleep, your prayers over the phone, and your reminders to me of how good God is even when I didn't see it. I'm not sure where I would be without each of you.
Fast forward to now.... I'm headed back to Indonesia! Yes there have been quite a few more bumps along the way but I just keep moving forward and I just keep thanking Jesus.
I will be working with Dave Kenney, Rosemary and Waldemar Kowalski, and others in Indonesia for the next 11 months. I will be a part of a number of ministries including working with the urban poor of the city and church planting in Bandung. I dont have many details and no budget yet, but June is my target month to leave. I will keep you all posted about more details and how you can give as soon as I know more.
Will you please pray with me and for me? I'm so excited to see what the Lord has His hand in, in Indonesia, and so very thankful to be a part!
Thank you,
Avery
Thank you,
Avery
