The Story started a long time ago...

I am 11 days away from leaving to Student Teach in Costa Rica.

I don't think I have completely processed what is about to happen. I have been dreaming of this for a long time.

In April 2004, I went to Costa Rica with Dennis and Julie Ward on a short term missions trip. We were in the town of Cortez. One day a local kid, Vladimir, showed me his classroom at his school. As we walked inside the classroom my heart started beating rapidly. He showed me the desk that he sits at everyday. I sat in his seat, seeing the classroom from his perspective and traced the carved initials on his desk. On the chalkboard I could see traces of previous lessons. There were hardly any materials in the classroom, just a few worn out books underneath the desks. I can't remember another time in my life when the whisper of God was so clear to me. In that moment, I wanted so desperately to teach in CR when I grew up.

Here is a snippet of an entry in my journal from that trip:

" More and More I think about when Vladimir took me to his classroom. It was at that moment that I knew w/o a doubt that you have called me to be a missionary there. Never before have I heard so clearly your call. I felt so complete in that room knowing at that moment the exact way you plan to use me. It was a confirmation of the revelation of your plan you have had for me since I was born. Even before then! I know that I will not be happy anywhere but there- where you have called me. I feel honored to know that you desire to use me and I pray that NEVER will I try to take hold of my own future, but it will always be yours."

When I came home, I started telling people I was going to be a teacher in Costa Rica when I grew up. I even tried to convince my mom that I didn't really need to go to college in order to teach there, because I had met a local teacher in Costa Rica that had never been to college.

Eventually, I started holding onto that dream stubbornly. I remember realizing that I would be hesitant to follow God anywhere else - I wanted to go to Costa Rica. That's when I knew I needed to hand that dream on over to God and search after his heart - not after a dream. So... I quit telling people I wanted to be a teacher in Costa Rica when I grew up. I started asking God to help me to truly desire him.

Honestly, I forgot about CR for awhile - a good long while. During this time, I seriously learned more of his character. Certainly not always easy - far from it. But so sweet.

Six years later, I started looking into doing my Student teaching abroad.

Guess what?

The only option for Fall Semester 2010 at KSU: Costa Rica.

I feel like it is God's kindness to me. He has been shaping the desires in my heart for a long time. He certainly is more concerned with my heart towards him and my understanding of his character than he is with me "fulfilling a dream". He gave me the desire, I gave it back to him when I realized I was holding it closer than I was holding Him, and then he threw it right back at me after a season. He didn't have to do that.

I pray that I will be a good steward of the gifts and opportunities he is giving me. I pray that I will truly be thankful and aware of his kindness. I pray for a deeper understanding of his character and his kingdom as I experience the culture and people of Costa Rica.