More big steps towards Thailand this week as I handed in my resignation at work. This was a significant step as it meant surrendering next year completely to God, knowing on my return I have no job. It's also extremely emotional to say goodbye to the colleagues and families I have worked so closely with over the past two years. By returning in February I'm also accepting that I won't be teaching, but instead will be attending Theological College - a huge diversion from where I thought I would be. But I'm acting in obedience to God's call - as crazy as it seems sometimes.

Eccelesiastes has been teaching me a lot lately. I listen to it on CD in the car driving to and from work. Being fed on the Word is such a nourishing experience. Having handed in my resignation and then facing some big challenges at work, I have been leaning on the words of Ecclesiastes 10:4 "If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your post; for conciliation pacifies offence."

It was a strong reminder to me that whatever task I set myself to, I need to be prepared for attack but armed to respond with God's grace.

Reality bites...

It's been an emotional day as I have completed some vital steps on the journey to Thailand. This morning consisted of my first visit to the the travel doctor, which proved quite an overwhelming experience. I know I'm not the most knowledgeable person, but i didn't realise just quite how many diseases and risks I would need to be aware of. Today was Rabies shot #1, plus Influenza - an injection I've never had before as I don't particularly like getting injections that aren't deemed completely necessary. But suddenly going from first world medical facilities to less-than, the neccessity has become apparent. As a Christian I find it a really challenging line between trusting God for my safety and just been logical about the risks I'll be surrounded by.

I also got the fun job of carrying waaay too many $100 notes from the bank to the travel agent to book my flights. That's when I started to feel a little overwhelmed - I was actually committing to this journey financially and there's no going back. Again, insurance was a challenge of trust vs logic (I don't think I even like phrasing it as a versus statement) but I decided that having the finances to get me home if something were to happen to my family was the most important thing.

It was so nice to have contact with multiple people who inquired about my journey and were so thrilled to hear that i was going for purposes other than lazing on a pristine beach all day (nt that there's anything wrong with that). It's like an evangelical opportunity that carries from prior, right through to long after I come home - what a privilege!

A step of faith...

I've been determined that this blog is doesn't become a whole lot of hot air. I desire for it to be purposeful and meaningful. Only problem is, that can often mean rather large breaks between posts and a loss of forward momentum.
So this is a slightly non-purposeful catch-up post...
This past month has been pretty quiet in terms of planning my trip. Work has demanded a lot of my time and energy and I have just been praying out the details of when to arrive/ depart as this has a pretty big impact on what I end up doing next year. Actually booking my airfare is a huge hurdle for me as it is a commitment that I won't be taking a teaching position next year (I'll still be away when school starts back), and will most probably study theology - another can of Holy worms!
So it's time to go visit my friend Sarah Grainger at Flight Centre and book my flights. But something is holding me back - Do I have enough money? Is this really what I'm supposed to be doing? Am I committed to seeing out God's plan completely from start to finish?

Lord, I pray for your strength and guidance as I take this leap of faith and commit financially to the journey you have to me.

A divine friendship

Friends are such a blessing.
This weekend has reminded me of that once again. I am particularly grateful for the friendship I am building with a young family at church. I have gotten to know them over the past few months as we chat away in Creche and I discovered a few weeks ago that they will be in Thailand overlapping the time that I'll be there. Today Joelle (the mum) told me they've changed their schedule to include a few days in Chiang Mai, which wasn't their original intention, but will mean I have friendly faces (who have good knowledge of Thailand and Thai pronunciation) to help me settle in on arrival. God is amazing in the simple ways he provides for my every need. Yet another piece of the puzzle falls into place. All anxiety is gone.

Ask, Seek, Knock.

Ask and it will be given to you...

...seek and you will find...

...knock and the door will be opened to you.

Matthew 7:7

So I've just had a moment of realising that I'm crazy. Maybe not for the first time in my life, or in this journey, for that matter. But I really don't know what's coming as I follow obediently the path that God has laid out for me.

I am quitting a wonderful job, will have no income while I'm away, will come back after school returns and have to find a new job (which is tricky being a teacher), plus I'm still looking at the possibility of attending Theological College next year. You'd probably be right in thinking I sound rather disorganised and uncertain, but that's far from the truth. I'm totally certain that this is the journey I'm supposed to be on, I just don't know what's around the next corner!

A place to call 'home'

I just got emailed info on the 'suggested' accommodation. My housemate reckons I'll think our little unit is a palace after going to Thailand, but this place looks more like a palace than anywhere I've ever stayed....

and only 500 baht/night which is about 15 AUD...

I may never want to come home!