I had my life all planned out.

And this was not a part of it.

Going to Thailand was pretty much nowhere on my radar screen when I asked God where He wanted me next year. I was expecting to graduate from high school and go straight to college. I wanted to be “normal.” I wanted to do what all “normal” people seem to do after high school: go to college. This was my plan. I had already applied to three colleges and had been accepted by all of them, along with some substantial scholarships sweetening up the offers.

I didn’t quite have peace about any of the options, however, and so I asked God for a sign showing me which one I should choose. Little did I know that He would drop this in my lap.

A couple days after I started praying for a sign, I received a text from a former Peace Music Academy student missionary teacher. I had happened to meet her at GYC last year (and that in itself was, I believe, a divine appointment), but we had not communicated since then. Until now. That day, out of the blue, she texted to inform me that Peace Music Academy was in desperate need of a violin teacher for next year, and would I be interested in filling that position? 

No, it can’t be the sign, I told myself. I brushed it away as a random coincidence. But I told her that I would pray about it. So I did. And the more I prayed, the more I was convicted that this had not been a coincidence. And that this was where God wanted me next year.

Somewhat of a major detour in plans. This wasn’t “normal” at all! 

But where He leads, I follow.

I had complete peace about my decision. I told God that I wouldn’t ask for a second sign; rather, my second sign would be whether or not He opened the doors. If He closed the doors, I would know that it was a coincidence after all and He wanted me somewhere else. On the other hand, if He opened them, I would have my confirmation that this was truly where He wanted me.

The doors have all swung wide open. Every obstacle so far has come crashing down. Even the colleges are willing to reserve my music scholarships for the following year. I know that God is leading.

Probably the biggest miracle, though, is how He changed me. How He softened my heart to accept and embrace His plans for my life. Now I’m okay with not being “normal.” I’m okay with not doing the “normal” thing after high school and not living a “normal” life. I’m okay with whatever seemingly-ridiculous thing God places in my path.

Because it’ll just be an exhilarating adventure for the two of us together. For eternity.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support! Please continue to pray for me as I seek to grow in Christ and serve Him this next year. 

• Twitter