Over the last few months I have been praying constantly about a lot of hard decisions I have to make. Most of you know that I was planning on attending Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for the spring semester of this school year. However, my plans have changed A LOT.
A while back I stumbled across a small Baptist school out of state. Something about this school just feels right. I have spoken with many people from the school and this is where I feel that God is calling me to go.
Wayland Baptist University is a small Baptist school that has a great Christian ministry program, which is what my major will be. WBU is located in Fairbanks, and Anchorage Alaska. The school does not have on campus living. In other words I will have no place to stay. This almost made be pull away from the school until God opened another door. I received information on another school, University of Alaska Southeast, which is located in Juneau Alaska. Here I can live on campus and continue my education towards Elementary education and take online classes from WBU. Come to find out WBU has an exceptional “Virtual Campus” online program. On top of that, I have already checked into the schools located in Juneau and I plan to continue substitute teaching there if I am so allowed to do.
This is an amazing leap of faith, which has come with many ups and downs. I don’t think I have ever cried or smiled as much as I have these past few months. It is so scary to leap not knowing if there is a net below to catch you. However, knowing that God is taking this leap with me and I am preparing to do His good work makes me smile. I cannot wait to share his word and begin this journey.
I have set up a blog to track this Alaskan adventure. I would love to hear from you all and keep in touch! I will also be putting up videos on there of the journey and my ups and downs (as I am sure there will be plenty). Here is the link: Www.MelGoesNorth.blogspot.com
I will be moving on campus on January 8, 2009. Yes, that is just right around the corner.
Hopefully, I will be having a little goodbye get together. I want to see everyone before leaving. This will most likely be right after Christmas. I am not sure how long I will be gone. It could be anywhere from one semester to years. Of course I will try to come home for holidays and such if affordable.
And I will probably send out invites/ reminders in the mail when it comes closer to time.
I cannot possibly put into words how excited and nervous I am about this decision. A lot still has to fall into place in order to make this possible. Mostly the economy, lol. However, God has paved the way thus far and I am sure will be at my side for the rest of the trip.
<3 Melissa
"Carry your candle, Run to the darkness.
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn.
Hold out your candle for all to see it.
Take your candle and go light your world."
