A Season of Change

I went back and forth a lot after I sent out an email asking for prayer regarding my contract. I have had a hard time setting aside time to sit and be still and listen because I had a teachers seminar to teach and it totally had me stressed out and working crazy hours. But the times I did have to sit with Jesus and talk things over, the resounding question was, "Do you trust Me? Do you trust Me enough to leave?"

It would be comfortable and easy (well, not easy) to stay another year. I don't have to look for a job, and nothing about my life in this village would change for another 18 months. And if you know me at all, you know I don't like change. But I know God called me to Shibecha for a reason and for a season. "Do you trust Me enough to leave?"

Deep down a lot of the reason why I wanted to stay longer is because I want to see the people in this village love Jesus. I am afraid I will be the only Christian these people ever meet. What kind of Jesus have I shown them these past 18 months? What kind of Jesus will I show them these next 6? I can share the Gospel and spark conversations and plant seeds, but I can't change their hearts. Only God can change their hearts and He's the One the ultimately will make the seeds I plant grow. "Do you trust Me enough to leave?"

So I finally had time to go to my boss's house last week and break the news to him and his wife. It's hard; he and his family have become my family here. His wife was sad I decided to leave, but he said he understood. I told him I'd work my hardest the remaining 6 months in the office, and he told me I needed to enjoy the rest of my time in Japan.

The following morning I handed him my papers complete with my signature finalizing my decision not to continue teaching after July.

NOW WHAT?

Well, I have 6 months left to make the most of village life. I'm playing in the hockey league again with the railroad workers. I'm going to the snow festival. I'm spending more time with the people around me, the people in the village. I'm going to eat my boss's wife's cooking more often. I'm going to enjoy the sunsets and my quiet nights at home. I'm going to keep praying for revival in this village. I'm going to keep sharing the Gospel when the Spirit opens doors. I'm going to keep praying for opportunities to share about Jesus and His love and His grace and His sacrifice. I'm going to enjoy the frozen tundra and clear starry nights. I'm going to finish writing my book and write more poetry. I'm going to enjoy my time in the office and my time in the classroom. I'm going to make the most of my 6 months.

WHAT'S NEXT?

That's an excellent question. I have no idea. I have some leads, but I'm going to spend the next couple of weeks and months praying for guidance and direction. I would love to come back to year-round sunshine and 70 degree weather, but it's His will above mine. I'm going trust God will get me where He wants me to be...and that He'll provide whatever I need wherever I am.