- For starters, the decision to study abroad all happened as I felt called by God. In fact, after having the privilege to go on mission trips to both the Dominican Republic and Peru multiple times over the past 3 years, I felt in my heart that God wanted me to study and learn more Spanish. I was slow to respond to this, but I eventually took a placement test back in the Fall of 2011. By God's grace I scored very high and was placed into a 3010 level class exempting and receiving credit for 4 classes (12 hours). This is important to remember. Why? Because, at that point, I was only considering doing a Spanish minor. However, I soon realized that in order to complete the minor I would only need to take 3 Spanish classes. Quickly, I saw that, well for one, 3 classes was not enough time for me to really learn the language. And two, I might have enough credit hours and time left before graduation to do a double major. After loving my first college Spanish class in Spring 2012, I would then go on that summer to once again go to Peru on mission. It was there that a couple of people had mentioned to me the idea of doing a study abroad--So I investigated the possibility.
- In my investigation; I began asking around to Hispanic friends that I knew, "What would be a good place to study abroad?" I knew personally that I didn't want to go to where I had already been (Peru and the DR). A few people recommended Argentina, so I looked into the different programs. But, I also looked into Chile as a possibility. Just when I was pretty set on Argentina, a good friend of mine from school, who had just finished a study-abroad herself, mentioned to me how she had received an e-mail about some mission based study abroad program. With my mind about 90% set on Argentina, I looked into this new program for kicks and giggles. It would have to be really awesome for me to switch what I already had in mind. However, the Veritas program (follow the link at the top of the page for more info) had what looked like a super awesome program in Valparaíso, Chile. And, it's set-up around sharing Jesus with people. I was sold.
- A little snag…this program (Veritas) was not pre-approved through my university. Basically, I then had to do a petition process in order to communicate to my home university the validity and details of this new program that they've never heard of before. Just like 5 or 6 documents to turn in…no big deal. Oh, and did I mention that they could reject the program if I messed up on my documents? Praise God that the program got approved! (Side-note: a Veritas employee would later meet with my university's study abroad office to make the Veritas program essentially pre-approved.)
- Let the paperwork commence. Wow. I have an entire color-coded, sub-divided folder on my desktop entitled "STUDY ABROAD STUFF" that is strictly devoted to any and all paperwork for this process. I know, I'm sounding like a big whiny baby. It really wasn't that bad. You just really had to stay on top of all the dates and deadlines. And meet with like 4 advisors that I didn't even knew existed. And I now know how to effectively scan documents with ease. Also searching and reserving the cheapest rate on a flight. Applying for scholarships. Something called a consortium agreement. Attending orientations (they told us that we were superior students and free food was provided, so that one was worth it). Get a student visa. That one was fun. The only want to know your life history and mail it to them. But then, they want to double check that you're real, so you have to go the consulate in person. Ha! I think before you study abroad, you should have to enroll in a 3 hour Study Abroad Prep course. Because I literally had more homework and field trips for my pre-departure than for most of my classes over the 2012-2013 academic year. Praise God that He got me through all of that and my brain still functions somewhat normally.
Those are just a few logistical things that I wanted to share with you guys and gals who may be curious about how I even got to this opportunity in the first place. It's really sweet to look back over the past two or three years of my life and just see step by step the hand of God in everything. Honestly, it begs the question, "God where are you leading me? What are you wanting me to do with this one life you've given me? I know you've commanded me to make disciples, but is there a specific place, people group, or part of the world you want me to devote my life to ushering your lost sheep back into your family?" It can be a bit nerve racking at times, not knowing what my life will look like in 5 years, or even 1 year. But, oh, how exciting and heart-racing and pleasing it is to know that the Creator of all things is orchestrating it all out in accordance with His plan. He wants my whole heart. He's been really just teaching me and trying to gently guide me into fully surrendering every part of my life and trust and allegiance to Him. When trusting God is a mere ideology, most will concur and nod the head of, "Sure, I trust in God." I mean, it makes perfect sense, right? Especially if you believe in God. However, the thought of trusting God with everything and the action of actually trusting God with everything are two completely different things. This is where I keep stumbling. I make up in my mind to trust God, but I have difficulty when it comes to stepping into trust and dependence on Him. I'm excited, curious, and a bit nervous to see how He answers this prayer, but I'm going to start praying that God would show me how trustworthy He is and how untrustworthy I am. How true and strong and faithful He is, and how false and fading and weak I am.
Keep on the lookout for the next post! Your prayers are greatly appreciated.
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