Off and away.
Although I’ve targeted SE and central Asia as the areas I’m most interested in, I’m really open to just about anywhere. There are a few places on planet earth that I’m not drawn to, either because of safety concerns or because, for whatever reason, at this time, I’m not particularly drawn to that culture, but for the most part, I’m considering any and all offers. And hopefully there’ll be that – offers, i.e. contracts ready to be signed. As eager as I am, I don’t want to take just ANY offer. I want it to be the right one. For instance, it was last summer, way after the frenzied, around-the-world recruitment fairs, that I saw two of my “dream jobs” online. I couldn’t apply for them because I still had to stay in the states for one more year to fulfill my current teaching assignment and to ensure my daughter’s safe and sure graduation from college in May 2013.
I’m about to walk into unknown territory. It’s scary and exciting. In a nervous moment this week, I remembered Dr. Seuss’ book, “Oh the Places You’ll Go” and began reading some of his memorable poems. These examples will boost anybody’s spirit. He knows all about being brave.
“Out there things can happen, and frequently do,
To people as brainy and footsy as you.
And when things start to happen, don’t worry, don’t stew.
Just go right along, you’ll start happening too!”
“You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted, but mostly they’re darked.
A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?”
“And when you’re alone there’s a very good chance
you’ll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.
There are some, down the road between hither and yon,
that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.”
“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!”
Sometimes I feel like India, China and SE Asia are far, far away. But when I watch the video below, it not only makes me tear up, but also inspires me to believe that a bigger-than-me God has my best interest in mind. He will let me know where I should go. This recruiting season I’ve already been reminded that a “no” is actually a “yes”. The “no’s” help guide us to our path. It is a really humbling feeling to be at the point that I’m ready to slip my moorings and give up my job, home and friends for completely unknown waters ahead, but deep within me, I know it’s the right thing to do. If you are in London this week at the SA Fair, “Good Luck!”
Art Teach Travel 