Will You Pray?! (Part 3) -- Prayer Requests

Here are some specific requests:

1--My Starbucks co-workers. One we shall call AW. I work with him a lot. We have had interesting conversations. Especially in regards to the supposed end of the world (and yet I am still here and writing). We had some good jokes and thought-provoking conversation.

Interestingly, a "new" girl is coming and I will not be working with AW as much. Perhaps the Lord is preparing for me to leave OR He is answering my prayer that I could work in the day.
(I only started applying a couple weeks ago. I had just prayed that I could work some more day shifts so I could get together with people and do things in the evening hours -- including ministry.)

2--China

3--Those people at the international school who must find and hire teachers. Pray that they would have wisdom and discernment in the hiring process and that all positions would be filled.

4--Pray that the Lord would stop me if that is His will.

5--Pray that I would have peace about either decision/outcome.

6--Pray that tomorrow's interview will be helpful in letting me know what to do.

Thank you for praying! (and reading) The Lord is good. The Lord is faithful! The Lord will bring about His will and purposes. The Lord will use us as He pleases. The Lord will call, justify, transform, conform, and glorify those He has chosen according to His glorious will.
May we trust Him and live accordingly.

Will You Pray?! (Part 2)

So...
Caroline did give me some good advice, as I drew her in to give me a tight squeeze. (hahahaha)

She told me I should go. She said she's all right with it. She said that it could grow me and challenge me.

True and valid.

That is the biggest and truest of the points.

This would probably be the most stretching of stretches so far in my life's history.

Maybe that's why it scares me.
(Yes, I am TERRIFIED!)

I would have to depend and trust on the Lord on EVERY level.

Currently, I would say I am living semi-dependent to fairly independent.

I don't generally pray that the Lord would give me wisdom concerning how to make a double tall cappucino.
(I DO pray, however; that He would guide my words and actions with my co-workers and customers.)

But, I would be re-entering the "teacher realm." I must pray MOMENTLY for Him to guide me with wisdom and joy and discernment when I am a teacher. The field of teaching stretches me far beyond what I am capable of doing on my own.

(If I were applying to teach at a school in Ohio I would probably go through these same troubling thoughts. I did when I applied at Grace Academy...and especially when Mr. Lugg called and told me that I got the job. I was SCARED.)

IF they offer me a position, can I take it because I want to be stretched? Do you just pursue things in order for you to be stretched? Do you sign 2 year contracts in foreign fields in order to be stretched and challenged?

Both choices have their sad parts that bring losses and both choices have their good parts that bring gains.

Am I being "called" to China? I have NO idea.
Am I being "called" to Cincinnati, Ohio? At this moment, yes. For an extended period going into this next year? I have NO idea.

Stink, stink, stink.

Will You Pray?!

All right, guys...
I haven't wanted to make an announcement because
1) What if it falls through? (They don't want me.)
OR
2) What if comes to an end? (I decide not to go with them.)

But I have now come to this point and (though I don't know how many of you actually read this,) I need prayer and insight and wisdom.

Are you willing to provide one, some, or all of those?

Here's the situation for which I need you to pray and give insight and wisdom:
I applied to teach at an international school in China.

Whoohoo, whoohoo!! (Correct.)

BUT!

I am struggling to make a decision. There are seven steps in the application process. I am in the middle of the fourth. I have a phone conversation (interview?) with one of the administrators tomorrow.

Why am I struggling to commit to a decision?

Because that's what I do.
My parents would like to rename me, "Inde Cisive Martin."

Also, because what if I am too loud to be in China?
What if I have no one to laugh with?!

I won't be able to read their street signs.
How will I be able to talk with people in the marketplace?

They only have kindergarten teaching positions open. Will I be okay with that young of a class?
Am I a good enough teacher?
What if I stink really horribly as a teacher over there?

I have never had China on my list of places to work in...travel to, sure. Their culture and history is AMAZING and so COOL! There are many things I would like to see and experience there, but should I commit to living there for two years?

What about developing friendships and ministries here?

What about my place as a Christian at Starbucks in Ohio, USA?

What about leaving my sisters behind?
They will grow up SO much in two years!
I have already left them behind for five years, now two more?
Some could be married by the time I return!!! --- (Though unlikely...more likely to be "dating".)

As I write these concerns out...they seem slightly silly...and I kind of wrote them in a manner that would communicate such an emotion...but they are also serious.

Am I just chasing something that I should forget?
Should I wait until I can go to India or Uganda?
What about my ministry at the new church and Starbucks? Opportunities to talk about Jesus!!!

People are important. I don't want to just abandon them.

Am I being foolish?

Which perspective is foolish?

Does the Lord really care which one I choose? No. He knows what I will choose. He's planned it. I'm just not sure which one I should choose.
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but the Lord directs his steps." Indeed. (Proverbs 16: something)

I don't want to be wishy-washy. I don't want to be indecisive. I want to choose and stick with it.