As I get closer and closer to my sending date, I am struck anew at how this town that I’m living in is just a temporary place for me to stop. When you’re living in light of eternity, you realize that every place that you live will be temporary. Your home only becomes permanent when you are living in Heaven. This realization makes it both easier and harder knowing that I’ll be leaving soon.
On one hand, I am so excited to be going to Mexico. I truly feel that God has been working in my life to bring me to this place. I’m going to be teaching literature and writing for eighth and tenth graders. I have loved reading ever since my mom first brought me to story time at our local library. I love the excitement that books bring, and how you can be transported to another world through books. I cannot wait to share that excitement with the kids I’ll be teaching.
On the other hand, I am going to miss this place so much. My family is here, and I love them. They always support me in whatever I choose to do. My church family is also here. They are the most amazing group of people. I’ve felt included ever since my family first visited the church. I don’t think I have ever felt so welcomed before in my life. Then there is my new group of friends. I really just started hanging out with them this year. They are something else. I never expected to be in this group, but I wouldn’t change them for the world.
I have learned and grown so much from the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met. Ironton, Winona Lake, Mattoon, and Pohang are towns that will always bring fond memories for me. I’m looking forward to having memories from Mexico City too. The places may be temporary, but the lessons that were taught there are not. I’m no longer the same person I was when I was in South Korea. Nor am I the same person who attended Grace College. I’ve grown and changed. I know God will grow and change me in Mexico too.