I leaned my head against the plane window. It was dark out; I had caught the red eye flight to London. It was December of 2011 and so many things wurled through my mind.

That's so odd Lord. How can it be so similar? Lord, she's missing the point! Everything we believe is almost the same…her heart obviously desires to serve you, the real God of this Earth! The dissecting of our conversation continued. And then transitioned into, "Lord? I feel as if this season of my life is coming to an end. Please show me your will for me. Show me what to do. Where to go. Why do I feel that way? Please Father God. … I also feel as if September is significant too. I don't know why. 

"I'm sorry." I heard through my coat, which was draped over my head.

I removed my coat and looked up, "I'm sorry your teacher was mean to you." I paused in surprise, she continued. "You know, when I asked you about college earlier you seemed to shut down." Really? I thought. For she had asked me what I would go to college for. Which I then proceeded to tell her I had some ideas, but that was if I was to go to college. Prior to that question we carried such an easy conversation about our lives. Maybe it was the late hour but the Lord was up to something before I even realized it. I had shared a bit of my testimony when the Holy Spirit prompted me, about how I found my identity and value in Christ. But it was a condensed version, partly because of my nerves and because I was not sure how much to share.

"You would make a such great teacher someday." She said. "You have a kind heart; you know what children need because of your experience." I soaked everything in that she said. Then, as suddenly as she began, she quit and settled into sleep while leaving me to look out the window and ponder every word that had just boldly been spoken. That was odd. Was that you Lord? Was that really you? I felt an odd mixture of excitement and strong curiosity about this Muslim Professor woman, from Chicago, who seemed to be used by God to speak to me. Very odd, I thought. Show me where you want me Lord. Lead me. 


I never saw that woman after our plane arrived and we departed. -- When I reflect on this part of my story I often desire to know her address just so that I can write her and tell her how the Lord used her in my life. But, I am nearly getting ahead of myself.


London

Once my team and I were settled into our cozy rooms in the church building and semi-rested from jet-leg, we found ourselves helping with the Sunday morning service. I found myself comfortable by the front door greeting the Londoners arriving in their winter gear. I quickly fell in love with the people, lifestyle and accents. The culture was something like a scene out of 'Mary Poppins.'


Out of left field the Lord surprised me with something else. In walked a family that I was 100% sure I knew. Never am I that confident about knowing someone half-way around the world. I mean sure, I have dreamt of that happening. But really?! It actually happening was astonishing, considering where I even met them. For security reasons I have been asked not to say where we knew each other, however, I can tell you that we met in Northern Africa, hiking through the High Atlas mountains a couple years prior to that cold London day in December. The family and I were stunned. For they were just passing through and were visiting their home church to speak.


Once the service was over the mother of the family sought me out. "I just want to tell you, the Lord has put it on my heart that this was not just a coincidence. But I just don't know what His reason is."

"What did you do before you moved to 'Northern Africa'?" I asked before I knew exactly what I was saying.

"I was a teacher...." She continued talking about her teaching years.

"So, did you want to move to 'Northern Africa'?"

"I was not excited at first. But after we visited I continued to ask the Lord to give me a heart for this people and this nation. He has ever since. I love it there. I call it home." She glowed as she spoke. [She had also been receiving cancer treatment in London too.] I stood before her amazed at the life she and her family lived. After living in 'Northern Africa' for 20 years they were kicked out, along with many others who loved the Lord. Too soon the distractions around us finally drew us apart. I did not feel as if I had the opportunity to give her a proper thank-you or goodbye but her approach to the Lord's calling in her life stuck with me. I began praying the same prayer after that day, Lord, would you please give me your heart to do what you are calling me to do? And the Lord did and has ever since. Whether it's right away or day by day… He has always been faithful.


After talking with her I thought it odd and funny that she was a teacher. I noted that and put it on the back burner. Well, I met ten teachers that afternoon into the evening. No kidding. Finally I took the hint. I pressed the Lord for more confirmation. Until finally I knew without a doubt, becoming a teacher was that "next step" so to speak. But where was my question? What college would I go to?


Arkansas

The story went on to find me in Arkansas pressing the Lord for direction. I had favor wherever I looked. What was I to do? How was I to go about it? Finally, I knew what the answer was. Even though the colleges were seemingly just right for me I called and told both that I was not attending their school. Because one thing was for certain, the Lord had me planning to go to Sierra Leone in August. That trip interfered with my would-be college schedule. I could not justify missing two weeks of college the first time I attend. It just did not seem responsible or wise.


Planning to go to Sierra Leone in and of itself was a struggle. For I really wanted to go, but I did lack the passion. Almost daily I told the Lord that it felt like I was not going. But graciously the Lord made it clear through scripture and oportunities finding me, that I was still to plan on it. I truly gave it my all because of that.


That is another story in and of itself. One that I might write about someday. Needless to say, on the day plane tickets were being purchased, I received a call that changed my life. My beloved young grandmother was extremely sick...and not expected to live much longer. Devistated, I decided that Sierra Leoene will be there. Grandma may not. Even me for that matter! I was headed to Florida instead.


I certainly do not regret that choice. Sure I would have enjoyed Sierra Leone, but those last memories I have of my grandma are bitter sweet. She passed away three months later, just before the birth of her 10th grandchild. It was during those weeks leading up to cancelation of the trip that the Lord threw another surprise in the mix. I was moving to Dallas in September.