Faith, Trust, and Aloha

Last summer, in the midst of job rejections and figuring out new plans, my dad made a comment about someone he wanted me to meet in Hawaii. I had no impending plans to visit, and felt no urgency to get there. Of course, with my parents living there, I knew I would eventually get back, but trying to scheme a separate trip just wasn't a priority.

(And before you ask, nothing came of that someone, and this move is entirely unrelated to that.)

So once my new plans started coming together for studies in the southern hemisphere, it only made sense to stop in to visit my parents in Hawaii on my way back from New Zealand. It would give me some time to re-group, catch up with my parents and friends there, and enjoy Christmas holidays with them. I also hoped to work on some job applications. I had a few leads for teaching English internationally thanks to my new TESOL certificate, and felt like I just needed some time to sort through it all and find a clear direction for my next step.

I had only been on Oahu about a week when my mom texted me, all excited about something. She had run into the chair of the English Language Teaching and Learning department at BYU-Hawaii. I had thought about maybe doing some volunteer tutoring with the department while I was visiting. However, when mom mentioned to her that I had just finished my CELTA and also had a master's degree in language teaching, the chair was insistent to meet me. I sent her my resume, stopped by for a chat, and suddenly, I had a job offer! With 2 full-time instructors about to go on leave, and a new online curriculum under development, they need teachers! I happened to have the right training at the right place and the right time!

Although it was an exciting offer, I was hesitant because of my Canadian citizenship. I knew I would have to obtain some sort of work visa in order to work in the US. That was when they told me about a work authorization that exists through the North American Free Trade Agreement, that allows Canadians and Mexicans with certain professional credentials to obtain short-term work permission. University teacher was one of those professions. All I needed was an official job offer and to head home so I could apply for the permission upon re-entrance at the US border.

All of this happened so fast, I could hardly process it all! However, I had a couple months to do so, as I waited for the offer letter, and the right time to go home. I was also hesitant to get too excited, in case it didn't work out for whatever reason. I have had back experiences with sharing good news too soon and then it going sour...

An interesting thing happened in those 2 months. Though I have loved my time in Hawaii in the past, I still always felt a little out of place. I wasn't completely confident with myself whenever I was there. I met awesome people and made wonderful friends, but I felt too old for the student crowd, and too young for my parents' crowd. I helped with projects, but never felt like I could really invest because I always knew I would have to leave. It wasn't my place.

But this time was different somehow. Something about being just a couple years older made me feel more peace within myself. Honestly, much of that is probably thanks to my experiences in Australia and New Zealand. I had gained so much peace and trust in the path that my Father in Heaven was leading me on, that it gave me the confidence I had lacked before. And I guess it was finally the right timing. I felt like my life experience and age difference divided me just enough from the students to feel more professional. And yet, I still felt youthful, vibrant, and happy - in fact I am often still asked if I am a student here :)

I got involved with projects that seemed truly inspired, connecting with some awesome students. Things that would not only build great future opportunities, but also create bridges between departments on campus to improve the students' experiences. I went back to one of the best singles' wards on the planet, and had several absolutely amazing Sundays filled with inspired words, spiritual strength, and old and new friends. I also tried looking into a few other work opportunities, but each time I did it felt stressful, confusing or awkward. I suppose with everything being lined up so beautifully for me here, I didn't need to look elsewhere. I felt so much love and concern from God. It was so humbling!

With the new year came my offer letter, and just reading it got me excited again. It was starting to feel real! In an attempt to maximize my travel time and budget, and join my sister's vacation time, I set out on a multi-stop trip to visit close friends on my way home to pack and prepare for this new job. I spent a glorious, albeit chilly week playing at Walt Disney World with my fabulous younger sister, and catching up and karaoke-ing with old friends. I visited my dear friend and husband in their new South Florida home and got to attend her baby shower and soak up many hours of conversation and laughter. I then made my way to Utah for a very busy week helping my BFF and her brilliant students with their latest play, while cramming in as many visits as possible with friends there. And I finally made it home to sort through my stored belongings, pack some clothes and belongings for my new adventure, check-in with family, and head out again!

After all these wonderful travels and visits and wonderful times across multiple time zones, I felt so completely humbled and blessed! I had tried my best to just enjoy each day as it came, and not worry about the future 'what ifs' that awaited me. It was amazing!! Seriously, it felt like each day was a total gift, I felt insane amounts of love for each friend who made the time to see me, and I felt so much hope for my future. I knew that no matter how things went, it was the way God had prepared for me - and I was more than willing to let His all-knowing hand take the lead away from my limited view.

I felt good, but extremely nervous regarding the work authorization application and crossing the border. Of course, I have had bad experiences in the past, so that may have been part of it. But I really think I needed to feel that to help me better prepare with all the necessary documentation, and to be ready to respond calmly to whatever circumstances I would face.

My first flight was uneventful, and I knew I had only an hour and a half to go through security and customs, make my application, and catch my connecting flight. There was a bit of a line through security, but it moved okay. The bigger issue was once I reached the waiting room for customs pre-approval. They were making everyone use these automated kiosks to do their declarations, instead of hand-writing it while in line, then handing it directly to the officers, like they used to. Unfortunately, this bit of technology actually slowed things down a lot, and everyone was stressed out about missing their planes. It turned out that I had to do a hand-written form anyway, because of my work authorization... of course ;)

Anyway, after all this I finally got to the most kind, and even flirtatious, border officer I had ever encountered, with about 40 minutes before my flight took off. He led me to a very quiet waiting room for secondary processing, and left me to my thoughts. Everyone waiting in there looked worried. You couldn't use cell phones. I did my best to practice my yoga breathing and stay calm. Freaking out never made anything better, and I just wanted to send positive vibes to the girl processing my application. She called me up at one point for some clarification, then I was sent back to wait. As my flight time grew closer, my silent prayers became "Please let this go through in time for my flight!" But then I realized that it was much more important than it was done properly, so I let go and asked "Please let this process properly so that I can go begin this new life and opportunity in Hawaii. I feel like I can do some good there. If it means I have to miss my flight and get there later, I'll be fine. Please just let this go through as necessary."

A wave of calm came over me, and I completely relaxed. Eventually, about 15 minutes after my flight time, she called me up again, and kindly explained that though my documentation was adequate, my offer letter was missing some details. But instead if simply turning it down, she gave me permission to get on my phone and get what they needed. Within a half hour I had contacted my future employer (who miraculously answered the unfamiliar call), she had sent a new, more detailed letter, I had contacted my family, found a hotel for the night, paid my fee.....and got that beautiful little stamp of approval. I was in!! This new adventure was officially happening!!

The way it all came about, after so much anticipation, was rather humorous, humbling once again, and absolutely happy!! I could hardly believe it!!

The airline kindly re-booked me for the next evening, and I spent a relaxing night and day in the Vancouver suburbs before boarding my actual flight to Honolulu. The next step in my wacky and wonderful life has finally, officially begun!!

So that's the story. I am now in the process of all the fun paperwork, training, and preparation as the newest adjunct faculty member of BYU-Hawaii!! Patience is still a daily test for this little go-getter, but I have lots of practice with enjoying each day - so that's exactly what I'm continuing to do. And let me tell you, each day is filled with blessings! I have a real job, using my degrees, in a beautiful place with all sorts of awesome people to serve and learn from. I am blessed, blessed, blessed!!!!

Getting lost - and what I found along the way.

Six months ago I arrived in Abidjan, Côte-d’Ivoire. Today I find myself in Laie, Hawaii, after months of education, adventure, and growth in France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and New York City.

Say whaaaaaaaaat???

That is about how I feel, so I can only imagine what others must think of my extraordinary life. Allow me to fill you in a little on how I got to this point, and the amazing the series of experiences that have guided my decisions along the way. Even in these short few months and in such simple ways, I can look back and see a very specific purpose for each step along the way. I can never doubt the presence of a higher power guiding my life, because I couldn't have imagined all this myself!

The first half of 2015 was a bit of a roller coaster. I took several leaps of faith and repeatedly fell flat on my face. With my work ending and no future opportunities coming together, I felt pretty lost. In spite of the job rejections and failures, I decided to just keep moving forward as if I did have somewhere to go at the end of June. Around that time I had read a story about a family who lived their life in faith, as if the blessings were coming, and at the right time they did come, and the family was perfectly prepared for them. So instead of leaping again, I decided to simply use my faith to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Africa

That was when the opportunity was presented to go as a translator to the West African country of Ivory Coast with my Dad and a few BYUH students, to work with an NGO there. I knew I was joining the group late - only three 3 weeks before leaving - and it quickly became apparent that things were not very well organized for the trip. As an experienced traveler and almost-obsessive organizer, I wanted to help, but the guy in charge of the NGO - and therefore the whole trip - was adamant to do things himself. Although it was frustrating, I still felt good about going. I thought maybe it could lead to future professional opportunities, while giving my resources to those in need.

I also decided that I would move to Calgary, Alberta upon my return. I liked the city, there were lots of fun people with similar age and religious background to myself, and once I got there I was sure to find work. I also applied for my Alberta teaching certification so that, at the very least, I could substitute teach until I found something more permanent. It seemed like a smart and logical next step for me, and a good location to finally establish myself.

So I packed and prepared for the trip, while also putting things in motion to move to Calgary when I got back. As I prayed about my plans, I felt good and almost excited! It was the first thing to actually work out for me in months!





A canceled flight prolonged our travels, (and also planted a seed in my mind about Montreal) but eventually we made it to Abidjan. Many people have since asked me what I thought of the Ivory Coast (Côte-d’Ivoire). Honestly, the country itself is lovely! The jungles were lush and full of life. The cities busy and fascinating. The people we met were generally kind, respectful, resourceful, and hard-working. In fact, I was so impressed by how respectful and supportive the men were, both to the women in our group, and to their wives and the women in their villages and congregations. This had not been my previous experience with African men I had encountered through rude comments and cat calls in other countries. I cannot tell you how much I noticed and appreciated this difference!

The first couple days were uplifting, exciting and interesting. Unfortunately, it didn't last. There were some good moments, but overall it was a pretty miserable trip. This difficulty had very little to do with the location or the people we were trying to help. The bigger issue was the poor organization and mistreatment from the people in charge of our group.

     

     

I wish we had been able to experience more of the local people and the country itself, instead of being so contained and controlled in our little group. I won't re-hash all the sordid details here (it still gives me major anxiety when I think about it), but we decided to leave on day 10, halfway through the planned trip.

As soon as we decided to leave, both Dad and I felt an amazing wave of peace and joy come over us, and everything fell perfectly into place. We came into contact with so many kind and wonderful people who helped our quick and easy departure. Within a few hours of our decision to leave, we found ourselves on a nearly-empty, amazing flight with Corsair (if you ever get the chance, fly with them!) We kept looking at each other in amazement at how smoothly our departure had gone, and how wonderful it felt to be free of that whole situation!

France



That put us about 10 days ahead of our plan, so we ended up exploring Paris for a week on the way home. This had been my plan all along - though a week later - but Dad was just going to go home. It was so much fun to be able to show Dad around my former stomping grounds! He has never been a huge fan of France, but he genuinely enjoyed this trip, which was particularly satisfying :)


     

We rented a car, checked out the LDS temple construction site in Versailles, spent a day at Disneyland Paris, got to see so many of my beloved friends from both my work at Disney and my mission years, and just enjoyed being free to go and do and eat wherever and whatever we wanted!

     

We were able to connect with local people and enjoy the local experience in a whole new way. We also managed to get our return flights sorted out, with reliable internet and a phone. Yay!

Most importantly, we drove up to Vimy Ridge to see the Canadian First World War memorial, and tour the area where Dad's grandfather fought and survived. That experience is a part of our family legacy and who we are. Visiting that sacred ground with my dad was both humbling and inspiring! All of our time in France was simply lovely :)



But here's the best part!

Although it was frustrating and confusing, somehow that whole experience taught me exactly what I needed to kick-start the change I needed in my life, and help me make some decisions about what I really want and need for my future.

1. I need to teach. Translating and teaching French to the BYUH students were among the best experiences I had in Africa. I loved finding ways to help them understand the new language and information. I loved the challenge of translating instructions for my dad to the local people. It was amazing to see their eyes light up with understanding.

2. On that note, I want to use my language skills. I love connecting with people in their own language. Even a limited understanding of foreign language can tear down barriers and divisions to enlarge understanding and build bonds. I have spent a lot of time learning and developing language skills in French and Spanish and I need to make more effort to keep and improve those skills.

3. I don't ever want to work for a controlling, demeaning dictator of a boss, or put up with anyone who punishes me for trying to be my best. So I want to find something fulfilling that I can do for work while maintaining my freedom and independence.

4. I can do good wherever I am. I don't have to fly across the world or put up with mistreatment while fixing problems in Africa to prove I have good to offer the world. I can add to goodness to any place that I live! And I will! I will continually strive to improve myself so that I can serve and be of greater use wherever I happen to be.

In addition to these lessons and the amazing clarity I gained through the challenges of Africa, my confidence was boosted and rebuilt through the joys of France on the way home. So many of these wonderful people that I hadn't seen in years had such kind and complimentary things to say about me when meeting my dad, and I feel so humbled to have left such an impact on the very people who had taught me so much. Such an amazing blessing!!















The clarity and confidence were just the combination I needed to start making some different decisions for my life. I don't know that I had to trek across the world to figure this out, but I am so very grateful for the little bits of inspiration that showed up to me along the way of this grand adventure!

Canada

Upon my return, things started rolling quickly - in a whole new direction. Moving to Calgary no longer felt right at all. I began to recognize that, in a way, that plan was like giving up on the real me and what fulfills and impassions me, to do what is expected or what I "should" do at this point in my life - settle into a stable job and life and hope to find a husband.

Ugh.

Of course there was no one specific telling me this, but it somehow I had felt that pressure. And I know there is nothing at all wrong with that path; it is okay and even ideal for a lot of great people. However, I realized that I would not last long in that situation. I would be fine of course. I would survive, but maybe not thrive... And as long as it is just me in this awesome life, I want to thrive! And when I am thriving and happy, I can give and serve so much more!

So, after our extended layover in Montreal I determined to try moving out there. I could use my French daily and maybe get back into teaching. I had been waiting on my Alberta teaching certification, and realized that although I had enough French credits to teach high school in Canada, my master’s program didn't give me ESL teaching credentials outside of Utah. And wasn't likely to find work teaching French in a city full of native speakers. So I determined to find the most internationally-recognized English teaching certification.

Before long I found the CELTA course through Cambridge English. As an international program, it is offered by institutions around the world, so I could have taken it just about anywhere. Then my ultra-pragmatic dad suggested, “If you can go anywhere, why not go somewhere fun?"

Yeah why not?!

Thus the scheming began! I looked into places I love that I would want to spend more time, like New York or Florida. I considered moving early to Montreal and taking it there. Then I started thinking about the places I hadn't been...

I then spent the next month or so working on renovation projects to top up my savings to pay for the course and ensuing adventures, all the while saying my goodbyes and packing up my life. I also finally received reimbursement for treatments from a car accident last year, so that definitely helped with the upcoming expenses! I was busy, but so productive and happy - it was awesome! I had found purpose again! Although physically exhausting, it was probably one of the happiest times I have spent in my home town. The pieces all started coming together!

Australia

I have always wanted to go to Australia - like for as long as I can remember. And I didn't want it to be just a vacation, because it is so expensive and intense just to get over there. It also happened that have a dear friend and former mission companion living with her husband and kids in the state of Victoria, and I had wanted to visit sometime before they came back to the US. With that in mind, and inspired by my dad, I searched for CELTA courses in Victoria. I found an intensive one-month course in Melbourne - the nearest major city - and the course became my excuse to go live my Australian dream!

Once I made the decision to go, I prayed so hard to find a good place to live where I could feel comfortable and have what I needed, without having to spend a ton on rent. Miraculously, I found this amazing place on Airbnb, below my budget and in an awesome neighbourhood close to everything I needed. Everything fell beautifully into place, and in mid-September, a few days before my course began, I took the massive flight to the southern hemisphere.

My friend Jill had helped me prepare for the trip and was my first contact once I arrived. After a few days of settling into my new home and working through the jet lag, we spent a lovely girls' weekend meeting the local critters on Phillip Island. Penguins! In real life!!





Sunday I attended church in one of the friendliest wards ever, and Monday I ventured out to my first day of class.

My classmates were fascinating, and I found instant friends that I would have never predicted. Through our lessons and discussions, I felt over and over how much I was in the right place at the right moment. Especially when facilitating a class! I felt so at home with those students from everywhere, with their at-once heartbreaking and inspiring stories.





Everything came together perfectly during my stay, from the course to my hilarious and interesting classmates to warm church experiences to the perfect housing situation. Not to mention that my housemate for the month was among the kindest people I have ever known, and is now a dear friend. It was like I had been perfectly guided to Melbourne. I loved it all! There is so much history and culture, with great food and lots to see and do. It felt very European but with all the right North American twists to make me feel right at home.



After so much fell apart over the previous months, I cannot tell you how humble and grateful I felt for every day in that place!! I found so much peace and felt so many simple joys flooding back into my life as I met fascinating new people and wandered the streets of that city. It felt like getting to know myself again - and yet I also became more confident than I had ever been - in a calm, content way. I found myself walking home at night with a huge smile on my face over the smallest things! I would sit in church reflecting on all the amazing goodness in my life and feel this beautiful sense of peace and joy fill my heart. I felt like I was finding my soul again and it was being filled to the brim with blessings!! And it still blows my mind that the entire thing from first idea to stepping on the plane happened in just 6 weeks. A-MAZ-ING.

The ensuing travels and adventures only added to the wonderful things I am still learning about myself, and I'll tell more about that another day. The personal journey I took over theses precious, amazing, unexpected months was more than I could have hoped for and exactly what I needed. Who knew that it would take so many failed attempts to stop fighting for my logical plan, and give in and let God lead me?

So that's the story! Nothing at all like what I was planning for my life! Clearly, the Lord has other plans for me... And I am certainly not complaining :)

There are more awesome things in the works, but all that will come in good time. I certainly have learned a lot about patience this year! And I am so grateful for it! I have learned to just step back, enjoy and make the most of the moments and places I am in. And I have gained a whole new appreciation for the carefully crafted plan my Father in Heaven has for me. It was not always be easy, but life in His hands is filled with love, light, joy and adventure. We just have to trust His guidance through the winding roads and storms along the way ;)