Changes in Plans

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."  Proverbs 19:21

Have you ever experienced a change in plans that had you shaking your head and shrugging your shoulders, but taking steps forward because you just knew that it was right?

The past few weeks have felt a little like that.

Back in April, I shared my plans with you - plans to move to Maryland, take on a new role with TeachBeyond as Mobilization Coach, and begin my master's program.

Some of those plans aren't changing.  I began my new role with TeachBeyond this week and am already enjoying communicating with potential TeachBeyond members and mapping out my recruiting trips for the fall.  I am also enrolled in grad classes beginning soon.  I'm grateful for these next steps that bring purpose and structure to these sometimes chaotic days of transition.

However, the Lord made it clear to me about a month ago that Maryland was not where I was supposed to be in this next season.  I was surprised and confused by this redirection, as I had been planning this move to D.C. since the spring and was excited to live with a college friend.  I believe that I listened to His leading in making that decision months ago, so why the change?  I'm not sure if/when I'll ever know why, but the Spirit clearly directed me to take a step back and listen again.

Since then, I have pursued housing opportunities in western PA, a more accessible location for my primary recruiting campuses.  God provided a roommate who is also transitioning back to the States from an overseas experience and will begin law school this fall.  She and I signed a lease on a duplex in Pittsburgh two weeks ago, which will be a great "home base" at this time.

Thank you for your prayers in these months of transition!  And thanks be to God for His peace, which passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).