Going Forward/Next Steps

Ultimately the trip was a success. I saw exactly what I needed to see and can now make an informed decision about my future. The trip was by no means completely enjoyable. I was able to see what life would be like and some of the major difficulties that I would face if I end up going to Ukraine.

At this point, whether God makes it clear that I need to go to Ukraine or somewhere else it will take time. Part of going to Ukraine would raising support to go with SEND to the field. This is a process that takes time. Also, SEND demands that missionaries are debt free before going overseas. I have debt from seminary that I will need to pay off before anything happens. this process will more than likely take a year or two.

So given that and some of the red flags that came up my focus is not on Ukraine at the present moment. My focus is on getting a job to make some money to get out of debt. And although there was some haziness as to whether I should end up in Ukraine I came back with clarity in another area. Being away really made clear that I like my girlfriend Amy a lot and that she is really a special woman. We have dated for almost six months and we are taking a trip to meet her family this week and at New Years taking one to meet my family. We are moving towards marriage and so this is where my focus will be for the time being. If we work out and the Lord blesses us with a marriage then the decision on Ukraine becomes a joint venture. Amy is very open to the idea of possibly living in Ukraine. In the meantime we are dealing with first things first.

So as of right now that means that my next steps will be to finish my last one week class, get a job, focus on my relationship with Amy, and work towards paying off my debt. Amy will finish with school in a year and a half, which is roughly when I will have my debt paid off. So, until then I will focus on the here and now and put the future on hold, although Ukraine appears to be a very real possibility.

Thank you for playing a part in this process with me. It is far from over but it has hit a time where it will not be at the forefront of my energy for a period unless God says otherwise. Right now He is calling me to focus on finances and my girl. He is good and will lead where He will. I'm enjoying the ride.