I’m a
chemical engineer, and I love my job. So, when the morning of Friday, May 18th,
came around, I was nervous. This was the day I put in my 2 week notice of my
resignation at my job. Ascend was my first chemical engineering job out of
college. A job that was full of people I respect, care for, and had learned
from over the past 4 years. They have been extremely supportive in helping me
to expand my knowledge, learn new skills, and positively influence others in
the company. And when hardships struck outside of work, whether it be the death
of my father or my esophageal surgery, they were
always understanding and supportive. But this was different, because now I was
leaving the company. I was so nervous that my colleagues wouldn’t be as
supportive this time when work wasn’t my top priority, or they just wouldn’t
understand why this work in Thailand means so much to me. I will always
remember the shocked look on my boss’ face when I handed him my notice that
morning.
Over those
last 2 weeks at Ascend, the word spread, and it wasn’t long until the whole
plant knew. At first, people were just surprised that I was leaving Ascend, but
then they were even more surprised to learn I was leaving Chemical Engineering
altogether and that we’d be moving to Thailand to work with Blessing Home. People
from all over the plant reached out to me and I was able to share with them
about the ministry. People even took cards and signed up for the blog! The
amount of support and interest was overwhelming!
On my last
day, they had a big lunch for me and I was able to share for a few minutes
about peace and freedom Jesus brings the Thai people and why Allie and I are leaving
everything to be a part of it. They also presented me with a framed picture of
the plant signed by everyone I worked with, and everyone pitched in donations
for the ministry. You see, one of our most immediate needs was to get 2 one-way
plane tickets to Thailand, and they don’t come cheap! Well, they were able to
raise enough support to cover both plane tickets, and more!
I proudly
and excitedly want to share with you all that we will officially be leaving for
Thailand, just 2 suit cases each, on August 21, 2018! Praise the Lord!
So now, when
people ask me what I do, I no longer say chemical engineer, I can now say, “I’m
a full time missionary!”
