Leaving Safe, Going to China

Over the past three years, I’ve been asked about my post-college plans 257,398 times (give or take). For the most part, my answer’s been simple and elusive: “I’m open to the adventure of whatever comes my way.” Loosely translated: I have absolutely no idea what I’m going to do, but I’ll take whatever entry-level job I need to get started and work it with a positive attitude.

This was my answer even up to graduation.

Never did I imagine that my “adventure” might be quite so literal.

After a great deal of encouragement from profs, I tossed in a last-minute application as an alternate in a teach-abroad program, thinking, “It’s a nice thought, but there’s no way it could work out.” But they accepted me. And not as an alternate but as a teacher. In China. For a year. Paid.

Adventure much?

China was never on my radar. Grad school in the UK? Yes. Live with a host in France? Why not! ‘Splore Guatemala? Natalia, here I come! Visit my Norwegian homeland? Please! Putter about Germany and Austria? Still hoping for 2017. Teach high schoolers English China? What?

But here it is, and the decision was difficult. I’ve never been big on opportunity cost. Risk is risky. Fear’s my friend. Going to China necessitates leaving home. Leaving my language. Leaving my familiar, comfortable medical care system. Leaving Western culture. Leaving my sense of safe. But if not now, then when? I can’t live life in safety; there’s no life there. Lewis tried to teach me that a long time ago—Aslan’s not tame, he’s not safe—but I didn’t want to listen. 

As I was applying, I pleaded with God to make his will clear. Absolutely and irrevocably clear. After all, he’d never mentioned China before, so how was I supposed to respond? Then my late, scrambled, not-quite-finished application was accepted. I was given the go-ahead immediately after the interview. The job is paid, allowing me to pay back loans.  Travel costs there and back will be covered. Not a single roadblock appeared. Suddenly it was uncomfortably clear. For a few moments, I was angry that it was so clear, because it meant the uncomfortable and the unfamiliar loom ahead.

But for once in my life, I’m going to take the risk. It’s terrifying. It’ll be hard. Tears will happen, but memories will happen too. Life-changing ones. I’ll gain experience I can’t get anywhere else. I’ll teach—trial by fire, but I’ll teach. I’ll adapt to a wondrous and ancient culture. I’ll be challenged, and I’ll learn, and I’ll grow.

In a very real sense, “I shall go on and take the adventure that shall fall to me.”

Obedience

by George MacDonald

…

I said: “I shall miss the light,

And friends will miss me, they say.”

He answered: “Choose tonight

If I am to miss you or they.”

I pleaded for time to be given.

He said: “Is it hard to decide?

It will not seem so hard in heaven

To have followed the steps of your Guide.”

I cast one look at the fields,

Then set my face to the town;

He said, “My child, do you yield?

Will you leave the flowers for the crown?”

Then into His hand went mine;

And into my heart came He;

And I walk in a light divine,
The path I had feared to see.


Trip Details
Where: the city of Changle in the Shandong province.
When: August 2014 - June/July 2015.
Alone? Nope. With several other teachers selected by Northwest University.
Contact info: I'll let you know when I get it sorted.
Job description: teaching an elective English speech/writing course to high school students.
Living arrangements: on-campus apartment.