It's about that time again!

May 8, 2010 I graduated from MTSU with my

bachelors in social work. On May 21, I will be graduating

with my masters in social work.

 Nine months ago I packed up my things and I moved to Jackson, Tennessee. While it is only two hours away from good ole' La Vergne it was quite the adjustment. I had moved to Jackson to attend Union University to get my masters degree in social work. I was so excited to come because I was going to get the opportunity to see social work from a Christian perspective. However, I was nervous about coming because I was leaving my family, boyfriend, and friends to come to a place where I really knew no one. I knew this was where God wanted me and I was willing to follow where He was leading, and to continue on the journey that He had laid out for me.

If you know anything about me, then the fact that I am in graduate school probably comes as quite the shock. I am not a person who is in love with school. In fact, if you had talked to me during the summer of 2006 I was convinced that I was never going to go to school again, and that I was going to become a missionary. However, during my time in YWAM God spoke to me and made it very clear that while I was to serve Him I would be more prepared to serve Him if I had an education. And so my journey back to school began. I settled on social work as a major and I couldn't be more excited about that decision.

I have been able to see how God can use social work in so many ways. In fact, social work was founded on Christian values. I think that many aren't aware of that at this point, all people think we do is take their children away or work at the welfare office. However, we do so much more. We fight for the rights of God's people, we work with "the least of these" and we offer hope to those who might have lost it.

As I am nearing the end of my formal education I am seeking out exactly what it is that God would have me to do in the field of social work. Does he want me to work with individual and families, fight for the rights or entire people groups, or work on policy (I have to say that is my least favorite)? Where ever it is that He leads me I am ready to go, and my life verse has become Micah 6:8. "And what does the Lord require of you. But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with you God?" I believe that as long as I am living by that verse and following after Christ that He will be pleased with my work.

I know that my journey is just beginning, but I am so ready to see where God will guide me this time. I have never regretted following after God. I might have been resistant to begin with, but I am always thankful that I was obedient. And I am thankful that God has placed so many people in my life, throughout my life, to guide me.