- Tell us a bit about yourself, how and where you grew up, and where you went to school.
- As a native Texan, most of my life was spent in Houston. After moving North, I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado. A short time later while in my mid-twenties, I came to faith in Christ after someone shared the gospel with me.
- How did you first hear about opportunities at NICS?
- I sensed a call to the mission field shortly after trusting Christ. Decades later as a middle-aged widow with two grown children, the timing seemed right to explore opportunities for serving as a missionary teacher. A friend mentioned the website for acsi.org, where I found a link for overseas opportunities. As I scrolled down the alphabetical listing of countries, I prayed for guidance, asking, “How does a missionary know to which country they are called?” At that point, I reached the “J” listings, and there was JAPAN! I had been corresponding with a Japanese penpal since I was in middle school, and this teaching position was located very close to my penpal family’s hometown. I knew with certainty that this was the answer to my prayer.
- Did you speak any languages beyond English?
- No. Although I continue to glean bits and pieces of the Japanese language, I have discovered that some adults in the Japanese community are eager to practice their English with a native English speaker.
- What did your family say when you told them you were teaching in another country?
- Most family members, as unbelievers, did not understand why I would leave family, job, and my house to move overseas to be a missionary teacher. I was encouraged by the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:29, “…everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.”
- What was the biggest barrier keeping you from signing on as a NICS Teacher?
- There were no barriers to signing on, as I was convinced that it was God’s direction for my life.
- Did your family encourage you to go? If so what was the most encouraging thing they did?
- My church family encouraged me through their prayers and support.
- What was your favorite experience living in a new country?
- Upon my arrival, my penpal family took me on many outings and introduced me to the culture and unique etiquette of Japan.
- Tell us your favorite story from teaching at your NICS school.
- In my 17 years of teaching at ICAN, my greatest blessing is when a young student approaches me with a desire to trust in Jesus. There is no greater joy!
- What makes teaching at NICS so special?
- Through NICS, God has provided me with the privilege of sharing the gospel in a country in which many have not yet heard of Jesus.
- What do you wish you knew before you signed up?
- Actually, I’m thankful that I did not know anything that might have discouraged me from going. I was so convinced of the Lord’s will in this, that I wasn’t concerned about too many of the details.
- What would you tell someone considering becoming a NICS teacher?
- Check your motives: Are you simply looking for the adventure of an overseas teaching job, or are you a mission-minded teacher seeking to be a part of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)?
- What is the one thing a new teacher should pack for their trip?
- It will vary depending on your destination, so be sure to check with your teammates. But you should probably pack a lot less than you think you will need!
- What is your best advice for getting used to a new culture/climate?
- Although it may differ in many ways from what you’re accustomed to, it’s important to show proper respect for the differences in culture.
- What final words of encouragement do you have for someone considering a job with NICS?
- As you consider a teaching position with NICS, I pray that you will find joy in knowing that… we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us…” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
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