My first opportunity working abroad was in the year 2014 when my cousin asked me if I was interested to work in Thailand posting as a teacher. When I arrived in the said country, I was employed through an agency. I didn’t like my employer because he’s all for the business, all for the money. Many of his hired teachers had their share of complaints against him. I was in an unfortunate disposition. If not because of God, my family, friends and some colleagues, I wouldn’t be able to get by.
There came my first semestral break. I was at my cousin’s place spending my short vacation when I got a call from Jay (my friend and former colleague in Accenture) enticing me to go visit Chiang Mai and apply to their school, Montfort College as they needed a teacher for Social Studies. Travel and adventures are the things that I am fond of. But this time, the chance to cut off my ties with my employer attracted me more. However, my concern was my mother. She would be vexed over the fact that I would travel alone to a far and unfamiliar place. I wanted to give it a try but I was worried if my mom knew. I was confused on what to do. My emotions were mixed—fear, anxiety, excitement and hope. I confided to my cousin, Ate Che about the situation and she told me to give it a shot but was also concerned about my mom. She said that it would be my call.
I prayed and asked for God’s will. It was urgent. Out of the blue, I remembered our Pastor in Sakeo, Pastor Thana. One time, he was telling a testimony about some people who tossed coin to know God’s answer. And so, I did the same thing. If heads, I would go to Chiang Mai, have a tour and apply to their school; if tails, then I wouldn’t go.
I packed my bag and headed to Chiang Mai. I was excited and scared at the same time, it was my first time to travel a long-distance trip and commute by myself in Thailand. I didn’t know Thai words at that period. Communication is really challenging in Thailand because many people know only “little English” (as they would say). I gathered my courage. I didn’t tell my mom how far my journey was. I only told her when I reached my destination.
I toured around Chiang Mai. On my last day of the “trip” was my panel interview and teaching demo. I was really nervous because it was my first time to do a teaching demo. I am not really a teacher by training but I can teach (maybe?!). As soon as I finished, they asked me if I have a question. I told them, “I don’t mean to rush you but please, I wish if you could give me your decision now so that I can go back to Sakeo, take my belongings and come back as soon as possible.” I was so thick-faced when I gave them an impression as if I was hired.
Well, I spent almost two years in Montfort College. Remember my former employer? He threatened me when I left from his agency. He tried to menace me by reporting me to the Immigration, Labor, etc. But God assured me not to fear anyone. God delivered me from my “enemy”. There are many verses in the Bible about God telling us not to fear. My favorite is found in Psalm 23:1-6.
My journey was full of challenges yet were indeed precious and memorable. When I tossed the coin, I took it as God’s will for me. I entrusted God everything. He guided me every step of the way. He made me feel safe when I was scared. I didn’t regret casting the lot. It wasn’t bad after all. In Proverbs 16:33 it says, “the lot is cast into the lap but its every decision is from the Lord.”
I AM WITH YOU 