It's Ottawa Official

"Thus, my adventures are not ending - I don't think they ever will - especially when you're living with God.
Things are just changing location."

Besides that, I knew that when I got back to Canada two things would happen very quickly:
Time would fill up
and
God would give me something to do.

And here I am, a mere 12 days after leaving Germany with the next steps planned.
Well, God planned them for me.
Jesus took the wheel, someone better let Carrie Underwood know...

As soon as my family found out I was coming back they did a little bit of research for me. Seeing as I had applied to schools in Ottawa and Toronto, my parents looked to see if there were any Christian organizations I could volunteer with for a month before I was to start working. Just so that I could have one more experience before getting jobs to pay for university.

Got back to Canada on the 13th. Got to Emo on the 16th. Relaxed, slept and played games on the weekend.
January 19th. I had an hour long meeting with my parents to plan the next few weeks and months ahead, just looking at options and thinking out loud. It was a little overwhelming to say the least. We found out the Toronto option was not really an option, so on to our lead in Ottawa.

Here it is:
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada is situated in Canada's capital. They are a large organization that takes part in Canadian politics, church life, and research among other things.
And I will be volunteering with them for the month of February.

It all happened SO fast.
The idea came on the 19th. A phone interview was held on the 24th.
They said they would love to have me, I would be an assistant researcher and a help in the office, able to sit in on meetings and just see what life is like at to serve in a large Christian organization. but that we couldn't really finalize anything until I had lodging.
That weekend emails flew around and leads came in and connections were used and the search for lodging was on. On the 26th I had around 5 homes to choose from.

Well that escalated quickly.

And today the final decision was made. Its a home with two young children, a piano, that's within a 25 minute walking distance from the EFC and Carleton, the university I will be attending in the fall.

Seriously. This is perfect.

Here's why:

• Another different experience before six months of solid work
• Get to see how a large Christian organization works
• Will be able to see how Canada operates, politically and spiritually. 
• Able to explore the city I'll be living in for the next four years!
• Old historical buildings, a little bit of an easier transition from Europe
• Transition from Bible School to University, a little bit of business preparation...
• Put all the stuff I learned (Jesus, practical, personal) in Europe into practice
• Able to find a church
• Get to use my French - hopefully!
• Skating on the canals.... 
• Tourist options

So there's a lot of glorious opportunities in Ottawa. 

I am thrilled to see what God is going to do and teach me there, it is going to be such an amazing and education experience. Even though it's not a Bible School in Germany. 

And I'm totally content with that. 

Because who would have thought that Canada could be this exciting? 

Canada Bound

Well it's been an adventure here. 
I've been in four countries, spoken three languages, visited two Bible schools and have had one crazy time. 
It's been awesome. 

However God is now really taking this adventure into His own hands.
I am going back to Canada.
Yep, that's right.
I wouldn't have chosen it, still not sure what I think about it, but it's the truth.
And I'm okay with it.

So here's the story.
I was planning on getting a Travel Visa in Germany. This is totally legitimate and possible according to numerous government sources and experienced people. Thus I confidently went forward in my travel and Bibleschool plans, looking forward to getting this paper once I was in Germany at Klostermuehle.

I am now at Klostermuehle, in Germany, and needing the Visa. All according to the plan.

Yesterday I went to the office to apply for a Visa only to have them tell me that I had already been in Europe too long and was thus unable to receive one. I should have applied for my German visa while still in my 90 visitor days - in November, during the time I was in France.

No.

This was all news to me, I had relied on the fact that I could get a Visa in Germany, which is true, however I should have done it earlier. And so the hidden truth that had been following me around was revealed.

Misunderstood information + Not knowing + Travel laws = You have to go home...

That was quite the shock even though I knew it was a possible outcome. For me the options had been clear:
Either I would get grace and a Visa and stay, or fall under the law and go.
And I had to go.

A few tears were shed, but then it was over... I was at peace. Crazy hey?
Obviously a God thing.

I knew that He was really the one in charge of the verdict because there was nothing I could do to influence it. Just wait and hope and trust, He would do what was right. God's plan would be accomplished, that was clear, however, this plan was just a bit of a surprise...

 But I needed to be okay with it.
And so I am.

Why shouldn't I be?

I mean, I've had the time of my life.
Literally.
Things could not have gone ANY better during these 4 months.

I am sooooooooo thankful for God's grace over my time here, and the fact that He allowed me here longer than my 90 days, because theoretically I should have been out of here in November. But I got to stay and finish the semester, have the most unforgettable Christmas holidays, and even be at the German school for a week. The people here are great and I've already been so blessed, I'm only saddened that I don't get to hang out with them for any longer....

I cannot complain AT ALL, its been perfect here. Okay, not perfect, but basically.

And really, in a weird way, I am super excited about this.
Because I had everything organized and planned out how I thought it was supposed to be and now God is saying no. Which means there is something better or more important in store, and I am very very curious to see what this is. Even if its not in Europe anymore....
Sigh.

God is really taking this adventure over, and I am looking forward to seeing what will become of it.
I've now got a semester of free time to fill, it's been cleared out for something else. Prayer for that something would be appreciated, because it still needs to be found.

Yes. Canada. I'm coming back.
Unfortunately right in the middle of the bitter winter (that I was hoping to miss), but family, friends, and a warm fire place are awaiting me along with pancakes, bacon and all the good Canadian things I've been missing. Its going to be a culture shock, but hey, I'm going back home!

I almost feel like this is another sort of beginning...
This change is sudden, abrupt and completely out of my control.
Which means God gets more trust, control, and glory for in happens next.
Because I have NO idea what it is, but He does and He is going to lead me.
Here we gooooooooo!

Besides, I've heard spontaneous trips are more interesting.

Thus, my adventures are not ending - I don't think they ever will - especially when you're living with God.
Things are just changing location.

See you all soon!