Next Step

Notes have been lacking throughout the month of August due to being in San Antonio for three weeks, and then Colorado for a week for Pais Training. It's a hard life, really it is. 

My last note, Ahead, spoke of my conversation with Father God to step back from planning for our future in England (housing, jobs, courses, finances) and concentrate on pouring into the apprentices and leaders on Pais. 

Ten days ago, I received an email from my mother who somehow had found online an opportunity to get paid to do a masters in social work (the qualification I have been seeking to get) in 18 months (rather than 24 months) and start in February (rather than September next year).

A chance had fallen into my lap without me even trying and Father God once again confirmed that He sees everything and is ordering everything.

And He does a better job than I do.

Somehow, amongst all the craziness, training and flights, I managed to complete the application and today sent it off!!

Thanks to you for all your words of encouragement!!

Thanks to professional advice from many but especially Anna, Dave, Luke, Nikki and Debs!!

I am excited to see how this all works out. In September they contact all the people who haven't made it through to the Assessment Centre/Interview stage. So I am hoping to hear from someone in October to say I have made it through!! 

I will still be applying for the traditional masters course next month, but I am hopeful that this is a door that Father God has opened for me to step through. If not, all it has done is increased by drive and passion for social work and making an impact on the community. 

For now, I will leave you with my personal statement from my application. 

There may be grammtical errors, things you would change or things you don't like about it. 

My mother always said, if you haven't got anything good to say, don't say anything at all. 

And as she told me on the phone today as I told her I had submitted it, "All we can do is pray. What is done, is done. It cannot be undone."

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A love for books and a passion for people led me to study English Literature and Sociology.

I am fascinated by the why’s of social interaction.

I have learnt that the issue is not the issue; what appears to be the reason behind an action, even if verbalised, is often shadowing something deeper within.

My dissertation on Black British culture analysed some of the continued inequalities and struggles faced within our society.

I have used my blog as a medium to inform and inspire on issues such as race, adoption, and relationships.

The last five years spent 5000 miles from family and friends produced resilience and strength to endure in difficult circumstances.

Marriage at just 23 has taught me the value of family and unity, as well as developed maturity that I do not believe I would possess otherwise.

Ten years of involvement in youth and children’s work has cultivated strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

I love speaking to groups of people, particularly females.

My heart breaks over the increased sexualisation of young girls, the rise of teenage pregnancy and body dysmorphia.

Through mentoring of both individuals and groups of girls (some for 3-4years), I have sought to intervene into these unfortunate social trends.

Through The Pais Project, I have learnt to work as a team player in partnership with colleagues, church leaders, and school staff to facilitate lasting change in young peoples lives.

Naturally a speaker, I have slowly learned to listen more and better help those around me.

Friends employed as social workers are all unanimous in communicating the demanding and often exhausting nature of their profession.

Testimonies from the current Step Up cohort are clear in describing isolation and course intensity.

I go into this venture sure of its difficulty, but excited by its potential.

I believe there is always hope…an opportunity for more than we are all living for, and more than we are experiencing right now.