Right (But Not Always Easy)

Some of you may recall reading that I live in Cambodia with my family. We have been here for nearly 3 years now and have had the most amazing adventure. We have been able to be God's hands and feet and share His unending love with many girls and young women who didn't know Him and the comfort of His love. About three months ago I made the decision to move back to where I was born and raised - Queensland, Australia.

I've been longing to move out of home for a while now and find my independence. Yes, yes, I'm only 17 years old (soon to be eighteen), but when your family members are the only people you really communicate with, a life outside of it seems very appealing. Don't get me wrong, I love my family to bits. They're the people I know will always be there for me. And though I am young, I was still faced with a pretty huge decision (one that would require moving countries!). I graduated from Year 12 last year and needed to really think about what 2014 was going to bring. Was I going to stay in Cambodia and continue to live off others generosity? Or was I going to go back to Australia, finish studying or study further, get a job and discover who Taleisha really is? This was no easy choice. If I stayed in Cambodia I would continue to live a life without my friends near me, and if I moved and got a job, it would mean leaving my wonderful family. Still, I knew in my heart that my season of service in Cambodia was going to end someday, and that God didn't plan on me being here much longer.

Although this decision comes with many new and exciting things, it also leaves behind the life that has become normal. I leave in 18 days and despite all the things I will miss, I know God has a bigger plan for me. Plans to prosper me and bring me a hope and future. (Jeremiah 29:11) I will never forget my time in Cambodia, nor my loved ones that will stay here. God has told me what to do. He didn't promise it would be easy, but He has promised to walk the journey with me. I can walk this path confidently knowing that whatever obstacles I may face, God is holding my hand and leading me to where He needs me.

So on a final note, I want to encourage you all, when you face your big decisions in life (and even your small ones), hold tight to God and the knowledge that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Continue to seek Him in the midst of all your problems and follow His light.

"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are My ways your ways', says the LORD. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.'" - Isaiah 55:8-9 

May I ask you all to pray for me as the final preparations are happening, ready for me to start my next adventure in Australia.

May God bless you all!

~ Taleisha