God's Brave Women - Jennifer's Story

When my youngest daughter was five, she went through a phase where she would regularly ask, “Momma, what do you want to be when you grow up?”

The question always cut deeply. I was in a season of transition, not knowing what would follow after a season of being out of the workforce, and needing to re-enter. This initial feeling would always be followed by my own questions: How do I explain to her the twists and turns that life can take—that for some, career paths are not always clear or direct? How can I convey the importance of the journey in teaching us to trust the Lord, and how each detour can grow us and prepare us for something later?

"How can I convey the importance of the journey in teaching us to trust the Lord, and how each detour can grow us and prepare us for something later?"

This life is not what I expected.

I had thought life would unfold in a linear direction, and that comfort and security were ultimate goals. Instead, I found myself post-university building relationships with people in Indonesia while living on a shoestring budget. Interacting with people in such different socioeconomic and cultural situations grew my communication skills, my worldview, and fostered a value in me of global citizenship.

Thinking I would then permanently embrace the world of non-profit, surprisingly, I found myself teaming with bright, ambitious, collaborative people at a global energy giant. For four years I grew in leadership, professionalism, and project management skills. I experienced the joy of accomplishing great things with others. I flourished in the environment of excellence that brought out the best of each individual on the team.

As a self-professed city girl living the corporate life, how could I have then anticipated becoming an educator in rural Texas? Thankfully, I was exposed to the importance of cultivating a growth mindset in myself and others. Valuing people and their stories drove my passion and success as an educator.

Trading the pursuit of a master’s degree for the title of “Trailing Spouse” in Japan gave me ongoing opportunities to practice patience and humility; but it was also a welcome treat for this travel-loving explorer! The expat assignment my husband accepted afforded me the chance to focus on family, discover Kyoto’s charms, as well as volunteer at my girls’ school, at church, and as an English tutor for new friends from around the globe.

Leaving Kyoto was o