C'est La Vie

[bravesaintash]

Ash Wednesday was a particularly mournful one for me. In addition to meditating on the ashes-to-ashes bit, there was also the extremely uncomfortable realization that, for the most part, my highest dreams in life were shifting swiftly into the "unlikely to ever happen" category

Comments

[bravesaintash]

I looked into it but decided not to because:

1. Neither of us has a degree in Japanese studies/Asian studies plus
2. it's an extremely popular program with LOTS of applicants and
3. the fact that we're married

All of that put together means that we're much less likely to get in; in fact, I'd say we're at a pretty significant disadvantage compared to a lot of the younger, single, Asian/Linguistics/Education majors out there who would be cheaper to bring over/pay/sustain.

But if we look at similar companies (like the one we're thinking of) that act more like middle-men to schools in China, Korea, and Japan, then we are much more likely to get in. These programs don't offer you the same kind of benefits that JET does and there will probably be fewer applicants, thus, a smaller pool to compete with.

[bigsleepj]

What if this doesn't work out either? What if it will simply NEVER work out for us? What if by some cruel turn of fate or destiny or, if you rather, predestination we are meant to be one of those suffering servant types who never achieves their goal? What if our ultimate purpose is to be a moral to our kids ("don't let this happen to you")?

Then it wont work out. It is far better to try and reach your goals and failing than fearing failure and never try them. The uncertainty of "what could" and "I could have done that if I tried" will eat you alive unless you rule it out. And try to go for it. You may be surprised by the results.

[kimchi_pancakes]

I agree. Those "what ifs" can certainly suck the life out of everything. Just do what God is leading you to do and He will take care of the details (funding, employment, ministry opportunities).

[bravesaintash]

You know, I don't mean to be snarky or rude, but "following God's lead" hasn't exactly worked out so well for me or my family. Let's review, shall we

[kimchi_pancakes]

I think you misunderstood my intentions possibly. I didn't mean to imply that everything would work out as planned or in the way that you would want. Or that you should just sit back and wait and not do anything proactive

[sailorrepublica]

Did I just see something about Portland? Is that Portland, Oregon that you're thinking about