What's next?

I'm heading up to New York soon for my sister's graduation from college. This is the same school I went to and it makes me think back on the anxiety of "finally being done." After 13 years of grade school, 2 years of pre-school, and then 4 years of university, you have to wonder what to do next.

I had spent most of my life being a student, and now I was out on my own. Honestly, I felt like I just wasn't ready for that jump into real life. I was considering going to seminary or grad school, but I felt like that would be too much.

I finally decided to go to the UK for a year. There was this bible school I always heard about from my aunts and uncles who went called Torchbearers. They have schools all over the continent, but I went to Capernwray, which is their main school set in the English countryside and your home is a castle. I know, suffering for Jesus.

Capernwray was a lot like DTS but a lot more study focused. We had 6 hour classes every day from all these incredible European theologians. Along with all that, we had ministry and outreach opportunities.

I went right after I finished college, because I kept thinking when will I ever be able to do something like this again? So much people make that jump right from graduation to their career or marriage, but I took a different route. I wanted a year entirely focused on God. I wanted the opportunity to travel and to see the world. I wanted to meet people and fellowship with those I would never otherwise meet in my lifetime. I didn't want to rush into the world's definition of growing up.

As Robert Frost has so eloquently put it, "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."

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Permalink Reply by Joseph Arnsdorff on April 16, 2009 at 9:55am: That neat. A couple years back, I went on a school trip to London and Paris. I had an awesome time. It was the first time I have been on a plane and I was scared to death. But God got me there safely and got me back home safe. I love to travel on planes now. I am currenly studying to be an RN in Nursing. and then I am going back to school to do Theology. I have a passon to help people and want to witness to them about Jesus Christ and what he has done for me in my life. I have been struggeling for the past couple of years trying to figure out what I want to do in life and what Gods purpose for me it. Well, the road that I am taking, I can now say that I am on the right path. he spoke to me the other morning, i remember hearing the words "way walk in it" So I looked up the words in the back of my bible and saw the verse "This is the way walk in it' Det 30:17. God has provided for me and has blessed me in so many ways and I am so thank ful for it each adn everyday. But now I am just trying to draw closer and study his word more and listen to what he is trying to tell me. Could you give me some advice on how I can study my bible more and fully understand what God is trying to tell me? I would surley appericate it. Thanks and God Bless; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Joseph Arnsdorff on April 20, 2009 at 9:25pm: Thanks, That is great to hear about your experience. It is so cool sometimes to hear Gods voice. Its like he speaks to you when you least expect it.I appericate the prayers. Yeah I know he spoke to me clear as day. So I am gonna keep going the way he is leading me and putting all my trust in him. He is all I need. Well, good luck in your career. I will keep ya in my prayers also.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Katharine on June 5, 2009 at 10:27am: That is great to hear God's plan for your life. You are studying to be a nurse? I just got accepted to grad. school and I am working towards a Masters in Public Health.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by vijai antonio michaelson on May 12, 2009 at 6:56am: splendid katie.. its abundantly clear that you've followed God's will for you and continue to do so. that you're instrumental in helpin ppl from the four corners of the earth share and bcom friends in Christ is ample proof.. most often when one comes to such crossroads in life there are 3 variables tat come to play- a. your desire b. wat people expect of you like pa,ma etc and c.God's will for you. The 1st variabl usually is a short term success, 2nd may lead to material success or accomplishment.. but the 3rd is a success for eternity in all the ways! I'll pray always to hear and live by His will for me...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Katharine on June 5, 2009 at 10:25am: Wow, this was very inspiring! What a great opportunity to travel and live! I did something similar and went abroad to Indonesia and it changed my life. Thanks for the Robert Frost quote...sometimes when the world with its pretty "formula for success" laughs at you for taking the less traveled and rockier road you need to be reminded its worth it!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lashondra on June 22, 2009 at 2:28pm: Katie, that is awesome and sounds like a great adventure as well as learning experience! I cannot say that I would have even been as bold or adventurous to even have made a move like you did to the UK for a year. I am one of the ones who after I finished school just wanted to work and make some money for a while and go from there. I have followed the path that society looks at as being successful. I have a masters degree now in speech pathology and my own place as well as a job and no children! God is good and I am happy and feel that I am where I should be at this point in my life. We all have different callings and plans for our lives that are if we so choose to allow God to have that control guided by Him. Its interesting to meet other people and see where they are in their life and walk with Christ. I do not simply just want to work and have a routine for the rest of my life doing the same thing over and over but I was tired of school and just needed some down time (grad school was a little stressful for me...I've been a student all my life and was just over the school thing you know, lol) as well as time to really grow in my relationship with God and some "me" time. I have a lot of ideas and things that I would like to see happen and I know God has great things in store for me as well as all of his children if we will be obedient and surrender to his will and plans for our life knowing that he has nothing but good for us! So congratulations and much respect to you and everyone for doing what God has called you to do as well as what you want to do and doing what's best for you!!! :-)
~Always Be Encouraged,
Lashondra; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by REUBEN C. BORLEO on July 21, 2009 at 9:29pm: i just graduated, i don't know what's next. good to know about your experiences. after a month, i decided to enter in the school where i graduated as a bartender instructor. i'm 90% qualified for the position and just waiting for my teaching demo. when my brother-in-law told me about the 6 months ARP training at Palawan. He told me that my relationship and focus to God will get more intimate and closer. after that, i went at my room alone, and thought about this things, and then i started to get confused on what decision am i going to decide "should i pursue my teaching career, or pursue to know God more and to trust my future to my God". at that moment, I prayed to God and i asked signs if He really wants me to go to ARP training. after 3 days, my father called me, he wants to talk to me together with my wife. so we went to see my father. I was shocked because he asked me if i want to go to the ARP training and told to not worry about the expenses because he will handle all of it. at that moment, i finally saw that God really wants me to go to the training, so i decided not to pursue at my teaching career and trusted God for my future because His thoughts is higher than my thoughts and His ways is higher than my ways. I learned to trust on Him more. I'm so glad and really overwhelmed. First week or second week of August we'll be flying going to Palawan.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Katie @ InTouch on August 14, 2009 at 12:22pm: Hey Danielle!
Capernwray was such an awesome experience for me. Not only did have a whole year to focus solely on my relationship with God, I also was given the next direction of my life there. I waited on God, and boy did He answer in such incredible ways!
I would encourage you to think about a year abroad. When I went to Capernwray, I had no real ties to this world. I wasn't in a relationship and was in transition. I had no job yet, a college degree, and no real understanding of what I wanted to do next. So I decided to instead to focus on God who lead me to attend Bible school.
Before going to England, I had a lot of experience on short-term and long-term mission trips to Southeast Asia and was seriosuly considering going back to Indonesia for my year abroad. But I felt like I had been so focused on others, I was losing touch with my own personal relationship God. That is why I decided on Bible school verses missions.
The Bible school program I went to was an intensive study program. A lot of kids attend the English Capernwray school for the Fall-Winter semester and then spend their last year in Austria, Spain, Sweden, Greece, or you can also spend the spring semester in England as well. You can also choose to JUST go to one semester, so the program is really flexible with dates and prices.
The program itself was incredible. We delved into the Bible to such depths and I felt so close to God. It wasn't emotional-built either since it is based off of personal study and worship. The teaching is exceptional, especially the president of the school--Rob Whitaker. Best speaker I have ever heard.
What exactly do you want to know about Capernwray? I would encourage you to continue looking at different websites: there are a lot of opportunities throughout the world! They have schools in Canada, South America, Southeast Asia, all over. Plus WYAM, MO, and DTS are also great Bible-outreach-type programs you may be interested in.
Capernwray's website is: http://www.capernwray.org.uk/ or click here for the international website.
All I can see is Capernwray is an awesome place for those in "transition" to draw clsoer to God, serve Him, and discover what you are meant to do/be. A lot of kids go right out of high school but there are a large number of students who are in their mid-20's who have just graduated college. It is a good combination.
Please post any questions at all that you may have on my profile page! Thanks Danielle! I hope this helps.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by nastacia kein gagarin on November 17, 2009 at 3:32am: After graduation, I don't know when, where and how can i get a job that suites to my profession...a month later, I apply for my my career service exam...but now thanks God...He give me work that I don't expect....god bless You all!!!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by StudentB on January 9, 2010 at 11:01pm: "I went right after I finished college, because I kept thinking when will I ever be able to do something like this again? So much people make that jump right from graduation to their career or marriage, but I took a different route. I wanted a year entirely focused on God. I wanted the opportunity to travel and to see the world. I wanted to meet people and fellowship with those I would never otherwise meet in my lifetime. I didn't want to rush into the world's definition of growing up."

I'm in the same boat right now lol. I graduate in May this year and have been torn on which route to take. I can relate to you Katie because I have been a student majority of my life and graduating and jumping into your career is a huge step. There is no transition period. This makes you grow up real quick.
My true desire is to work and travel.. I love meeting new people and learning different languages and cultures... . Before i do any of this I am still seeking The Lord on what he wants me to do and what is His Best for me.. He is perfect in all His ways and knows the right way :); ▶ Reply to This