When I was nearing college graduation, I knew what I wanted. I wanted to serve on the mission field. The needs called out to me, and I could not imagine anything better to do with my time and education than help spread the Gospel throughout the world. I also hoped to have a family. Specifically, I wanted at least four kids--provided I found a husband, of course. Somehow I had graduated Wedding Bells University with no ring, but couldn't very well ask for my money back since I didn't actually pay for college ;)
I was thrilled to join TEN3 because it was such a perfect fit with what I was good at and passionate about. I remember TEN3's communications manager asked me after my first trip to Nigeria, "So is this what you are going to be doing for the rest of your life?" and I replied, "I know I'm called. I picture myself doing this at least another ten years, but our plan is still to pass it off to African staff eventually."
The other expectation that sticks out to me is when Anthony first started talking to me about becoming curriculum department head. I expressed hesitance, or expecting it would be years in the future, and he told me that "years in the future" he wanted to make me CEO. "And see that nice picture there?" (Referring to the picture of me and Christie on the left sidebar) "That lady next to you will be president."
Now, something like a decade later, so many things did not pan out the way we planned--we didn't get 350 schools, we didn't become the largest academic publishing house in Africa, or any sort of big organization. And I'm not becoming CEO. But, so many things I hoped for did come to pass. I am married to the very best man God had for me. I have four children. (The twins, btw, were born healthy on their due date!) I did spend roughly ten years working full-time with TEN3, and we did reach thousands of people with requested education. And Christie has now become president of TEN3. I am excited to see how she will take the organization forward. Just maybe one day, when my kids are less needy, I'll be active in the organization again. For now, we thank God for the answered prayers and the surprises, and continue on day by day.
