Just stop for a moment. Stop and think. How many times did you want something so badly and it didn’t happen? How many times have you (it is okay to admit it) looked up above and asked God for something and it just didn’t occur?
I confess, I am as guilty as the next guy. From my kids successes to my own personal gain, I have peered above for some sign of what will be the outcome. Guess what, I might as well as, flipped a coin to determine what would happen with that wish, hope or maybe even a prayer. I do firmly believe in the power of prayer, I just think he saves it for the really BIG issues.
In the fall of 2009, I applied to be part of the 2011 Study Aboard experience in Australia. I discovered in January of 2010, I was accepted and happily took on the role of getting students excited about the program. But with the economic crisis and the exchange rate working against me, my dreams were shattered come October.
Fast forward to January 2014. I sit in my university office, overwhelmed with planning the AGB Gala, class, and the dreary nature that winter quarter delivers and yo and behold I discover an email searching for professors for Australia Study Abroad 2015.
Was it a dream? Was it a sign? Lets face it the name Adelaide has had a soft spot in my heart since childhood. I have actually longed to live in Adelaide (the area at home) I guess God does have a funny way of answering your prayers. And well if the truth be told, if Nolan would have been a girl his name would have been Adelaide. So I responded, crossed my fingers, and kept it to myself in fear it would fail.
Fast forward 12 months later and here I sit. Call it “better late than never”, refer to it as “answered prayers”, but I will tell you the proof is in the pudding. I can’t imagine experiencing this journey with anyone else but the twenty-eight Cal Poly Mustangs that I share Adelaide.
Don’t get me wrong, there are a few other bonuses in this unanswered prayer. The exchange rate ROCKS! Luckily for my wine, fashion and “perfect bite” habit, it continues to improve the more I shop. And did I mention the weather? Summer in Australia can be a day at the California Mid-State Fair, hotter than h#%$! We have had a few days over 38c (100 f). It has been in the mid 80’s (non metric talk) and we have experienced cool, wet and windy weather. Which makes my thyroid so very happy.
Today starts our finals week. Tomorrow we have our last supper as an entire group. Am I sad? Uh, yea, hello, have you not been reading my blogs?
I am going to miss those twenty-seven faces looking back at me in class. Their questions about wine, marketing and the look on one’s face when I actually teach a non business student something new. I am pretty sure they will never see a teacup the same again! I have always said to my classes, “I have three kids of my own, I don’t need anymore”, well I think I just adopted a whole ship full.
I will miss my conversations with my side kick Tom. I seriously could have NEVER done this without him. Tom’s experience in traveling can only be topped by his knowledge in teaching abroad. I am not sure if we are the Mom and Dad of this group or the crazy, cool uncle and aunt. Probably a combination of the all four.
But as much as I hate to admit it, I am going to miss our weekly outings with senior project the most. They force me to do the one thing I have been pushing myself for three years to do…write in my blog! And well to be perfectly honest, they have made this experience unforgettable. They are all very unique people and have so many hidden talents. I only hope I have had 1/10th of the impact on them, that they have had on me. And worse case, God made sure we had some unforgettable adventures.
Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you’re talkin’ to the man upstairs
That just because he doesn’t answer doesn’t mean he don’t care
Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers
Maybe Garth was sending the world the right message. Just because things don’t always turn out the way you want, plan, dream, wish, pray, or whatever religion you embrace, it is OK. Because sooner or later, and trust me sometimes it might be later, that great gift of hearing that non answered call makes perfect sense. And it is f&^($@g unbelievable.
a little bit about a lot of things 
Loved the post Jacky! Its funny how things just work out and happen for a reason in life! I am so lucky to have had you as my senior project advisor! I am really going to miss our class, this was truly and unforgettable and once in a lifetime experience.
Thanks Jynel – You have done an amazing job blogging and documenting your journey 🙂
Thank you Jacky 🙂 And thank you for EVERYTHING on this trip!