From the end of May until the middle of August I was on full time orders at Travis for hands on training for my job. Aside from learning my job, I used the time to help decide whether this was something I wanted to do full time. During those three months, I talked with a few airmen who had successfully switched from the Reserve to Active Duty which gave me hope regarding my own plans. It appeared that things were falling into place for me to join the active duty Air Force. I got to the place where the next step was finding a recruiter who would work with me and start the application process.
Despite all this, I was having some doubts about my decision. This was a bit surprising to me, as my goal since summer of 2011 had been to join the active duty Air Force. There wasn't one specific reason for my doubts, but they were enough to give me pause. I started to wonder if the path God was leading me on was not the path I was currently on.
Therefore during the July UTA, I stopped in and talked with a chaplain. My opening question was something along the lines of 'how do you know which decision is the better one to make?' I could see pros and cons both to staying in the Reserve and going active duty, but wanted to make the right decision. While I didn't come away from my meeting with a decision, it did give me more to think about. I also realized that some of the fears I had with staying in the Reserve weren't as major as I had thought.
After giving it some serious thought and prayer, I came to the conclusion that it would be best if I stayed in the Reserve. It wasn't an easy decision to come to, but I feel it is the right one to make. About a week after I made the decision the Air Force announced they were reducing the availability of student loan repayment. I am currently receiving it, but it's contingent upon me staying in the Reserve. When I saw the announcement I saw it as a sign from God, after the fact, that I had made the right decision.
As to what happens next. I'm in the process of finding a full time civilian job. So far I haven't found one, but it's one of those things you have to keep trying for. I hope to get involved with Pathfinders this year. There isn't a club at my home church, but I think the next next church over still has an active club. I'm also seriously considering getting my state teaching credentials and finding a teaching job. That's not something that will happen in the immediate future, but perhaps in the next year or two.
While this is not where I hoped to be at this point in my life, I am learning once again to place my trust in God follow his leading.
Isaiah 65:24
New International Version (NIV)
24 Before they call I will answer;
while they are still speaking I will hear.
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (NIV)
