2) What is a "DTS"? DTS stands for Discipleship Training School, which is a missions training program within YWAM. The school is a total of 20 weeks. The first 12 weeks are spent in training at a YWAM base focusing on various topics of missions along with focused training on a specific topic. My particular school is focused on medical missions. The last 8 weeks are spent doing outreach.
You can learn more about my specific DTS at: mrmdts.org
3) Where am I going? My training base will be in Tauranga, New Zealand, a costal town on New Zealand's north island. The last 8 weeks of outreach will be done somewhere in the Pacific region. When I have more concrete details of our outreach location, I will share them! :)
4) How long will I be gone? Approximately 20 weeks. I will leave mid-July and return early December.
5) Do I know anyone else going? Nope. I don't know anyone else. This is a complete adventure!
6) Is this affiliated with my church? While I love my church quite dearly, this trip isn't planned through my church.
7) What about my job? Understandably, this has been a very popular question. I will be resigning from my current position as a RN at Kennestone. It is not possible for my manager to hold my position for 5 months, as my leave does not fall under FMLA. I do love my job in CCU a lot, and that has been one of the most challenging aspects in regards to this trip. When I return, Lord willing, CCU will have an open position for me to fill. If not, I will see what God has in store. All "plans" for post-trip are variable and not set in stone. I may decided to just move permanently to New Zealand. ;)
8) What about my rabbit? A friend has graciously agreed to watch Maleficent "Mal" the bunny, so she will be in good hands while I'm gone.
9) Why go now? Why not wait a year? This has been a popular question from my friends at work. In all honesty, from a job perspective, this isn't the greatest time to leave; I have just gotten settled into my position as an ICU RN. However, from a life perspective, this is one of the best times to go. I have very minimal commitments holding me to where I'm at- I have no husband, no kids, no house payment that has to be a top priority. I'm choosing to trust God that this is the best time for me to go.
