by Jennifer Martin

With my little sister having graduated high school, I'm starting to feel old. Don't laugh now. I have back problems (I have since I was twelve!) and I can hardly ingest spicy foods without heartburn screaming out to me, and I eat a considerable amount of fiber everyday - you know, gotta keep things moving.

With all my premature curmudgeon habits aside, I have been thinking a lot about the future lately. I'm set to graduate in December, and next June, Daniel and I have tentatively decided to head across the world to the Philippines for some nice R&R…. or grad school and missions.

God has led us with an amazing opportunity to attend the Asian Theological Seminary, and I, always the adventurous one, jumped at the chance. Somewhere along the line, maybe babies? Who knows! It's all a part of God's plan, right?

We are both thrilled to jump at such an amazing opportunity. However, I think that means that I'm going to be unable to continue my column. It's not a part of my future - and I don't know what I'll be doing after December, before June - it's all a big fat mystery.

The People News has left me with a taste for journalism that no one can satiate. I have been able to witness my writing skills improve greatly over the years, and have been given amazing opportunities to meet Cleveland residents because of it.

But it's time for me to let someone else fill my snarky shoes. It's time to let someone else have a fierce opinion and express it. I always thought that God had led me down a path of journalism, but it just seems that maybe I was wrong. But I'm sure he still has some plans for me to use it - seeing as it's my major and all. But don't worry just yet! I'll still be writing - my last column will be far away in December, just like when my first column began.

It's all a part of a large cycle, one that I have no control over whatsoever. The big man upstairs has been driving me toward a life in ministry and missions and to continue in the non-profit world like my dear old dad, and away from direct journalism.

Of course, I don't mean to brag, but there is a Bible verse about not wasting your talents lest God takes them away.

I will still be an avid journalist - but it will be as a hobby, not as a career. I have a writing talent, and I will give it to God and honor Him in all that I do.

The People News has given me such amazing opportunities… and I've had a good long run, almost ten years. But it's time for me to look into my career and my future family as well.

Thanks to all my readers!

I'm looking forward to writing for the next six months. It's probably my favorite thing to do every month. And don't quit reading this fine paper - dedicated to telling you what the others won't!

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