Hey everyone, today I bring fresh news of where life is taking me. For Thanksgiving break, I got the most marvelous opportunity to fly to Delaware with John. It was truly a blessing to see where he grew up and meet his family in person. While we were away from Atlanta, we talked about how peaceful Delaware is and how we both slightly dreaded going back to the crazy hecticness that is Atlanta. We love it there, but it can be a little overwhelming 😅
A day or two before we were about to fly back, we received news that our current dorm building was found to be not up to fire code and thus all people living there were required to evacuate the building. The leadership at ASOM did find a new location to live at until Christmas break, but it would be even further from the city (about an hour away given there is minimal traffic). John's job requires him to meet his boss at least downtown or occasionally meet at the location of the job.
With the change of dorms, John's condition, and the way transportation is into the city, it would add a lot more stress. He felt more peace staying in Delaware and working for his brother Luke's cleaning business. We both prayed over what we should do as a couple. We are both serious about one another and have been for about a year now (although we have only been officially in a relationship for 6 months). We both love each other very much and want to see the other achieve our greatest potential.
As we prayed and thought more about what we should do together, we decided that it would be best to stay in Delaware and not return to Atlanta.
Many have wondered and asked, "But didn't you say that God wanted you to be in Atlanta?" The answer is yes, He did. I heard very clearly and correctly that Atlanta and being a student at ASOM was where he wanted me to be. I got to have a whole year there! It was a dream come true! But because of the dorm situation and John's current condition, it just made more sense to stay in Delaware where we both have jobs, a good place to stay, and have many ministry opportunities.
I am sad to leave ASOM. I made many connections there and friendships with students, staff, and people in the community. A piece of my heart will always reside in Atlanta. My decision to leave ASOM and pursue other options is a choice all of my own. I greatly appreciate all who have given financially towards my ministry in Atlanta. Your giving was not in vain. For those of you have been in prayer for me and for John and our relationship, I thank you! We have been blessed greatly.
I do want to publicly apologize to anyone who might be heartbroken over this news. I would love to go into greater detail with you personally should you have more questions or just want a greater understanding of why I decided to part from ASOM.
I know God has great plans no matter where I go. I am His daughter and I rest completely in knowing that He is fully pleased with me. He champions my decisions. He is proud of me.
I have never been the kind of girl to choose her career or schooling over a relationship. And this isn't just any relationship! John and I aren't operating under "normal" circumstances. Our previous dorm building was found to not be up to code. That was at the beginning of summer but this time, at our new building, it was during the school year. It is taking at least three weeks to figure something else out and during this time, from what I understand, the students aren't really getting to do the ministry work they are paying for and asking others to support them in. I could be wrong on this, but that is what I last heard.
A couple days ago, John and I rented a car to drive back to Atlanta to retrieve our stuff. While we were there, I was overwhelmed by a feeling that I wasn't supposed to be there. And we had permission from leadership to go to our dorm building to get our stuff! I definitely feel that God has released me from doing long-term ministry there.
We have planned to visit there and perhaps while we are visiting we will also minister. I feel more peace being in Delaware with John and working towards our future together.
In this time of transition, I appreciate those of you who are understanding of this change. It hasn't been an easy decision to make but when I got into this committed relationship, my life wasn't all about me anymore. I had to and still have to think about what is best for John, me, and our relationship.
As I said earlier, if you are still having trouble understanding why we chose to do what we did given the circumstances, I would be happy to talk with you about it.
Again, I thank each and every one of you who have poured into my ministry in Atlanta. Financial support at this point can cease. But don't cease praying for us.
I love you all very much. Thank you for your support.💗
~Samantha Scott (Also, you haven't heard the last from me 😉)
