I had to remain calm during the wait. There was no other way around it. After watching my nursing school plans crumble before my eyes, I decided to press on and take a leap of faith. To attend my clinical rotations in nursing school, I needed a background check, and for that, I needed a social security number (I didn’t have one); in order to get a social security number, I needed to change my visa to a student visa, and in order to do that, I needed someone willing to sign a document stating that they would be responsible for the cost of my studies and stay in the States.

Finding someone willing to do that is not as easy as walking up to anyone and asking: “Would you sign this for me? Thanks!”

So I went back to school.

I picked as many of the non-nursing classes I had to take before graduation anyway. After that, I got a third job to make ends meet. Then, I enrolled in the new semester by faith. I did not know where the money or the person willing to sign would come from. Also, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to obtain the change of status that I needed.

Flooded with uncertainty but knowing that God doesn’t leave any unfinished business, I persevered, knowing that I was covering all the bases within my reach. I chose to remain calm during the wait, so I focused on letting God be God and enjoying the ride.

Long story short

God sent the person willing to sign without me having to ask or convince anyone. I completed my change of status right on time. In the meantime, I got all the non-nursing classes out of the way. So, when I entered the nursing program the following spring, things were less complicated. I had the luxury of focusing on my nursing classes alone. I had no added stress of any non-nursing classes pending.

In the end, God coordinated everything beautifully. He had other plans for me when I was trying to rush and get everything done as quickly as possible. He wanted me to slow down, be happier, and less stressed.

I don’t have a formula for you on how you to remain calm during the wait. However, I do have a testimony and the lesson that came with my experience.

Today, I can tell you with all certainty that God will always want to spare you unnecessary stress and pain. So, next time you are experiencing a sudden change in plans, don’t resist. Maybe, it’s His way of telling you:

“Child, I see you, I hear you, and I know you, let me take care of you”

 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD

Psalm 27:14