The reason why I am naming my transition from Johns Hopkins “WAITING for Home” as opposed to “LOOKING for Home” is because I am full of faith that “Home” and I will somehow find one another. I don’t have to look or worry or become anxious, because there is a peace that I have that I really cannot understand.
I remember the day I decided not to anxiously look for a new position right away and a peace flooded my soul. I talked it over with my husband and began to instead focus on a new home for the fall semester. I began to do some soul searching and I asked myself where would I find the most joy. Once I outlined what I wanted “home” too look like for me, I stopped just looking for a job, but I began to look for the place where I could fulfill God’s purpose for me.
When I first started this process, my husband and I prayed about how we would replace my salary. Choosing not to go into a new position right away, was a real step of faith. Little did we know how God would provide for us as He has done.
Almost as soon as I committed myself to being still and to wait for home, something instantly began to happen. My speaking engagements increased and my opportunities to do consulting work in schools also increased. I was resistant to formally starting a consulting business, but I felt a pull to focus on building these opportunities. Today, I officially signed two consulting contracts: one for a charter school company (with several schools) and one for a major public school district. I am in awe at God’s provision during this time. Following how these opportunities are flowing, I formally launched Anika Prather Consulting.
I am writing these updates, as a way to encourage others who may be going through something similar. Maybe you are in a transition and you are worried about how you will make it through the sudden change, but I pray that my testimony will increase your faith to trust God. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and there is nothing too hard for him. Because of Him and Him alone, Anika Prather Consulting is thriving. I give all honor to God for how he has led me on this path. His provision has been such a faith builder, that I know at just the right time, he will provide a home for me in academia. Somehow I feel so much peace that “home” and I will find one another. In the mean time, I continue to wait and work with what God has placed in my hands right at this moment. I am in this moment, right here, right now and I am enjoying the adventure while I wait for “home”.
Dr. Anika T. Prather 