I finally sent in my application yesterday! Filling that thing out was quite the process. Besides all the expected personal information, there was the infamous Question 12... Questions about my past, personal life, and my faith.
(k) As this is specific focused DTS, please detail your involvement with children and/or music.
As you can see, some of these questions are incredibly vague ( (b) - like really? My entire life story, is that what you're looking for?). And some are super personal ( (e) ) and aren't things that I'm used to talking about, especially with people I've never met before. Some of these questions really made me think and get down to the core of who I am right now. Sometimes that's a hard thing to face. And this was only the application. I can only begin to imagine what will happen during the DTS if I am accepted. Multiple friends of mine who have been on a DTS have told me numerous times how God just tears you apart on a DTS. It's not easy, that's for sure.
And now, having sent my application in (finally), we wait. ARK International emailed me shortly after I sent my application to them, saying they had received it and were looking forward to hearing from my references so that they could pray over my application. It is already so apparent to me that they do nothing without God's direction and that is so encouraging and inspiring in my faith.
I'm feeling fairly neutral towards the DTS right now. I've done all I can, and now it's in God's hands. I'll save the excitement and panic attacks for if (when?) I get accepted.
12. Questions
Please prayerfully answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper:
(a) Please describe your conversion experience and your present relationship with God (no more than one page).
(b) Describe your childhood and growing up years.
(c) How would you describe the relationships within your family?
(d) Does your family know of your desire to do a DTS/apply for a DTS? Are they supportive of your desire to do this school?
(e) What areas of your character are you presently seeking God to further develop and improve?
(f) What do you perceive are your greatest strengths and your greatest vulnerabilities?
(g) Have you ever served cross culturally? When and where? Please share how this experience was for you. In coming to attend DTS – you will face a new culture, new food and new language.
(h) What are your dreams and future aspirations? How do you see this DTS benefitting your life?
(i) What church involvement have you had and what is your present commitment to your church?
(j) How have you involved your pastors/elders/leaders in your decision to attend a DTS? How do your Church
leaders view you attending a DTS?
(k) As this is specific focused DTS, please detail your involvement with children and/or music.
As you can see, some of these questions are incredibly vague ( (b) - like really? My entire life story, is that what you're looking for?). And some are super personal ( (e) ) and aren't things that I'm used to talking about, especially with people I've never met before. Some of these questions really made me think and get down to the core of who I am right now. Sometimes that's a hard thing to face. And this was only the application. I can only begin to imagine what will happen during the DTS if I am accepted. Multiple friends of mine who have been on a DTS have told me numerous times how God just tears you apart on a DTS. It's not easy, that's for sure.
And now, having sent my application in (finally), we wait. ARK International emailed me shortly after I sent my application to them, saying they had received it and were looking forward to hearing from my references so that they could pray over my application. It is already so apparent to me that they do nothing without God's direction and that is so encouraging and inspiring in my faith.
I'm feeling fairly neutral towards the DTS right now. I've done all I can, and now it's in God's hands. I'll save the excitement and panic attacks for if (when?) I get accepted.
Those are very deep and (personal) questions, some of which could be a good blog post in themselves. I look forward to following you on your journey! I love blogs!
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