By: Laura Hattersley
In 1986, I had a clear plan for my life – a successful career in Interior Design, a loving husband, and a family of three. However, I realized I didn’t want a husband who drank so much or share my faith. The divorce left me without a partner and children. I mourned the loss if love, but continued my education. I completed my architectural studies and worked, though I faced many layoffs.
My path shifted when I found myself attending Bible school and subsequently teaching English and Bible in Russia. This led to studying Anthropological studies and teaching in Asia. I never did find the right match. The missionary men I encountered weren’t suitable, and at 48, having children seemed unlikely. Teaching English became my focus, and I obtained four certifications in the field. I also earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and communication.
Upon returning from Taiwan, where I spent over 14 years as an English teacher and missionary in Asia, I met a man I thought was the One. However, my return to the United States at 48 years old was far from welcoming. Instead of joy, I faced a nightmarish experience involving police, courts, and lawyers.
In short, I was arrested for attending church, something I had been doing faithfully for thirty years. The officers believed I had been pursuing a man first, rather than seeking spiritual fulfillment. I was repeatedly arrested for church attendance. Over and over and over again. Yes, that is correct. Church Attendance.
The experience left me mourning the loss of my freedom to worship and questioning my faith. The church leaders and police, who I expected to welcome me, instead caused immense confusion about a simple act – attending church.
Ten years later, I still carry the disillusionment of what transpired. However, I have made new friends, found support, secured jobs, and an apartment. I have regained my belief in God. I’ve taken charge of my experience and decided to pursue legal action. And at 56, when I thought I had given up, I found a wonderful partner.
Although I am not a great grandmother and do not have my own beautiful children, I consider all the students I taught over the years my “kids.” From kindergartners to adults in Russia, China, and the US, my life has been filled with teaching, loving, and guiding others.
Life has been completely different from what I imagined it to be. I didn’t have a family, but I lived in places all over the world. I have lived in the jails. And I understand what it is like to be ignored and viewed as mentally ill: a lie. My opinions DO and DID matter.
My life is different than I imagined, but it has not been so terrible. In fact, now it is amazing. I may have given up some circumstances or some ideas of house and family. But I always looked to the future. I never gave up. I pray the same for you.
Laura Hattersley has an MS degree in Ethnology and Missions, a BS degree in English and Architecture, and more than 20 years of Editing, Proofreading, and English Language teaching. Her works include magazine and journal articles, books, book reviews, cover letters, CVs, university entrance proposals, among others; in subjects ranging from Computer Technology, Linguistics, Social Science, and Business. With three certifications in English Language teaching from Cambridge University, she has also published and presented research papers on Linguistic theory and Ethnography at Purdue University (Indiana, USA) and Taipei’s ETA Conference. Laura was nominated for the Marquis Who’s Who in America Award for 2022, 2023, among the top 3% of professionals and intellectuals in the United States, just like her father did, in the late 1980’s. To contact Laura about help in drafting, writing, or editing your Non Fiction work, Resume, Book Review, Press Release; or, any writing or English language project, write to lbhattersley.editor@gmail.com.