A light was kindled in my soul, and I knew now what I wanted, and what I ought to do.

After I had well considered all this with myself, I spoke with my parents, and opened my whole heart to them.

They were surprised, opposed me, and besought me to think better of it.

I had foreseen this; but as I adhered firmly and decidedly to my wishes and my prayers, they surprised me by their kindness.
I was very fond of children; my plan was, therefore, to begin housekeeping for myself, and to undertake some work or occupation which should, by degrees, enable me to take two or three children, for whom I would provide, whom I would educate, and altogether adopt as my own.

I was well persuaded that I needed many of the qualifications which make a good teacher; but I hoped that that new fountain of activity would, as it were, give to my whole being a new birth.