I mentioned my roommate Amy in a previous post. I also met several other terrific people and am anxious to see where God leads them. It was certainly a bonding experience to go through the job search process together and to share one another's vision and passion. It is also exciting to know that some of them, like Katherine, will probably be attending the same orientation as me.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
People
I ended up not taking any pictures of the people I met last week, but I did take a picture of the building where we had most of our activities. I thought it might make the blog a little more interesting, or at least break up the text a little.
I mentioned my roommate Amy in a previous post. I also met several other terrific people and am anxious to see where God leads them. It was certainly a bonding experience to go through the job search process together and to share one another's vision and passion. It is also exciting to know that some of them, like Katherine, will probably be attending the same orientation as me.
I mentioned my roommate Amy in a previous post. I also met several other terrific people and am anxious to see where God leads them. It was certainly a bonding experience to go through the job search process together and to share one another's vision and passion. It is also exciting to know that some of them, like Katherine, will probably be attending the same orientation as me.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Safely Home
I made it home safely. I've just gone through the mess on my desk, and I am not looking forward to the process of getting caught up. I am, however, looking forward to church tomorrow morning!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Conference Day Four
Today went well. Talked to someone on field to confirm my second choice. Will probably be offered my first choice, but won't know for a couple of weeks. Please forgive the lack of details at this point. Thanks for the prayers!
Flying home tomorrow.
Flying home tomorrow.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Roommate
I don't think I have shared about my roommate yet. Her name is Amy, and she is a really sweet girl who just happens to be the only other candidate from Missouri. She graduated from Missouri State in nursing last year and returned "home" to work in Kansas City. I wish I could tell you more, maybe even post her picture, but I have learned a lot about the security ramifications of such actions. So, I won't share her picture or announce where she thinks God is leading her to serve. (Which is also one of the reasons that I am not saying much about the jobs that I am exploring.)
Conference Day 3
Wow. This week has been such an intense roller coaster!
I had my one on one interview this morning after our third small group session. It was great to have had these small group opportunities to interact with the same person who would interview me so that I could feel more comfortable with her and so she could see me in a slightly more natural setting as well as during the interview. She asked some very challenging questions but did so in such a conversational manner that I was never really uncomfortable. The interview was scheduled for an hour but lasted more like an hour and twenty minutes. At the end she shared with me that she saw no reason why I shouldn't serve on the field and that she will be recommending me when the committee meets in a couple of weeks.
I found a couple more strong job possibilities and will probably be able to talk on the phone to people on the field in those locations tomorrow morning. One of them would involve teaming with someone who is currently here for field orientation, so I was able to track her down and talk to her at dinner tonight. It is certainly still a possibility for me, and between praying about it tonight and hopefully calling someone on the field tomorrow I feel confident that I will know for sure whether this is one of my top three options.
I had my one on one interview this morning after our third small group session. It was great to have had these small group opportunities to interact with the same person who would interview me so that I could feel more comfortable with her and so she could see me in a slightly more natural setting as well as during the interview. She asked some very challenging questions but did so in such a conversational manner that I was never really uncomfortable. The interview was scheduled for an hour but lasted more like an hour and twenty minutes. At the end she shared with me that she saw no reason why I shouldn't serve on the field and that she will be recommending me when the committee meets in a couple of weeks.
I found a couple more strong job possibilities and will probably be able to talk on the phone to people on the field in those locations tomorrow morning. One of them would involve teaming with someone who is currently here for field orientation, so I was able to track her down and talk to her at dinner tonight. It is certainly still a possibility for me, and between praying about it tonight and hopefully calling someone on the field tomorrow I feel confident that I will know for sure whether this is one of my top three options.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Conference Day Two
A lot of today was consumed with informational meetings about things like security, payroll, etc., but we did have a little time to return to the job fair where we can look at job listings and talk to regional representatives. I've been able to elinate couple of jobs from my "short list" and to add a few more that have potential.
One of the jobs that I found yesterday (the one where I talked to the missionary on the phone) is extremely exciting to me and seems to be a perfect fit for my personality and background. I've been thinking and praying about it since yesterday, and, as one of my fellow candidates told me, talking about it puts a twinkle in my eye. I returned to that regional representative today and was able to discuss it a little more. I shared with him that this job is absolutely my number one choice for my top 3 form that must be turned in Friday. He thinks that I would be a great fit for this job for several reasons, and he encouraged me to pursue it as numero uno.
Reaching that point felt fantastic. I really felt a lot of peace about that, but I also know that nothing is guaranteed yet. I still need at least a #2, and a #3 couldn't hurt. This is why I am continuing to look into the other jobs on my short list.
I just received a response to one of the two emails that I sent last night, and that job still has potential. I didn't feel like I got much more information than was on the job description, but he did say that he felt we would be able to integrate my specific skills and training into the job description.
So, still a lot to pray about! Please forgive me for not providing any specifics, but I am just not yet at a point where I am ready to do so.
We have one more meeting tonight, and then our small group devotional. I am more than ready to get into comfy clothes and relax!
One of the jobs that I found yesterday (the one where I talked to the missionary on the phone) is extremely exciting to me and seems to be a perfect fit for my personality and background. I've been thinking and praying about it since yesterday, and, as one of my fellow candidates told me, talking about it puts a twinkle in my eye. I returned to that regional representative today and was able to discuss it a little more. I shared with him that this job is absolutely my number one choice for my top 3 form that must be turned in Friday. He thinks that I would be a great fit for this job for several reasons, and he encouraged me to pursue it as numero uno.
Reaching that point felt fantastic. I really felt a lot of peace about that, but I also know that nothing is guaranteed yet. I still need at least a #2, and a #3 couldn't hurt. This is why I am continuing to look into the other jobs on my short list.
I just received a response to one of the two emails that I sent last night, and that job still has potential. I didn't feel like I got much more information than was on the job description, but he did say that he felt we would be able to integrate my specific skills and training into the job description.
So, still a lot to pray about! Please forgive me for not providing any specifics, but I am just not yet at a point where I am ready to do so.
We have one more meeting tonight, and then our small group devotional. I am more than ready to get into comfy clothes and relax!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Conference Day One
Today has been a very full day, and I wish I could share every detail. However, I am borrowing internet access and should keep it brief.
This afternoon we had the opportunity to meet with regional representatives and research job listings for each region. I found several extremely diverse jobs in various locations around the globe that really seem to have potential for me . . . and this is after speaking to only 4 of the 11 representatives! I was able to email 2 missionaries tonight and hope to have responses tomorrow with more information about their teams, and I was able to have a wonderful conversation with a female missionary in Mexico about her team. That was an amazing blessing to me, and the conversation really solidified that job as being a strong candidate for the "top 3 list" that I have to compile by Friday.
My prayer now is for God to lead me to any other job that I haven't yet considered but to direct me clearly and erase any confusion caused by the overload of information and factors to be considered. Thank you so much for joining me in these prayers.
I have also met some wonderful people and am praying for God to direct each of them to the specific ministry where He desires to use them.
Hopefully, I can share a little more tomorrow . . . .
This afternoon we had the opportunity to meet with regional representatives and research job listings for each region. I found several extremely diverse jobs in various locations around the globe that really seem to have potential for me . . . and this is after speaking to only 4 of the 11 representatives! I was able to email 2 missionaries tonight and hope to have responses tomorrow with more information about their teams, and I was able to have a wonderful conversation with a female missionary in Mexico about her team. That was an amazing blessing to me, and the conversation really solidified that job as being a strong candidate for the "top 3 list" that I have to compile by Friday.
My prayer now is for God to lead me to any other job that I haven't yet considered but to direct me clearly and erase any confusion caused by the overload of information and factors to be considered. Thank you so much for joining me in these prayers.
I have also met some wonderful people and am praying for God to direct each of them to the specific ministry where He desires to use them.
Hopefully, I can share a little more tomorrow . . . .
Monday, February 16, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
"Don't Worry About Us"
I have a team of 3 girls working on a video for the FBLA Digital Video Production competition, and it is extremely difficult for me to be gone for the entire week leading up to their project deadline. I enjoy being involved in this process with them, and I worry that I might be letting them down by leaving at such a crucial stage in the process. Nicole, the senior member of the team, gave me some great advice yesterday, "Don't worry about us." As I thought about her advice last night, I realized that she had no idea just how much I need to take that advice. Not just about their team, but about school in general. As much as I care about my students and want to help them succeed, the truth is that for the next week I need to be fully focused on God's call on my life.
So, today as I try to finish up my sub plans, I am choosing to let go. Of course, I will come back a week from Monday eager to see what they have accomplished and to help them finalize their DVDs, but in the mean time I will not worry about my students.
So, today as I try to finish up my sub plans, I am choosing to let go. Of course, I will come back a week from Monday eager to see what they have accomplished and to help them finalize their DVDs, but in the mean time I will not worry about my students.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Last Day
Here it is . . . the last day of school before I leave for VA. I'm excited that it is finally almost here, but I also have a LOT of work left to do before I go. I am praying that God will help me to use my time efficiently today as I try to wrap up several projects and prepare a week's worth of lesson plans for a sub.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Choir Family
Last night my wonderful choir family at Second prayed over me while they were commissioning some women preparing for mission trips. I feel so blessed that God has chosen to surround me with such an amazingly supportive and loving group of people. As Paula spoke to the choir about my journey, I felt God's love poured out through this amazing friend He has placed in my life. It is such a symbolic reminder that, regardless of where I go, I do not go alone. Not only is God with me directly, but He has also chosen to be with me through my family and friends.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Roommate
At the conference next week, one of the other single females in attendance will be my roommate. As I pray for God's direction in my journey, I pray for the same in hers. As easy as it is to be consumed by my own experience, right now I am enjoying the perspective gained through praying for one specific person who is going through a similar journey. There will be over 80 people at this conference, so my situation is hardly unique. Although I don't know who she is yet, I pray that my roommate and I will be a blessing to one another at the conference.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
One More Week
A week from now, I will be finishing my packing to make sure I am ready to hit the road very early Monday morning (Feb. 16) to catch my flight from St. Louis. Over the past couple of weeks I've gone through several different emotions, thoughts, and feelings about the upcoming conference. It is incredible to think about the huge impact that one week will have on my life. I get excited, nervous, anxious, etc. I agonize over clothing decisions, I pore over potential job openings, I pray for guidance . . . meanwhile, I frantically try to get caught up and work ahead so that my classrooms will not "fall apart" during my extended absence.
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