28 Hours per Week

My supervisor at the Outreach Center and

I have been praying lately about whether the Center's

board of directors would approve bringing me

onto the staff full-time.

This has been quite the topic of conversation lately.

Even prior to graduation, I was being asked about my

plans longer-term with the Center.  I always replied that

"I don't know what the future holds, but I am praying about

where God would have me be long-term.  Right now, I am

thankful for my position and enjoy what I am doing at the Center."

This, I believe, was a good answer to their question....

until the board of directors questioned my commitment to

the Center long-term.  Since I wouldn't give a "straight" answer

about my future at the Outreach Center, the board interpreted my
response as not being committed to the Center at all.

God has a funny way of working things out in the end.

The grant that would have funded my position (back in October)

fell through.  That same week, I received a phone call

that offered me a wonderful position at my "dream" job.

Months have gone by.  I prayed and waited.  Prayed and waited.

Finally, I decided to commit to the Outreach Center.  The board of

directors met to talk with one another about my position and future here.

When they reached a conclusion (based on our resources), they offered

me 28 hours a week. 

God has a funny way of working things out in the end.  I felt a mix of disappointment

and relief.  With this schedule, I am able to pursue the other opportunity

as well as stay at the Center indefinitely.  This is what I had hoped for from day one.
Unfortunately, this schedule also limits the savings I can put together and will not
sustain me long-term.

Now, I sit and wait.  Praying that God would open doors where
I am meant to take opportunities...

and closes doors when I am meant to stay put.

I am so thankful for my position at the Outreach Center. I am thankful for an understanding supervisor who has supported my professional and personal development since day One.  And I am thankful for a God who is always faithful and has my best interest in mind.

I'm hopeful about my future...excited to see how it all fits together.
And I will, of course, keep you posted when I find out.

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End of November

It is now the end of November and I have barely written in my blog.  

Yes, I had midterms, and finals, and papers, but I have neglected the blog yet again.

And so much has happened since the last time I wrote.

On the job front, God has perfectly coordinated my employment from graduation until I find another position.  I can be hired on full-time at the Outreach Center (at least temporarily).  Being a non-profit, funding is always first priority, so we'll see where we are after six months (if I am still there).

Besides the Outreach Center, a position at my "dream job" was offered to me.  I didn't even apply for the position.  But it is perfect and exactly what I was praying about.  God certainly surprises us when we least expect it.  :)

On a different note, I am scheduled for a tonsillectomy on December 20th (the day after graduation).  I was sick earlier this semester and my tonsils were bugging me then.  After seeing a specialist and talking with my parents, I decided to have the surgery to remove my tonsils altogether.  If I left them alone, I would have the same issues the rest of my life (per my doctor's expertise).  

I'm a bit anxious about the surgery.  This is the first time I'm ever having surgery and an IV.  I never had my wisdom teeth out (I have all four in at the moment).  So, I'm a bit nervous, but I'm pretty sure it will be fine.  A tonsillectomy is such a routine procedure, but I think there is always a bit of apprehension with surgery in general, no matter the type.

So, I think that about catches you up for the moment.  Job news.  And surgery news.  

I'm still plugging along until graduation.  I got my cap, gown, and hood in the mail the other day.  I'm excited for December 19th to come...no more schoolwork for the rest of my life (I hope!).  P.S.  In case you noticed, my surgery is THE DAY AFTER my graduation.  I have to be at the hospital at 5:15am.  No celebrating of graduation on the night of the 19th for me!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I'll try to post again sooner than last time.  :)

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