| Hands Opened Wide I am estatic about the work I am doing, how I am earning my living. I work at two different middle schools. I am working with ESL students that need extra help with building their confidence and understanding of basic English skills. I work with three students each period (eight periods). The students are eager to work and so far, so good. I am meeting other teachers who are also passionate about their vocation and offer much support and encouragement for this program and our mutual students. When I moved here this past summer, I didn't have a job lined up. All I had was a resume, my degree, a teaching license and eight years experience. I had a vague plan to seek employment as a teacher, and if that failed I had planned to apply as a substitute. My first interview was smooth. The principal was willing to get me started immediately as a substitute until the position could be posted in January. The school was located near Wrigley Field (a plus) and apartments were available within walking distance from the school. I was excited and ready to start. I thought this had to have been where God wanted me to be...ah, no. The first obstacle came with notification that most teaching license request take about six months to get through the red tape. Worse. I would need a letter from the school district stating that a position was waiting for me. Well, I didn't have a letter, but I did have a request for a substitute position. Second obstacle: Chicago Public Schools was not hiring any substitutes at that time. There was a freeze. So, I was left with no job.; The school told me to check back later when the freeze was over. I took odd jobs, getting some great experience at a library and offices. I applied at other districts, had two interviews, but nothing took root. The money I had saved was slowly dwindling away. I squeezed the purse strings tighter. I was getting nervous. I decided to apply in the school districts around my brother's home. Finally, a break! Within three days, I got a call from a local district not more than 15mins. away. They were looking for an ESL coach. I was going to help elementary school teachers teach ESL to their students. I went to the interview- again very smooth. They were very excited to get me started....problem. I would need an elementary teaching certificate. That I didn't have. So, no position for me. I went home that day rather depressed and exhausted from driving around looking for people in the district who could help me work around it. I wasn't sure where I was suppose to be. I wasn't sure what I was suppose to be doing with my life. But, I have always been a man of faith. No matter how much moaning and whining I let show on my face or share with my family, I know quite well that God is looking out for me. I need those moments of stress and trouble to remember that I should live my life with hands opened wide. To truly believe that we are in God's Hands, it is in those moments of crisis that we remember we do what we can, but in the end- it is God's will. January and February have been a rollercoaster ride. My certification papers were frozen and lots of leg work was employed to get them moving again. This teaching position and its program was new in this district so a lot of leg work was involved to set it up with the schools. I am now getting a rhythm going, building relationships, setting goals. There is still a lot to do, and other daily obstacles to overcome, but at the end of the day, I am doing something I enjoy. And whatever comes, good n' bad, all I can do is what I can, but in the end- it's in God's Hands. I'm learning....slowly, but surely. Entering the workforce I made a move this past summer, from south to north. Took my things (well sold or gave away the majority)and loaded up my car. It was a 20hour trip (with many stops) to Chicago. I set up camp in the northern suburbs and began my attempt at finding a job. I planned for a dry period- stocking up on essentials, counting pennies and saving coupons. I didn't expect the drought to be so long. Suffice to say though, I survived. So far. I am starting a new job that was worth the wait. I am meeting some great individuals who share a passion and dedication to their work. Patience really has its place in life. It keeps us from sweating the small stuff and gives us the confidence and strength to survive the big stuff. I'm still learning, but I'm doing much better now. :) So, I'm trying my hand at this webpage- to share my story and to let all my friends who have been a part of my life know that I'm doing okay and I keep them all close in prayers and thoughts. So, what story do you want me to tell? |
| Starting Again |