God is faithful!

So I'm laying here trying to figure out how to convey all that has happened this summer as the miracle that it is and I realize that I can't. There is no way for me to express to you just how impossible all the pieces were to fit together without the work of a miraculous God.  But I will try ...

At the very end of April, I had my very first real-job interview. It was for an English as a Second Language (ESL) position at a little charter school called New Hope Academy. I had done some research on the school before I applied and was extremely impressed with its philosophies, vision and mission. I rocked the first interview. I don't know how, but I did. The principal was extremely impressed, but I never heard anything from them.

At the beginning of the summer, I had probably applied to over 50 positions all over the country. Filling out applications was my day job. That and waitressing. I had a few more interviews here and there, but none as good as that first one. One day while at work, I received a voicemail. Upon checking it I found that it was New Hope once more, now interested in interviewing me for an English position. Apparently the ESL position had put on hold. I went to the English interview and blew it. I knew that my answers were not what they were looking for and on the way home I just knew that was not the position I would be getting. The letter came in the mail two days later.

I continued on my journey of applying and interviewing. I received an offer in Texas (which you can read about in my previous post). I went back and forth trying to make a decision, but finally chose to decline the offer. At that point it was August and school was starting in about two weeks. I had finally received my English certificate, but my clearances were out of date and my ESL certificate was put on hold from the state. Frantically, I began putting pieces in motion to rectify those final elements, but I knew it could take a while.

Out of the blue, I get a call for an interview at New Hope Academy once more. The ESL position was back on track. I showed up an hour early because I had the times mixed up and when I finally went back at the correct time, I ran into teachers and administrators who were cheering me on in the position. I finally met the head of the school and had a pleasant interview, but I still didn't have my ESL certification.

I spent the next day with my phone glued to my hand waiting for a phone call. I was so sure that I was going to get the position. Five o'clock came and there was no phone call. I took a nap and woke up only slightly less depressed than when I fell asleep. I decided then and there two things:
1. I was going to get on all the sub lists that I could in hopes of next year getting a position
2. I was going to thank God anyway, despite the circumstances

I spent all weekend waitressing and praising God. I realized that God is still good even if things do not go the way I want them too. I had been listening to a song called "Thank You" by 33 Miles and that was the message behind it. So I began praising and thanking him anyway ... and applying to substitute.

Monday rolled around and I turned in some subbing applications after finally receiving my last clearance. My dad suggested that I call New Hope just to touch base because I hadn't heard from them. I called and the principal said they had made an offer to their first choice. I cried the whole way home (I was running errands). I finally opened up to God. I told him I was tired of not being the first choice, of not being the special one, but that I accepted it because I knew he has a perfect plan. Despite my tears, despite my pain, I trusted that God was leading me in the way he wanted me to go.

Tuesday I continued to keep the ball rolling. I received an email telling me that my ESL certification had been approved. After so many years of working toward becoming certified, I finally saw it happen. I praised God and thanked him for his faithfulness.

Wednesday rolled around and I prepared the remainder of my substitute applications. I just needed the results of my TB test the next day and then I was planning to drop off the application packets at various local districts. 3pm came and I started getting ready for work. My phone rang "You Lead" by Jamie Grace, my tone for any number not stored in my contacts. New Hope Academy offered me a position. I was shocked, but completely at peace. God had lead me to that place and I knew it wholeheartedly. Everything had just fallen into place in the nick of time. ESL cert., clearances, TB test and a ready and willing heart.

Even recounting it, I can't put it all into words, and yet I am still amazed at all God did to bring me to this place. Tomorrow afternoon I begin my journey on the New Hope staff. I am overjoyed and so excited. God is so good! Even when my faith falters, he is always faithful!

Be encouraged, friends!