It's been a long time since I wrote a post. That has been intentional, but lately I've felt the need to share about my summer and the amazing things that have happened since then.
Coming out of my previous teaching experience in Gwinnett, while the year was the best that I'd had ever, my heart was to come back home to Acworth where my church was. In march, I set a limit on myself that I would job search until the 30th of June. If I couldn't find another position closer to home, I was going to stay put, find a roommate and an apartment, and find a new church home and community. My heart would be broken, but I would know that I'd done what I could to find something closer to home.
April came with no interviews. May came with no interviews. June came with no interviews. I was sad. I'd applied in the business world and in the education market, and all was silent on the western front. I was bummed. I was disappointed. But I knew that I'd tried everything, applied everywhere, and gave it my all. I'd already set myself back by doing poorly in graduate school, it was painful to not at least find a job near home. I'd prayed for something different. Over Spring Break, I'd prayed that I would have clarity in what to pray for. And there were two things I came away with - working closer to home and being able to earn more.
And nothing. I felt like God had given me those two things to pray for so that I could develop community in my community and get out of debt while being in a position to financially help others. And July came and I was down, but I resolved to commit myself to the school in Gwinnett...then the calls came in. Right before I was heading back to the system for pre-planning, a school (an excellent school) in Roswell called me for an interview. I would have gotten the job - they don't call you just before the start of school to not hire you. But the distance was still 50 minutes from my home. I'd said I couldn't, but I called a friend to see if I should call them back and say I actually would like to interview. She said she thought not to bother unless it's just right - at home. I said okay and hung up my misgivings. I was going to be okay where I was.
Then, two days later, it happened. The Wednesday before I was supposed to return to Gwinnett on Friday, a school in the same cluster where my first job was called me. They wanted to know if I was interested in interviewing. Without hesitation I said yes, and all the hope I'd ever had bubbled up. I immediately called my superiors at the Gwinnett school - and they said something that shocked me: I should do what is right for me. I was blown away by their support even though I might put them in a tight position. It happened that they had interviewed two people for one position - both whom they had liked - and one could take my vacancy if there was one. My AP was going to allow me to leave training to go to my Friday interview. I began to hope, and I wanted to burst at the seams.
I had my interview, which I had mixed thoughts about. I wanted the job so badly, but I couldn't feel out anything. The waiting game was awful. I called the school Monday, and waited again. I knew they would start their school year on Thursday. Monday evening, I'd heard nothing. I was convinced I didn't have the job. I'd been through the job wringer so many times. It was my fifth time entering the ring - and I had a good right hook, but nothing was ever a guarantee. The next day I went to the new teacher onboarding for Gwinnett - Over 1,000 new teachers were there, all happy to find a job (especially lit and history teachers). I was the only person a little sad. I went to my meetings, then was headed to the next session. The phone rang and I ran outside. It was the principal - she was calling to offer me the position. I started shaking so much my voice was quivering. She told me what I would need to do and I ran off to complete the process.
God showed me that He would answer my obedience with faithfulness. I was blessed beyond measure. After leaving Marietta, I'd searched without luck to find a middle school language post (they are HARD to come by). And here I was, going back home to the same place I loved to teach the younger students. As I think about it now, I simply want to cry at the joy that was handed to me. After 1 year of complaining, 3 years of wandering (and a little more complaining), over 10 interviews, over two dozen applications, 16 months of 50 minute commutes each way, and repentance, I was allowed to return home. I cannot express what it means to me to be back. I feel blessed beyond measure and I'm so thankful that God guided me through it all.
Psalm 27:13-14
13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
