Hello again! I know it has been quite some time since I have posted an update, but I have had nothing to update you with. I have simply been waiting. Waiting on email correspondences, waiting on my travel visa, waiting on documents to be verified, waiting, waiting, waiting. I didn't deem it necessary to post a weekly update that read: still waiting, tune in next week.
Finally I have some news for you! Friday I got confirmation on all of my documents (save one). I will get that squared away tomorrow and everything will be complete. I will simply be waiting on government verification and my visa to arrive. I don't know how long this takes, but I'm going to assume about three weeks. Once that is done I will get an itinerary and begin preparing for the move!
The waiting, although very frustrating, hasn't been all bad. I have had multiple knee injuries, the last coming in November 2016. Due to a huge insurance mess I wasn't able to have surgery until October 2017. I started physical therapy after my surgery, but then I left for New York and wasn't able to finish. After I returned to Arkansas I tried to get back in but had more issues getting a referral. Well, I finally got back in, and this week should be my last (hopefully forever) at South Arkansas Rehabilitation. I wasn't able to play sports, or run, or ride my bike, or do anything active really that I was used to doing for well over a year. So, even though this wait has been frustrating, I really needed the time I had here to get more work in at PT. Although I'm nowhere close to where I want to be, but I'm beginning to see results in my strength, muscle mass, and range of motion. Earlier today I actually went for a run - and was fully capable to - for the first time since November of 2016, so that's something. (gentle reminder?)
I am super excited about this opportunity and just wanted to update you all (finally) that I am still going. It's just taken a lot longer than I would have liked. Thanks for your support and for following/reading my updates. Can't wait to update you from an airport or from Beijing!
And I vow to update this more often, as long as I have more to say than "still waiting."
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Friday, February 23, 2018
Gentle Reminders
Hello to all! I just wanted to post an update on my Trek to China. I've been meaning to post for the past few days, but I have been extremely busy. The timing is probably perfect that I'm making this post now, as you will understand once you read the stories below. I also need to offer up colossal THANK YOU to everyone who donated to my travel fund! You all can't even begin to understand how much you blessed me. And I still have some personal thank yous to give out (I'm so slow - sorry!).
Now that you're caught up to me on the bus, I'll spare you most of the details. Such as the smells, noises, insanity, and senseless delays. The buses were large with pretty decent leg room, and an on-board bathroom. We were on schedule to arrive five hours early in Little Rock, but ended up being two hours late. For those of you who aren't mathematically inclined, that's a seven hour difference. I can't sleep on trips so I was sweaty, oily, in need of a shower and clean clothes, tired, and frustrated at the situation from the start. I brought deodorant, baby powder (for my hair), and my toothbrush on the bus with me. No one even looked at me when I put on deodorant, but when I stepped back onto the bus at a maintenance stop to get my toothbrush, the workers had a hearty chuckle at my expense. Though I'm not sure why. "Has no greyhound rider ever brushed their teeth before?" I thought. But when I put baby powder in my hair (I'm allergic to dry shampoo) to get the oil out, I got a couple bewildered stares. Pro tip: baby powder is fantastic for oily hair.
So, here is the gentle reminder that God had a plan, even in my frustration. I got to minister to a lot of people on those buses. Got to listen to a woman who was on her way home because her husband was murdered. I spoke with a drunk woman about religion and Jesus. I befriended a young man who was moving from Tennessee to Arkansas to try to get a job and an education and was able to give him a lot of advice. I also met another young man who was travelling from Virginia to Houston. He was going to be on that bus for two days. He had no money and was just trying to get home. Oh, and it was his birthday. Now I didn't have much money, but in Nashville he and I went out to eat and I was able to buy his birthday dinner. Had I been on a flight the woman may not have had an ear for her drunken mouth and may have been kicked off the bus unable to get home, the guy I spoke with might have had no knowledge of Arkansas, and the other guy may have been alone and hungry the entire ride to Houston. Of course I was frustrated at the time, but when I got home I understood. Gentle Reminder.
Once I got home I started the process of getting ready to leave. Getting boxes and plastic totes, calling to get my utilities shut off, getting my passport... The passport was the big one. Thanks to gofundme I had raised the money to pay for the expedited process. However, the night before I received an email saying they needed more info to verify my identity so I had to borrow the money from a friend. I got everything done without a problem but it was a Friday. Which meant that my passport wouldn't come in until Monday. Which was President's Day. Which pushed it to Tuesday. Which meant I should get it Wednesday morning (my mail normally runs around 10:30). So when Wednesday rolls around I venture out into the rain at 10:30. No mail. I check again at 11:30. No mail. I try to be patient and check again at 1PM. There is a book of coupons. No passport. I call the post office and get an automated system that has me waste about eight minutes clicking through convoluted menus, all for them to end the call. So I call the passport place. They tell me it got shipped and give me the tracking number. I check the status only to find that it is "Delivered/In mailbox 11:47." So I call the post office back and I go through all the menus again and get to a point where it asks me a yes or no question that is nowhere near the same category of where I need to be. So I legitimately screamed LET ME SPEAK TO A HUMAN BEING into my phone for close to three minutes and I finally hear: "You would like to speak to a representative, is that correct?" - "YES!" - "Due to the high number of calls your approximate wait time is 30-40 minutes." I am livid at this point. "There is no way that many people are calling the post office in Monticello," I think. I put my phone on speaker in case that is a standard message and maybe it will only be a few minutes. Meanwhile, I am scouring the internet for any other phone number, review, fax number, anything to get me in contact with them. I know at this point if I go inside I will be a very unpleasant person. I find another number after about five minutes and call it. Human. I tell him my situation and he says that since that was priority mail he had to confirm the delivery himself and assured me the carrier dropped it off before 12. I told him it was not in my mailbox and he proceeded to tell me that I didn't know my own address. Every time I try to talk about my passport, however, he just continues to tell me that I don't know my own address even though I've literally lived at my apartment for a year. I bring up my passport again, and he brings up my address again. At this point, I just want to pummel this fool. Finally I tell him that I am going to check every mailbox at my complex (26 of them) and I will call back. So I venture out into what is not a torrential downpour of Biblical proportions to find it in the wrong mailbox. Luckily the packaging was thick, because the envelope was absolutely soaked. I got even angrier that my documents were very nearly ruined. I call back just to let him know I had found it and that it was in the wrong box and he responds, not with "sorry," but with: "They [the boxes] must not have numbers on them." To which I reply: "No, they all have numbers." and end the call before I get nasty.
Ready for the reminder? The last time I went out, the time my passport was actually found, I saw a need. My neighbor (who has had a blowout on her car since before I went to New York, God bless her) was struggling with something in her trunk. It looked as if she had all new tires and wheels on her car. In her trunk were the old wheels, with the blowout tire included. On the bottom. She was drenched and struggling to lift the tires and I asked if she needed help. If I had gotten my passport the first time I never would have been able to meet that need. Even something as simple as lifting a few tires. Coincidentally, this was the only time I made the trip to the mailbox in a raincoat instead of holding an umbrella. Had I been holding the umbrella I would have been soaked, I would not have had the free hands to lift tires, my umbrella probably would have blown away in that gale, and my passport may have gotten all the way wet. And if I posted this blog when I originally wanted to I would not have had that second reminder yet, causing it to just be a run-on rant about greyhound.
TL;DR no matter how uncomfortable or frustrating your situation is, just know that there is a reason. You may not know that reason for days, months, years, or even during your time on Earth, but rest assured that there is a reason. Luckily I realized mine rather quickly. But at some point we are going to have to take a look at the Bible and realize that God is who He says He is, and trust Him. And when we don't, be prepared to be reminded.
Bear with me, both stories I have to tell may get lengthy. Once I got the job offer from China I had to immediately start making plans. Plans that I couldn't make fast enough. First, I had to travel from New York back to Arkansas. As anyone who travels knows, unless you book flights 2-3 weeks in advance they are pretty expensive. I found that I could take a bus for $130+ cheaper than I could fly. The downside: 32 hours on a bus. The greyhound site also said that I could take another checked bag. That meant I wouldn't have to ship anything back, thus saving more money. So, the bus won out, and from the beginning it was a nightmare.
First I called greyhound to ask if I needed to be there a certain amount of time beforehand in order to check my bags. The person on the phone spoke less English than Kolbi (Austin's two year old daughter). I said I had a question about baggage and they stayed silent - I literally mean silent - for over a minute. I asked my question again, which garnered the response "you have question about baggage?" I said yes and explained my situation. Again. I was then met with a minute of silence. Again. So I asked again and they responded the same way again. I hung up the phone and called again to get a new rep. When they answered the phone I immediately asked for a supervisor so I could talk to someone who actually knew the regulations. The person who answered asked me why I needed a supervisor and said they could answer all of my questions. They couldn't. They told me I would have to pay for my extra bag and ship it. Greyhound has a shipping service (third party - I thought they would just put it on the bus) that would be no different than sending it normally. I was frustrated and thinking that I was not going to save money AND have to be on a bus. I asked if there was anyone else to speak to and I was given the number to the Baggage Service Desk (why didn't my call go there directly?!). So I called them and got all my questions answered.
The same day I got a call from a job I had applied for at Columbia University to be Assistant Housing Manager and they wanted to do a phone interview. The interviewer loved me and wanted me to come in, but I explained my China opportunity and said that unless they had some marvelous offer for me then I would be going to Beijing. They said they would keep my resume on file and to contact them if I came back and was looking for a job.
So the day to leave came and I ordered an Uber at 9AM. My bus was set to depart at 11. I was in Brooklyn and had to get to the Port Authority bus terminal in Manhattan - about 5-6 miles. Kolbi meets me at the door to say bye with her trademark conglomeration of affection that includes: hugs, kisses, noses, noggin', high-five, low-five, other side, break the pickle, and of course, tickle tickle. Then I lug my stuff down four flights of stairs and across the road to the waiting SUV. It was about 9:15. The commute took an hour and a half (it was predicted at 56 minutes). We pull up and I slip my camera bag on my bag, my backpack holding my laptop on my front, and a duffel bag into each hand. I waddle through two sets of doors and to the closest kiosk I can find. I have to go downstairs. I go downstairs and find the greyhound sign that reads "baggage check." I am the only one in line and it's 10:47. I step up to check my bags and find that I have to pay $15 for the second bag that I thought was free. Now, before entering, I had $15 in cash, but I gave my driver a $5 tip for helping load and unload my bags. I pulled out my debit card which promptly got declined. This was frustrating for two reasons. 1) I had called my bank to let them know I was travelling so not to decline purchases from New York. 2) I now only have 10 minutes to make my bus. The clerk tells me that there's a bank across the lobby where I can withdraw cash. and I just stare at her incredulously because my card GOT DECLINED. Then I get a text from my bank. Fraud alert. Was this you Y/N? I type yes and am greeted with a response to wait two minutes and try again. Now there are four people in front of me in line. They finish and I step up again. Pay. Check bags. Ask for my terminal. It's downstairs...great. I strap up and try to run with my luggage as best I can to the end of the hall to the stairs, then back to the other end again to my terminal. The line is empty and there is a guy closing the door who asks: "where you headed?" To which I reply: "THERE!" He looked at me and said, "I'll take your bags, go ahead and get on, she's about to leave." I made it. Barely.
Now that you're caught up to me on the bus, I'll spare you most of the details. Such as the smells, noises, insanity, and senseless delays. The buses were large with pretty decent leg room, and an on-board bathroom. We were on schedule to arrive five hours early in Little Rock, but ended up being two hours late. For those of you who aren't mathematically inclined, that's a seven hour difference. I can't sleep on trips so I was sweaty, oily, in need of a shower and clean clothes, tired, and frustrated at the situation from the start. I brought deodorant, baby powder (for my hair), and my toothbrush on the bus with me. No one even looked at me when I put on deodorant, but when I stepped back onto the bus at a maintenance stop to get my toothbrush, the workers had a hearty chuckle at my expense. Though I'm not sure why. "Has no greyhound rider ever brushed their teeth before?" I thought. But when I put baby powder in my hair (I'm allergic to dry shampoo) to get the oil out, I got a couple bewildered stares. Pro tip: baby powder is fantastic for oily hair.
So, here is the gentle reminder that God had a plan, even in my frustration. I got to minister to a lot of people on those buses. Got to listen to a woman who was on her way home because her husband was murdered. I spoke with a drunk woman about religion and Jesus. I befriended a young man who was moving from Tennessee to Arkansas to try to get a job and an education and was able to give him a lot of advice. I also met another young man who was travelling from Virginia to Houston. He was going to be on that bus for two days. He had no money and was just trying to get home. Oh, and it was his birthday. Now I didn't have much money, but in Nashville he and I went out to eat and I was able to buy his birthday dinner. Had I been on a flight the woman may not have had an ear for her drunken mouth and may have been kicked off the bus unable to get home, the guy I spoke with might have had no knowledge of Arkansas, and the other guy may have been alone and hungry the entire ride to Houston. Of course I was frustrated at the time, but when I got home I understood. Gentle Reminder.
Once I got home I started the process of getting ready to leave. Getting boxes and plastic totes, calling to get my utilities shut off, getting my passport... The passport was the big one. Thanks to gofundme I had raised the money to pay for the expedited process. However, the night before I received an email saying they needed more info to verify my identity so I had to borrow the money from a friend. I got everything done without a problem but it was a Friday. Which meant that my passport wouldn't come in until Monday. Which was President's Day. Which pushed it to Tuesday. Which meant I should get it Wednesday morning (my mail normally runs around 10:30). So when Wednesday rolls around I venture out into the rain at 10:30. No mail. I check again at 11:30. No mail. I try to be patient and check again at 1PM. There is a book of coupons. No passport. I call the post office and get an automated system that has me waste about eight minutes clicking through convoluted menus, all for them to end the call. So I call the passport place. They tell me it got shipped and give me the tracking number. I check the status only to find that it is "Delivered/In mailbox 11:47." So I call the post office back and I go through all the menus again and get to a point where it asks me a yes or no question that is nowhere near the same category of where I need to be. So I legitimately screamed LET ME SPEAK TO A HUMAN BEING into my phone for close to three minutes and I finally hear: "You would like to speak to a representative, is that correct?" - "YES!" - "Due to the high number of calls your approximate wait time is 30-40 minutes." I am livid at this point. "There is no way that many people are calling the post office in Monticello," I think. I put my phone on speaker in case that is a standard message and maybe it will only be a few minutes. Meanwhile, I am scouring the internet for any other phone number, review, fax number, anything to get me in contact with them. I know at this point if I go inside I will be a very unpleasant person. I find another number after about five minutes and call it. Human. I tell him my situation and he says that since that was priority mail he had to confirm the delivery himself and assured me the carrier dropped it off before 12. I told him it was not in my mailbox and he proceeded to tell me that I didn't know my own address. Every time I try to talk about my passport, however, he just continues to tell me that I don't know my own address even though I've literally lived at my apartment for a year. I bring up my passport again, and he brings up my address again. At this point, I just want to pummel this fool. Finally I tell him that I am going to check every mailbox at my complex (26 of them) and I will call back. So I venture out into what is not a torrential downpour of Biblical proportions to find it in the wrong mailbox. Luckily the packaging was thick, because the envelope was absolutely soaked. I got even angrier that my documents were very nearly ruined. I call back just to let him know I had found it and that it was in the wrong box and he responds, not with "sorry," but with: "They [the boxes] must not have numbers on them." To which I reply: "No, they all have numbers." and end the call before I get nasty.
Ready for the reminder? The last time I went out, the time my passport was actually found, I saw a need. My neighbor (who has had a blowout on her car since before I went to New York, God bless her) was struggling with something in her trunk. It looked as if she had all new tires and wheels on her car. In her trunk were the old wheels, with the blowout tire included. On the bottom. She was drenched and struggling to lift the tires and I asked if she needed help. If I had gotten my passport the first time I never would have been able to meet that need. Even something as simple as lifting a few tires. Coincidentally, this was the only time I made the trip to the mailbox in a raincoat instead of holding an umbrella. Had I been holding the umbrella I would have been soaked, I would not have had the free hands to lift tires, my umbrella probably would have blown away in that gale, and my passport may have gotten all the way wet. And if I posted this blog when I originally wanted to I would not have had that second reminder yet, causing it to just be a run-on rant about greyhound.
TL;DR no matter how uncomfortable or frustrating your situation is, just know that there is a reason. You may not know that reason for days, months, years, or even during your time on Earth, but rest assured that there is a reason. Luckily I realized mine rather quickly. But at some point we are going to have to take a look at the Bible and realize that God is who He says He is, and trust Him. And when we don't, be prepared to be reminded.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
New Year - New York - New Opportunities
Hello, I'm back! I know that I've taken a rather extended leave of absence from writing, but life happens, ya know? Sorry for being away, but I'm back and I have exciting news!
First, I'm going to backtrack a bit to December (stick with me!). I was in Arkansas, broke, unemployed, and rehabilitating from another knee surgery. I had planned to visit friends in Brooklyn over the holiday, but I decided against it since I didn't have a steady source of income. I was told to go ahead and come and my Christmas gift could be their feeding me during my time here. So, a couple days before the trip was scheduled, I decided that I would go. I checked the weather for the next week and packed accordingly. Two long sleeve shirts, two pullovers, and a scarf. No coat. Not the best apparel for the second coldest NYE Times Square ball drop on record.
I have been wanting to move to New York for some time. I first came to New York to do disaster relief after Hurricane Sandy in 2012, then again in 2013. And I somehow found my way back every year. I love the city. It's big and bright and loud and fast-paced. Nearly everything that small town Arkansas isn't. Not that I don't love my home state, because nothing beats being able to walk out your door and having your pick of hammocking trees! Arkansas is beautiful and amazing, I just didn't feel it held too many opportunities for me at this time in my life.
So I visited New York again. Then the day came to go back. And on a whim I decided to stay to see if I could find a job. I say whim, but what I mean is: I didn't have a job in Monticello, so what could it hurt? And if I didn't find anything in a few weeks I would just go back home. In a three week span I applied to well over 100 jobs. Either through Indeed, LinkedIn, individual websites, or in person. Most of the days I spent in the city job searching I walked 5, 6, 7 miles a day. Approximately 80% of places I went to said they only hired online. This really frustrated me, because although I have a LOT of experience in a lot of different areas, my resume doesn't quite reflect the efforts of my life. I wanted to walk in and be able to show someone what I was made of. Let them see that I was available to start immediately, learn faster, and work harder than their other applicants. None of that happened. I got an interview at Shake Shack (if you know me, you know I don't want to be in the food industry unless I have to). I was supposed to come in for a second interview, but never received an email. I got three emails saying they were going with different candidates. So, if your math isn't so good, that's a < 5% response rate to my applications. I was quite frustrated, and had been for a while.
I have been working through some personal darkness for about two years and have felt like God had abandoned me. Now, I'm not so naive as to be unaware of His provision in my life, it's just that I wanted to know my purpose so I could get to it. But my time is not God's time. Toiling in frustration was just preparing me - is still preparing me - for something bigger. I don't know God's plan for my life, but I'm just going to continue giving Him praise and trusting that He knows way more than I do. I have learned a lot in this time. I had a strong heart-to-heart with a good friend this summer, and have learned many small lessons since then. Most of those through scripture. Since deciding to stay in New York on New Year's Day, every step I have taken has been a leap of faith.
Shortly after starting to apply for jobs I got a message that said my resume was searched on Indeed and I had the qualifications of someone to teach English in China. I was totally surprised, but clicked that I was interested and wanted more info. I didn't think it would lead anywhere. I got a response around a week later with some details and asking if I wanted to do a Skype interview. So I started vetting the company. They are owned by a publicly traded corporation on the NYSE and I found no red flags so I decided to give them my info. I did the interview and it went well, but I continued my job hunt in NYC. I still didn't think I would actually be considered for something like teaching English in China.
I then met a young man through a local college ministry (@thecommonsevents on insta) who worked at Goodwill and said they may be hiring. I went in and met the manager, gave them a resume...the usual. I got invited back for an interview that went really well and thought this was my break. "I'm finally getting a job in New York! I can go home, pack my things, and start looking for a place to live. My friends will all have a place to stay when they want to visit NYC." The usual giddy thoughts. Well, I interviewed on a Saturday and was supposed to start the next week. The call never came. I got a little downhearted. However, my China recruiter messaged me and said she would like me to record a demo lesson to send out to schools looking for English teachers. I did the demo and she loved it. She said she had to send my video and my application to schools, but that I should hear back soon.
Two and a half weeks went by after the Goodwill interview before I heard anything. At this point I had decided to move on. And further, move back to Arkansas because it would be way easier to save money there than in New York. Then I was told I got the job and to call the manager. That was last Friday. (Today is Tuesday) Thursday night, however, I contracted a satanic virus. I had a sore throat and a slight cough, but I rarely get sick so I brushed it off. Later that night I got a fever and chills and became very achy. The next day my fever persisted and I had a killer migraine. My clothes and blanket were soaked through with sweat and I was in too much pain to even open my eyes. My fever broke Sunday night but I had developed a sinus infection and was barely able to celebrate with America as the patriots lost the Super Bowl. Monday evening I woke up and my nose was clear, headache was gone, and I thought I was free. I was not. My fever spiked a little and the sinus headaches returned with a marvelous fury. In fact, I'm currently typing this with my brightness turned all the way down and a humidifier turning my corner of the living room into a rainforest. Last night I got a text from my recruiter saying to check my email. I had a job offer! Teaching English at kindergarten through First Leap China in Beijing!
I know to some people this opportunity seemed to spawn from nowhere, but that's because it did. I was caught totally off guard by this change of circumstances. I mustered the strength to make a phone call earlier and let the manager at Goodwill know that I would not be taking the job. She congratulated me on the opportunity I had, and said to let her know if I came back to NYC and needed a job.
I realize that I have been rather long-winded, but there was two months worth of info to catch everyone up on. I am caught in a whirlwind. I have to fly back to Arkansas, get a storage unit, move out of my apartment, get my passport and visa, and start packing. They actually want me to be able to start by March 15th. I'm not sure if that is a realistic time frame, but I will do what I can to get that ball rolling, and my recruiter and school will be helping me.
Now comes the awkward part. Since I have been unemployed I don't currently have the means to purchase my passport (and expedite the process) and visa, as well as square away everything in such a short time span. I started a gofundme account and ask for anything you may be willing to donate for me to achieve this goal. Link >>> https://www.gofundme.com/8s5b7-teaching-in-china If you choose to donate, know that I truly value your contribution and it will not be squandered. And if you don't, at least keep coming back to read my blog. I vow to "try" to post way more often to keep you all updated on my journey! I'd like to post once a week, but I'm not sure how well I will do.
I am already indebted to so many of you. Austin and Haley and Jim for housing me in New York. All those who tried to get me a job while I was here. Ben and Mike for packing my socks, shoes, and coat! And Jeremy for shipping it. Everyone who contributed to my birthday care package. Everyone who has supported me, prayed for me, mentored me, and just listened. Chris and Gidget for the opportunity at Goodwill. Kyra for the face wash (this NYC wind had my skin looking like the Gobi Desert). Paul King for giving me work when I needed to pay bills.
Thank you all for reading and continue to check back for updates. Ask questions and I will be happy to answer them!
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| 7 degrees with a wind chill of Lord Kelvin |
I have been wanting to move to New York for some time. I first came to New York to do disaster relief after Hurricane Sandy in 2012, then again in 2013. And I somehow found my way back every year. I love the city. It's big and bright and loud and fast-paced. Nearly everything that small town Arkansas isn't. Not that I don't love my home state, because nothing beats being able to walk out your door and having your pick of hammocking trees! Arkansas is beautiful and amazing, I just didn't feel it held too many opportunities for me at this time in my life.
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| Freedom Tower as seen from Fulton Center (outside a Shake Shack actually) |
I have been working through some personal darkness for about two years and have felt like God had abandoned me. Now, I'm not so naive as to be unaware of His provision in my life, it's just that I wanted to know my purpose so I could get to it. But my time is not God's time. Toiling in frustration was just preparing me - is still preparing me - for something bigger. I don't know God's plan for my life, but I'm just going to continue giving Him praise and trusting that He knows way more than I do. I have learned a lot in this time. I had a strong heart-to-heart with a good friend this summer, and have learned many small lessons since then. Most of those through scripture. Since deciding to stay in New York on New Year's Day, every step I have taken has been a leap of faith.
Shortly after starting to apply for jobs I got a message that said my resume was searched on Indeed and I had the qualifications of someone to teach English in China. I was totally surprised, but clicked that I was interested and wanted more info. I didn't think it would lead anywhere. I got a response around a week later with some details and asking if I wanted to do a Skype interview. So I started vetting the company. They are owned by a publicly traded corporation on the NYSE and I found no red flags so I decided to give them my info. I did the interview and it went well, but I continued my job hunt in NYC. I still didn't think I would actually be considered for something like teaching English in China.
I then met a young man through a local college ministry (@thecommonsevents on insta) who worked at Goodwill and said they may be hiring. I went in and met the manager, gave them a resume...the usual. I got invited back for an interview that went really well and thought this was my break. "I'm finally getting a job in New York! I can go home, pack my things, and start looking for a place to live. My friends will all have a place to stay when they want to visit NYC." The usual giddy thoughts. Well, I interviewed on a Saturday and was supposed to start the next week. The call never came. I got a little downhearted. However, my China recruiter messaged me and said she would like me to record a demo lesson to send out to schools looking for English teachers. I did the demo and she loved it. She said she had to send my video and my application to schools, but that I should hear back soon.
Two and a half weeks went by after the Goodwill interview before I heard anything. At this point I had decided to move on. And further, move back to Arkansas because it would be way easier to save money there than in New York. Then I was told I got the job and to call the manager. That was last Friday. (Today is Tuesday) Thursday night, however, I contracted a satanic virus. I had a sore throat and a slight cough, but I rarely get sick so I brushed it off. Later that night I got a fever and chills and became very achy. The next day my fever persisted and I had a killer migraine. My clothes and blanket were soaked through with sweat and I was in too much pain to even open my eyes. My fever broke Sunday night but I had developed a sinus infection and was barely able to celebrate with America as the patriots lost the Super Bowl. Monday evening I woke up and my nose was clear, headache was gone, and I thought I was free. I was not. My fever spiked a little and the sinus headaches returned with a marvelous fury. In fact, I'm currently typing this with my brightness turned all the way down and a humidifier turning my corner of the living room into a rainforest. Last night I got a text from my recruiter saying to check my email. I had a job offer! Teaching English at kindergarten through First Leap China in Beijing!
I know to some people this opportunity seemed to spawn from nowhere, but that's because it did. I was caught totally off guard by this change of circumstances. I mustered the strength to make a phone call earlier and let the manager at Goodwill know that I would not be taking the job. She congratulated me on the opportunity I had, and said to let her know if I came back to NYC and needed a job.
I realize that I have been rather long-winded, but there was two months worth of info to catch everyone up on. I am caught in a whirlwind. I have to fly back to Arkansas, get a storage unit, move out of my apartment, get my passport and visa, and start packing. They actually want me to be able to start by March 15th. I'm not sure if that is a realistic time frame, but I will do what I can to get that ball rolling, and my recruiter and school will be helping me.
Now comes the awkward part. Since I have been unemployed I don't currently have the means to purchase my passport (and expedite the process) and visa, as well as square away everything in such a short time span. I started a gofundme account and ask for anything you may be willing to donate for me to achieve this goal. Link >>> https://www.gofundme.com/8s5b7-teaching-in-china If you choose to donate, know that I truly value your contribution and it will not be squandered. And if you don't, at least keep coming back to read my blog. I vow to "try" to post way more often to keep you all updated on my journey! I'd like to post once a week, but I'm not sure how well I will do.
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| my corner of the living room |
Thank you all for reading and continue to check back for updates. Ask questions and I will be happy to answer them!
Friday, July 8, 2016
An issue of the heart
It has been quite a while since I've posted on here. Sorry to my one follower.. But I posted a Facebook status today for the first time in God only knows how long and I felt that I should share it here as well. It's a message that came to me when I saw a photo of a woman who was caught stealing eggs (photo below). Instead of arresting her, some officers bought her truckloads of food so that she could feed her children and grandchildren. I've weighed in on the media before, but here goes round 2. *ding ding*
I know this photo doesn't really reference any of the recent senseless loss of life that has struck our nation, but it does send a message to me that I would like to share with everyone.
In today's culture the media fuels everything. Even social media has become a catalyst for all kinds of movements. Many movements gain recognition and loyal followers through these social platforms. If there is one post on my feed that is pro #blacklivesmatter, it is guaranteed that the next post I see is going to be the same video/photo/article but shared with #bluelivesmatter. You're all sharing the same thing and seeing it in different ways. And that's great. We are a diverse nation, and we all have our own opinions and beliefs. That helps us learn from each other and grow as a community.
The point I want to make with this photo is that for every act of violence that the media infests our every waking moment with, from television to social media, to iPhone notifications and hashtags; there are probably more than 10 occurrences of love, brotherhood, and compassion that we know nothing about. The media fuels our hate by being in our face constantly. If hate is all we see, it's all we will know. I don't care if you don't like FOXNews because it's too conservative, or dislike MSNBC because it's too liberal; the fact is that all media is dishonest in some way or another. They are always going to be skewed to their point of view. We have to unite as Americans, or better yet, as a human race, and live our lives in a way that creates a better tomorrow. Don't base your actions and judgements on a headline. Base it on what's best for your neighbor, friend, or loved one.
It's great to take a stand for social justice and I wholeheartedly agree that our nation has a problem that needs to be fixed. But that stand shouldn't be against our fellow man. Violence begets violence. If you are constantly tearing someone else down you do not have the energy to build anyone else up. Instead of being negative let's create a culture of understanding, forgiveness, fellowship, and compassion for our fellow man. Create a community that cares for and helps one another. We do have a problem. But it's not with the police. Or with Isis. Or with African Americans. Or with Muslims. Or with Westboro Baptist. Our issue is with our hearts. It just doesn't seem like people value the life of the person sitting across from them anymore. And that - be it hatred, racism, apathy, ignorance, or selfishness - that is the problem.
As the great philosopher Ozzy Osbourne once said: "maybe it's not too late to learn how to love and forget how to hate."
Hope you all have a blessed day. Tell someone that you love them today. Help a neighbor. Protest peacefully. Be the voice of reason in a conflict. Be the change. Love wins.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Les États-Unis pour France
I'm sure by now, if you're awake, you've heard of the heartbreaking news out of France. Multiple attacks by terrorists ripped through Paris, with early estimates putting the death toll at 158, but that is sure to rise before all is said and done.
I am writing this post to call people to action. I have seen tweets, pictures shared, statuses made, and hashtags calling for prayer. Now I ask you, have you done what you posted? Have you #PrayedForParis?
I was shocked and a little overwhelmed when I first heard. I was unsure of how to react. I have now reacted. I got to my knees in my floor with my face on the ground and cried out to God for the people of France. If you are a Christian and you have shared a post that said #PrayForParis and you haven't yet fallen on your face or wept for those affected, then you're doing it wrong.
The people of France need prayer tonight, and our continued support. I say the people of France because, while yes, Paris was attacked, all of France is reeling. France is crying. France is mourning. Europe as a whole will be affected. I want the people of France to know that I, and America, are with them.
I am deeply saddened over the horrific loss of life. I am a French minor, have a great desire to travel to France, and have multiple friends from France. Some of whom have not yet replied to my messages. Morgane, Stéphanie, Elodie, Emmanuel, Claire, Gael; please know I am thinking of you.
Tonight as you pray, pray for peace, pray for guidance, pray for love to abound. Pray that this event will help a nation, an alliance, and our world stand together against acts of hate. Pray that amidst the chaos and confusion that the love of God would permeate all. Pray that instead of turning to anger, people will turn to Christ. Pray that the Holy Spirit descends and is so tangible that people can no longer deny the presence of Christ. Pray for the families that are hurting, pray for police and military, and pray for God's will to be done.
France, know that America is with you. I am with you. I am in mourning with you, and I will continue to pray for you.
Allons enfants de la Patrie, le jour de gloire est arrivé! Contre nous de la tyrannie, l'étendard sanglant est levé. L'étendard sanglant est levé.
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Aux armes, citoyens, formez vos bataillons. Marchons, marchons!
#USAforFrance Je t'aime.
Friday, September 11, 2015
We Are America
Hi again, everyone. Today I wanted to write about something a little more serious, but I feel like it's a message that everyone needs to hear.
As you all know, today marks the 14 year anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on our great nation. When I woke up this morning (not having class or work I slept in a little) I changed my Facebook profile picture to a photo I took at the WTC memorial and displayed the hashtag #NeverForget like nearly everyone else on social media. You all probably did this, too. Or, at the very least, some form of this. Whether you tweeted #NeverForget or added the 9/11 filter on Snapchat or gathered this morning to pray for our country, we all issued our condolences and thoughts of remembrance.
Right after I changed my picture I realized that we all do this every year as a sign of solidarity, a sign of unity. Then I began to think of the state of our nation; how we were 14 years ago, and how we are today. In many ways we have made enormous strides towards equality, strength, and patriotism, but in many others ways we have regressed. I don't really want this post to be about race, but I do need to address it. Today we are all battling between the #BlackLivesMatter and #AllLivesMatter movemenet, riots, police brutality, profiling, gang violence, gay marriage, not to mention campaign season getting into full swing.
While each side has their arguments and their pros and cons, I implore you all to stop the talking and arguing, and listen. Open your eyes ears. For every one instance of hate, there are 10 acts of love that go unnoticed. I personally blame the media. I believe they only show the negative and instigate more
hatred. Just look at this picture that was taken during the middle of a protest. This is what the media needs to show more of: love. Yes people make mistakes, yes people say the wrong thing, yes people act out of emotion, but if we truly think about it, are we any better? We all mess up every day in some way or another. To steal a line from my favorite movie speech ever: "We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests." And our common interest, as Americans, should be the betterment of our country through love. All we have is each other. When are we going to stop tearing down what built this country? We had to stand firm against injustice in order to become the United States of America, and if we want to continue to be recognized as the greatest country on Earth then we must stand together again!
As I sat and thought about all these things this morning while posting my photo it hit me that 14 years ago we were still worried about color, but it wasn't about black and white. It wasn't about how we differed from each other. It was about how we were the same, and how we all felt the same sense of being wronged. It was about how we all showed an outpouring of love that rocked our nation. 14 years ago we were all the same color. We were all Red, White, and Blue.
I don't know if you remember where you were and what you were doing when those planes hit, but I do. I don't know if you remember the mass panic no matter where you were in America, but I do. I don't know if you remember the following days and months, but I do. And what I remember about those following days and months was EVERY store running out of flags. I remember streets and houses being lined with the American flag. Row after row, house after house. We bonded together and showed the world that terror would not be tolerated. We showed the world that, even though we had taken a major hit, we would stand strong and not be intimidated. What would our country look like if we did that again? I know everyone screams 'Merica and posts bald eagle memes, but what if we all stood together against hate. What if we united under one banner again and said that we aren't going to tolerate terror, coming from home or abroad.
Not to forget about what this anniversary is about, I would like to offer prayers and condolences to the families of those lost, as well as a thank you to those who perished while selflessly trying to save others. The casualties of September 11th, 2001 number nearly 3,000. 2,606 in the World Trade Center and surrounding areas, 246 on the four planes, 125 in the Pentagon, 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers, and 55 military personnel. Overall, citizens from over 90 countries lost their lives in the attack.
As we go through this day and see the countless posts of remembrance and love, let us also think about today's world and how we can change it. Let's remember that we made this country great and it is up to us to keep it that way. It's time that we unite again. It doesn't matter if you are black, white, democrat, republican, gay, straight, Christian, or atheist; we are all Americans. We are all Red, White, and Blue.
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| Photo: Greg Ogletree |
Right after I changed my picture I realized that we all do this every year as a sign of solidarity, a sign of unity. Then I began to think of the state of our nation; how we were 14 years ago, and how we are today. In many ways we have made enormous strides towards equality, strength, and patriotism, but in many others ways we have regressed. I don't really want this post to be about race, but I do need to address it. Today we are all battling between the #BlackLivesMatter and #AllLivesMatter movemenet, riots, police brutality, profiling, gang violence, gay marriage, not to mention campaign season getting into full swing.
While each side has their arguments and their pros and cons, I implore you all to stop the talking and arguing, and listen. Open your eyes ears. For every one instance of hate, there are 10 acts of love that go unnoticed. I personally blame the media. I believe they only show the negative and instigate morehatred. Just look at this picture that was taken during the middle of a protest. This is what the media needs to show more of: love. Yes people make mistakes, yes people say the wrong thing, yes people act out of emotion, but if we truly think about it, are we any better? We all mess up every day in some way or another. To steal a line from my favorite movie speech ever: "We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests." And our common interest, as Americans, should be the betterment of our country through love. All we have is each other. When are we going to stop tearing down what built this country? We had to stand firm against injustice in order to become the United States of America, and if we want to continue to be recognized as the greatest country on Earth then we must stand together again!
I don't know if you remember where you were and what you were doing when those planes hit, but I do. I don't know if you remember the mass panic no matter where you were in America, but I do. I don't know if you remember the following days and months, but I do. And what I remember about those following days and months was EVERY store running out of flags. I remember streets and houses being lined with the American flag. Row after row, house after house. We bonded together and showed the world that terror would not be tolerated. We showed the world that, even though we had taken a major hit, we would stand strong and not be intimidated. What would our country look like if we did that again? I know everyone screams 'Merica and posts bald eagle memes, but what if we all stood together against hate. What if we united under one banner again and said that we aren't going to tolerate terror, coming from home or abroad.
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| Photo: Greg Ogletree |
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| Photo: Greg Ogletree |
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
In Loving Memory of Jamie Lynn Ferguson
Hello, all! I know it's been many months since I've posted anything, but today I have feelings I just need to get out. This blog seems like a good way for me to express my adoration for a great friend of mine.
As most of the UAM community knows, our beloved Jamie Lynn Ferguson passed away on Monday. I've been holding off on posting this because it would make it seem too real, but it's time to tell others how great Jamie was.
I first met Jamie when I attended a BCM worship service my first semester of college, and I was astounded (because I didn't know anyone) that she knew every person there, and everyone knew her. As soon as we were introduced she gave me a hug and said how glad she was to meet me. She immediately motioned for a high five and when I went in to slap her hand she coolly pulled her hand away and said "gotcha." She got me alright. Every time I saw her since that day she gave me a fake high five and a hug. Never once did I see Jamie without a smile on her face - well, unless someone took her phone or her sonic drink. Not long after meeting, I learned of Jamie's debilitating condition; Huntington's Disease. As I learned about the disease and what it was doing to her, I wondered if she was ever in pain or sad, because she sure didn't show it.
Jamie did everything she possibly could all the time. She was a staple at all of the UAM sporting events, especially the softball games. If a homerun or foul ball was hit, you better get out of the way because Jamie was on a mission to get it before anyone else. She loved the sports teams and athletes with intense fervor. She went with us to Passion which included 11 hours in a bus, standing in line, walking countless steps on the concourse, taking the stairs to the floor seats, then getting back to the hotel late and getting up early the next morning to do it again. She played games with anyone that was around. And she loved everyone. Everyone.
Jamie was a walking, glowing example of Christ at this university. She had a warm smile, a kind word, or a hug waiting on every person she saw throughout the day. Despite her physical limitations, and almost certain pain, she carried herself with the utmost positivity. Instead of complaining, each day she sought to make someone smile, and she succeeded.
Even though Jamie's passing is terribly sad, I can cry tears of joy knowing that she is running full speed into the arms of Jesus. And you can bet He has a route 44 raspberry peach sweet tea waiting on her!
Jamie, you made an impact in so many people's lives that we cannot begin to measure it. I hope that we, as Christians, can follow in your example and love wholeheartedly without bias, and without complaint. I know you will continue to teach us until we see you again. Oh, and save a high five for me.
As most of the UAM community knows, our beloved Jamie Lynn Ferguson passed away on Monday. I've been holding off on posting this because it would make it seem too real, but it's time to tell others how great Jamie was.
I first met Jamie when I attended a BCM worship service my first semester of college, and I was astounded (because I didn't know anyone) that she knew every person there, and everyone knew her. As soon as we were introduced she gave me a hug and said how glad she was to meet me. She immediately motioned for a high five and when I went in to slap her hand she coolly pulled her hand away and said "gotcha." She got me alright. Every time I saw her since that day she gave me a fake high five and a hug. Never once did I see Jamie without a smile on her face - well, unless someone took her phone or her sonic drink. Not long after meeting, I learned of Jamie's debilitating condition; Huntington's Disease. As I learned about the disease and what it was doing to her, I wondered if she was ever in pain or sad, because she sure didn't show it.
Jamie did everything she possibly could all the time. She was a staple at all of the UAM sporting events, especially the softball games. If a homerun or foul ball was hit, you better get out of the way because Jamie was on a mission to get it before anyone else. She loved the sports teams and athletes with intense fervor. She went with us to Passion which included 11 hours in a bus, standing in line, walking countless steps on the concourse, taking the stairs to the floor seats, then getting back to the hotel late and getting up early the next morning to do it again. She played games with anyone that was around. And she loved everyone. Everyone.Jamie was a walking, glowing example of Christ at this university. She had a warm smile, a kind word, or a hug waiting on every person she saw throughout the day. Despite her physical limitations, and almost certain pain, she carried herself with the utmost positivity. Instead of complaining, each day she sought to make someone smile, and she succeeded.
Even though Jamie's passing is terribly sad, I can cry tears of joy knowing that she is running full speed into the arms of Jesus. And you can bet He has a route 44 raspberry peach sweet tea waiting on her!
Jamie, you made an impact in so many people's lives that we cannot begin to measure it. I hope that we, as Christians, can follow in your example and love wholeheartedly without bias, and without complaint. I know you will continue to teach us until we see you again. Oh, and save a high five for me.
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