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!

7 degrees with a wind chill of Lord Kelvin

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.

Freedom Tower as seen from Fulton Center (outside a Shake Shack actually)

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.

my corner of the living room

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!