The title of this blog is the only way I know how to sum up the chain of events that have taken place over the last 9 days. My family and I have beckoned the Lord's favor on my life for a very long time, more specifically since this Spring, when I graduated college. Little did we know the emotional journey we would all too soon face. In short, as many of you already know, I have spent my last two summers as the youth ministry intern at Westbury Church of Christ. This past April I was invited back to Houston for an interview at Westbury Christian School.Of course I fell in love with the school immediately, and it was a major plus to already know the majority of the administration and staff of the school. I was offered a contract and given 7 days to sign it. Let's just say, those were the longest/hardest/most stressful 7 days...In the end, I declined the offer due to the retirement laws changing in the state of Alabama. Currently teachers can retire after 25 yrs of service, starting Jan 2013, they will not be eligible for retirement until the age of 62!...Not knowing where the Lord will take me over the next 40 years, I decided to stay and get a job in AL in order to be grandfathered in to the current retirement plan. After declining the position in Houston, I embarked on a very long journey to find a job in the state of Alabama. I applied at well over 150 schools, visited well over 75 of those schools. I had very little luck in even getting the principals to call me back!! I was fortunate to have 3 very good interviews...some of which I was very hopeful would result in a job...Unfortunately, due to the wonderful state of our country's economy.. (please excuse the sarcasm)...the State has cut the education budget, and so few positions are available!! I am BEYOND BLESSED to have so many people standing behind me, and helping me find a job. Leading up to this past Thursday, I had no luck in my search, and frankly I was at my wits end in trying to find a job! Out of the blue, I received a phone call from Greg Glenn, the head of Westbury Christian School. He offered the position to be AGAIN...the trick was that he would need to know within less than 24 hrs or he would be offering another teacher the contract. Yes, I was a HOT MESS! I have never felt more pulled in 50 different directions! Our family is anxiously awaiting the arrival of my niece or nephew (we find out Wednesday!!), and it was going to be very tough to leave my family in such a monumental time in our lives!...But after much prayer, I felt like the Lord was clearly reopening a door for me, so I accepted the position at Westbury on Friday morning! On Saturday, Mom, Dad, and I sat down and started making plans for the big move (uhaul rentals, hotel reservations, gas budget, etc.) As I was driving to church Sunday morning I was emotionally preparing myself to say goodbye to all of my friends and family that I have known my entire life at Greenbrier...It was when I pulled into the church parking lot that my plans and security in my decision came crashing down. After praying for so long for a job in Alabama and not having any luck..you would know that there would be an amazing offer come up AFTER I accepted the position in Houston. I have never felt more torn, than I was last Sunday. Torn because of my family, finances, and so many other reasons! But to make this VERY long story very short...the Lord made it very clear to me that he needed me in Houston. Looking back I am so thankful that the Lord granted his favor on me in providing this job. So, due to my family's crazy schedule, this last weekend was the only time that my parents could help me move all of my things to Houston...Let me interject here that I feel once again BEYOND BLESSED to have so many people standing beside me, praying for me, and supporting me. I want to publicly thank all of you who sent me a Facebook comment, message, email, text, phone call, and even all of the wonderful visits I recevied! It meant the world to me to see how many people I have in my corner! After many tearful goodbyes, Mom, Dad, and I packed everything up and hit the road last Thursday afternoon. We drove all 12 hours to Houston, TX in blinding rain!! But thankfully we arrived safely in Houston Friday afternoon. I am so thankful that Mom and Dad were able to be here with me as I made this new transition in life! Mom was able to spend several hours with me in my new classroom ( many pictures to come soon!) This was such a sweet time for us to visit, and enjoy our last few days together before they headed back home without me. As for the goodbyes....well let's just say it wasn't easy!!
I am so thankful to have the best parents in the entire world! I know it wasn't easy for my parents to drive their little girl halfway across the country and leave her there...but they did everything in their power to make this such an easy transition for me!! Please continue to pray for our family, as this new lifestyle will take some time to readjust!! As for the title of this blog...My Life, Your Way...this is my new motto! One week ago, I never would have thought I would be sitting in Houston, TX typing this blog entry...but my family and I have been through an amazing journey that has I believe has taught us all so much! Though we don't always understand His plans, He holds our future in His hands! And for control freaks, like me, it is hard sometimes to take a step back and allow the Lord to lead...but as I was sweetly reminded, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
In a few more days, I hope to have my classroom looking a little more like a classroom and can't wait to share some pictures with you!! Thank you all for your prayers and support!! It means more than you will ever know!!
Until next time,
Hollyann
