Disclaimer

I am not a poet.

I am not a writer.

I am intimidated by blogging.

I will probably just provide updates...

And more likely post thought processes disguised by rambling.

Clearly, this will not be impressive.

I promise to be honest

Maybe even vulnerable

Read if you want to walk alongside.

Packing...

I really do not care for packing.

I seem to be trying to do everything but the task at hand.

If packing was just an act, that would be no problem. If it was just folding clothes and putting them in a suitcase, how hard would that be?

For me- this time- packing represents something so much more. 

For me it means leaving...

Leaving is not a bad thing, don't get me wrong. I am so excited for Chicago and my new life there. It has been so confirmed to me that it is the Lord who has prepared the way for me and is showing me where to go. I am so thrilled to have direction for the moment and glad to follow where He is leading. 

That's not the hard part. 

See, this time every year for the last four years I have packed to go back to school. No problem. It almost feels the same this August. 

Almost. 

But then I remember that unlike every other time, I won't be returning. Every other time I always knew that all the books and photo albums I left on shelves and in closets would always be there when I got back. This time I am going through and deciding what to keep, what to get rid of. All in one week's time. 

I was prepared to stay at home for a year. 

I was planning on taking a year off before grad school (this plan started looking like a big maybe as time went on)

I was planning on having one year with my family. 

Less than a week ago, everything I planned changed. For this I praise the Lord, and at the same time I am torn. Excited for what is ahead, reluctant to leave what/who I love behind. 

In all of the excitement of getting the job and having everything fall into place, I did not realize that leaving home would feel like loss. 

I guess that is why I don't like packing. It symbolizes what is going on, but beyond that, it requires me to face it head on. 

I am almost done packing. My room is nearly empty. I leave in 2 short days. What a transition this will be. 

I don't much care for packing. 

I will be glad when it is done and looking forward to unpacking in my new home. Now there is a concept... Home. 

Thanks for hanging in there through the processing of these thoughts (if you made it this far).

Quite the Transition

When I named this blog just over a week ago my days were filled with job searching like it was my full time job. I would be searching Craig's List like my life depended on it. I sent out over one hundred resumes and was discouraged by the lack of response. Or when I went in for an interview, I was disappointed in the lack of professionalism. 

Since graduating from college and attending five weddings, I have felt a bit directionless. Rest is good and needed, but I am not used to not having something to go back to. The plan was to work full time and research grad schools, but my motivation was dwindling. It has been my prayer that in God's perfect timing, to open the door for the right opportunity and make it so clear to me which direction to go. He did just this in record time. 

A few weeks ago I started toying with the idea of moving to Chicago. All (most) of my friends are there, I love my church in Chicago, I love the pace, arts, lifestyle of the city, etc. 

On Saturday, July 19th, I sent one of my closest friends, Mallory, and e mail telling her that I was at least sending my resume to businesses in the Chicago area in case she wanted another roommate. Thirty minutes after I sent the e mail I received a text message from her saying that she had just signed on a three bedroom apartment if I wanted to reconsider moving to Chicago. Ironic, because she had not even received my e mail at this point. 

Friday, July 25th, I get a call from someone who had received my resume for an opening in Chicago. It was someone that I knew from Moody that currently held the position that I was applying for. Apparently, they had received hundreds of resumes, but I got a call because she knew me personally. Ironic, or God's providence, you tell me. 

Monday, I am taking a bus to Chicago to interview for the position. 

Tuesday, I have interviews with two individuals and take two exams. 

Wednesday, I go in for an interview with the financial advisor I would be working for and then another interview with the Moody grad who has the position and then another exam.

Thursday, I go in for one last interview with yet another individual. Wow, selling yourself in interviews really takes it out of you. By the time they were finished with me their file on me was pretty thick. 

After the interview Mallory and I went to go look at the apartment she had signed on and to have lunch in the neighborhood we'd be living in if I got the job. Riding the El on the way back to pack my bags and catch my bus I get a call from the Moody grad asking if there was any way that I could postpone my trip home because they would love me to come in the next day so that they could make me an offer!

Friday- Dave, my new boss, makes me an offer I can't refuse and I am employed!!!!

In just two weeks time of even considering moving to Chicago, the Lord provided in so many specific, detailed ways! He opened every door! Just the fact that they were willing to do all of the interviews in four days when the process usually takes one month to complete! The fact that Mallory ended up signing on a three bedroom that she did not even mean to happen upon and now I get to room with her and Valerie is all too amazing! 

The Lord has opened the doors and directed my path so clearly. It's been a whirlwind of events, but He has made His presence known through it all. 

So, what my new title is... Associate Financial Representative. I provide support and am a marketing assistant to a financial advisor. I am working for Northwestern Mutual Financial Services in downtown Chicago. Their offices are on the 46th floor of the UBS building in the loop- crazy! Too complicated to explain everything here... I will probably be able to tell you more of what I do when I actually start. I am just excited to begin a job that I am able to use my strengths and have opportunity to grow. 

So... I am moving to Chicago in just one week! 

There will plenty more to come as far as updates go, but for now I need to get busy getting everything ready to go. 

I appreciate your prayers through this transition. Thank you all for praying for me through this process!

See you in Chicago!