It’s 6am on a Saturday. My mind is racing with things to do,
lists to make (I’m a HUGE lists person), prayers and much more. What can make
me so excited, nervous, sad, joyful and stressed? We have just signed the
contract for us to go, as a family, to Huai’en China located in Jiangsu
Provence.
Let’s go back a ways and tell you all about our journey
here. Months ago CenturyLink (Jared’s company) sent out a companywide letter
telling us that we were going to be asked to relocate to Monroe, Louisiana by
2016 or get laid off (possibly). After researching and much prayer we decided that
we weren’t going to move. So, that left us with getting laid off. What were we
going to do? Jared has worked at that company for 15 years. We got creative.
We have always wanted to travel. Not just go on vacations
but really experience a new culture. I started learning more about teaching
English in foreign countries. I proposed the idea to Jared and then we went to
the temple. It was confirmed, without a doubt that that this was the path for
us and that “something” would happen in September. I didn’t know what that was
but that confirmation that was so strong has been such a blessing of peace to
me.
We had a 2 year plan. We decided to take a TEFL (Teaching
English as a Foreign Language) class. We started the class and I allowed myself
to dream. We decided China because there are SOOOO many jobs and it’s a great
place to “start”. Then CenturyLink said “just kidding you won’t have to
relocate you are safe”. I wasn’t thwarted.
As many of you know I rarely do things half way or slowly. I
kept feeling compelled to DO things. Jared kept getting worried and frequently
said, “I don’t want you to get your hopes up and then get disappointed” to
which I would reply, “It’s a little too late for that.”
Then one Saturday I
decided I was going to go to the temple by myself while Jared and the boys
helped on a roof. I was really looking forward to it. That morning I had the
distinct impression to stay home and clean my house. What great fun ::insert sarcastic
tone here::?!?!? But I did. I started cleaning the kitchen and before I know
it, I had spring cleaned my home from top to bottom. Then later that week we
tackled the basement and garage and headed to donate and dump.
Meanwhile, I decided we needed to get the boys passports.
Again, Jared going along with my plan but shaking his head not wanting me to be
disappointed but there were rumors AGAIN about being laid off. I kept
rationalizing that it was better to be prepared.
Simultaneously, I felt urged to dip my toes in the water of
jobs. I just wanted to see what was out there and maybe get a few practice
interviews. Every job seemed to want someone with a degree which would mean
Jared stay home with the boys and I go to work. I wasn’t sure I or he was ready
for that.
All the while I was networking, researching and studying. I
got some great advice from a woman in Amsterdam who had done just what I was
planning to do. She may be one of the only people in the world that doesn’t
think this is crazy.
I got a couple hits. I set up some interviews but then this
other job contacted me and I was drawn to it. Why? I don’t know. It didn’t pay
as well and it wasn’t even in a province where we were looking. After several
e-mails back and forth this was her deal. 1)Jared and I both work 15 hours a
week (20 classes) 2)$1300 toward both our airfare 3)mandarin classes
4)Staggering mine and Jared’s schedule so we don’t have to leave the boys. 5)
Meals with his mother (who is apparently a great cook) 6)A free 3-4 bedroom furnished
apartment and some other perks. We thought this was too good to be true. I
decided to contact the previous teachers and they had nothing to say but good
things and praise for the Principal. So we forged on.
Jared and I had been discussing this at the same time his
job sent out yet ANOTHER letter asking for layoff volunteers. Ahhhh. He
volunteered…then they said no. There’s an emotional roller-coaster for you!!! However,
he has a pension! YAY!
We talked on the phone Wednesday morning and we decided we
needed to refuse the job. Jared wasn’t getting laid off. I hung up the phone
and decided to write the letter after I studied my scriptures because I was
hesitant. RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE of my studies Jared called and said, “Don’t write
the letter yet!” I laughed and asked why. He said he just didn’t feel it was
right and we needed to pray more. I concurred.
To sum up a very long and exhausting story we accepted the
job even without the layoff (I still have hope…I’d be dead without it) We leave
Iowa on August 15th staying in Colorado until the 20th
(ish) then onto Utah where we will leave the cars and fly out on the 25th.
Our training starts in Yangshuo for 1 week then off to our respective schools.
Now our hope is to get the house cleaned out and rented, get
the passports, visas and plane tickets sorted. THAT is why I am up before the
break of dawn with my wheels turning while my family peacefully slumbers…
We should rename the blog CHINA ADVENTURES but we’ll keep it
here so there’s no confusion. We are going to be so much better at keeping this
up because this will be where we document our travels for ourselves, our family
and our friends.
No comments:
Post a Comment