As Madea would say . . .

"Halleluyer!!!"

God has definitely answered my prayer this week.

I received my email this afternoon. I will be a new 5th grade teacher this year!!!

I talked to the HR Director at a local school district yesterday afternoon. She wanted to confirm some details and said she would be recommending me for the position at the board meeting last night. During my last hour of group, I received a call and a text from the principal at another school with whom I've talked for over a month. Their school board accepted the recommendation to hire me for an 8th grade science position. I told her about the other district. She said she understood, especially with all the confusion and as long as it has taken for her to be able to recommend me. I texted the HR director to confirm the board had accepted her recommendation before declining the other position.

All summer, I have prayed and God gave me the feeling that I should accept the first offer I received. I firmly believe I accepted the position He has planned for me the entire time. I would have started with the other district today and would have made more money, but I believe this is where God wants me. I received the email today confirming the position and giving instructions on registering for orientation. I excited beyond explanation. I can hardly wait to begin my orientation.

One of the funniest things about it: Paul knew I had the job before I knew. He went to the board meeting and actually spoke with the Superintendent and the HR Director, who both confirmed that I had the job.

Leaving the big fish? What the heck?

Are you familiar with the biblical story of Jonah? If you aren't here's a brief summary. God tells Jonah what He wants him to do. Jonah says "No way! I know you're God and all, but I'm doing what I wanna do." He ends up in a big storm, knows it's his own fault, and, long story short, gets swallowed by a big fish. I think most of us have these times; times when we know what God wants us to do, but we refuse. I've been doing that most of my life.

Before I even made it to high school, I knew God wanted me to be a teacher. I don't remember if I ever told my parents that I was going to be a teacher, but I knew. Then I entered my rebellious phase. And my mom became a teacher. She graduated college just days before I graduated high school. Everyone expected me to be a teacher. I decided I wanted to be a lawyer. That idea only lasted a few years. Again, long story short, I am currently a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in the state of Texas. 

I have made many mistakes in my life and tried to run my life my own way. God knows best. I am finally willing to follow His calling. In June, I enrolled in graduate school. I am working to become a certified middle school teacher through the Alternative Certification Program at Texas A&M University - Texarkana. When I'm done, I'll also have a Master's of Science in Curriculum and Instruction. So far, it isn't going the way I wanted. I wasn't able to secure a teaching position for the 2013-2014 school year, which means I'll have to do Student Teaching in the spring semester. I'm disappointed and a little worried. But, I know God is in charge. 

This blog is my way to share about my struggle to leave the big fish and follow God, depending on Him and trying to remember to pray instead of worry.