Just the Right Amount of Time

There were 6 months between the day we accepted Steve's job offer in San Francisco and the day we loaded up the moving truck and drove away from our community.  I think God knew we need that much time to grieve, process, pray, narrow down neighborhoods, and prepare our family to move to Oakland.

Next, there were 8 months between the day that we moved to Oakland and the day Brian started as the new ED of The GreenHouse.  I think God knew that I needed that much time for my very raw heart to be able to hand over such a special gift.  It was such a slow and gentle loosening.   

Then, there were 9 months between Brian's first day at The GreenHouse and my first day at Aspire Public Schools.  I think God knew that I needed that much time and space to heal before I could open my heart up to something new.  I think He also knew that The GreenHouse needed me to be available to answer questions and provide support any day of the week by phone, text, email, or in person.  What a gift it was to have that time and to be able to share it so freely with the people and the organization that I love so dearly!   

So, it was almost 2 years exactly from the time I knew I'd be leaving the GH to the time I started a new job in Oakland. 

It was just the right amount of time.

And, you know what?  God provided just the right job, too.

When I began to think about going back to work, I knew I wanted three things: 1.) I only wanted to work two days a week so that I could maintain some semblance of order around our household.  2.) I wanted to work at a school (in Oakland) so I could have summers off with the boys.  3.) I didn't want to start until January.

Well, the first job I applied for, I got.  And it met all of those criteria.  What's more, it's in my very neighborhood of Oakland, exactly one mile from my house.  If you know me, which you do, you know how much I value neighborhood.   

I am now a Speech and Language Pathologist at ERES Academy, a charter school within the Aspire Public Schools system (a system of charter schools that operates in low-income neighborhoods).  ERES Academy is sweet little K-8th school in which 94% of its students are Hispanic and 94% of its students are on free and reduced lunch.  In so many ways, it feels like home.  I'm really enjoying all of my students and the satisfaction that comes with teaching.  (I also really like working.)     

I know I shouldn't be surprised, but I am.  God is STILL, two years later, giving me a giant hug throughout this whole transition. I can hear Him saying, "I know this is so hard for you.  But, don't worry.  I'm going to take care of you - again and again and again - so that you know that I am real and I love you."