Hallelujah

I don’t even know where to begin… These past few weeks have been rather difficult. Moving across the country to Minnesota. Looking forward to starting a new job, and a new life here. Then losing the job before I even had a chance to start it. Realizing that I have nothing. No money. No job. No real prospects. And having to start all over from the beginning.

I do not even know how many hours I put into my job search here in Mankato. I turned in dozens or applications. Printed off many, many resumes. Spoke with lots of businesses and possible employers. Became discouraged and depressed. Started to doubt my feelings. Grew strong again, just to fall when people kept telling me “no”. But I kept at it. It was my only option.

I set a date, a date that if I was hired then I would stay in Minnesota. Or if I was not able to find a job by that date, then I would start preparing to move back to Utah. I told the Lord of that date. I told Him that I would do everything in my power to have a job by August 6th. I told Morgan. And my parents. My brothers and my friends. I knew that I would be held to that date if people knew about it. I also knew that if I wanted the best chances of securing a job by the 6th that I would really need to work hard. I needed to put my job search first in my priorities. I can honestly say that I did that.

Today is August 6th. I must say that I have been really discouraged through this week. I thought that with all the work that I have done, that I would see more progress than I have. It has been a difficult week. And has gone by too fast. It has been hard for me to keep my faith, and trust in the Lord. I have wanted to know what is happening. I have wanted to know if I can unpack my stuff, or if I just need to repack my things, and start the long drive back to Utah. I have wanted today to come, but at the same time, dreaded its arrival. I have had to be more patient and calmer than I think I have ever been in my entire life. It has been hard. I have just wanted answers.

I had two interviews today. One with Best Buy and one with Maurice’s. Both were second interviews. Neither was too stellar. As I was riding my scooter to the mall for my interview with Maurice’s I had the impression that I should stop by the oral surgery site that I applied at and kinda remind them I am still here. I wasn’t too sure if I wanted to. I wanted them to know that I was very serious when I gave them a resume. But I also didn’t want to be a nuisance. I didn’t want to keep pestering them. I texted Morgan about my feelings, she told me that she wouldn’t think I was bothering them too much, and if I felt that I should see them, that I should go.

When the interview was over, I rode over to Associates in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to say, but trusted that I would say what I needed to. I walked in and said “hi” to the receptionist who was very happy to see me. We chatted for a minute, and then she asked if I would like to see Kim. I told her I would love to. A few minutes later Kim came out. She assumed that I was there to follow up with her, and quickly said that she had not had the opportunity to speak with the Doctors. I told her that was fine, and I really came by to say hello, and see how their day was going. She seemed a little taken aback and said that was nice of me. She then told me that she would be sure to pin the Doctors down and get an answer out of them today. I told her I would love that. I said thank you, and I left.

I got back on the scooter, not entirely sure why I was prompted to go there, but happy I did. I stopped by about 15 other businesses and followed up with them on my way to Morgan’s apartment. None of which really gave me any decisive news. By the time I got to her apartment it was after 5:00 pm. The work week had ended. I was starting to feel really depressed at this point. I had felt so sure about me being in Minnesota. So sure that this was indeed where I needed to be at this moment in my life. And now by deadline had come and I really didn’t have anything. As I was sitting and stewing over my feelings, my phone rang. It was a 507 area code number. Knowing it had to be someone in Mankato, I quickly answered it. It was my bishop. He was calling to see what I had found out. I had told him of my deadline too, and now he was following up with me. I told him that I tried my best, but still don’t have a job. He told me that he was very impressed with me. He said that he has never seen anyone who is so diligent and hard working as I am. That made me feel better. I told him that I stopped by the oral surgery site, but they still hadn’t made a decision yet, but that I would keep him informed. He told me to stay strong. It was a good conversation.

I sat down on Morgan’s couch. Started petting the Haylee, when my phone rang again. It was another 507 number. I answered it. Kim from Associates in Oral Surgery was on the other line. She told me that she had just spoken with Dr. Marlow. She really didn’t seem too enthused to be speaking with me, and my heart kinda sank. She then said that Dr. Marlow was impressed with me, and wanted to bring me on full-time. It was rather hard for me to restrain my excitement. She asked me if I could start on Monday, and I quickly said “yes”. She told me they were excited to have me start for them. And after she told me that I needed to cut my hair, she said “good-bye”.
I am not sure how long I just sat on the couch. My prayer was answered. 5:35 pm on Friday August 6th. My deadline. The complete end of the work week and the end of the work day. I had held the Lord to a date. I had down everything in my power to find a job, and had left it up to him. And he helped me.

I am so very grateful to the Lord for answering my prayer. And so grateful for all the prayers and thoughts on my behalf. I have learned a lot these past few weeks. I have learned the importance on hard work. Of not letting my feelings drag me down, but to stay strong. I have learned how important it is to keep my faith in God and his miraculous power. I will be honest, I would have rather had my answer sooner, but because it came when it did, I have learned the importance of not giving up. And to have patience. These are lessons that I never want to forget.

A month ago I never would have imagined what would lay in store for me. I never would have dreamed of all that I would have to go through. But, I am grateful for the challenges that I have had to endure. They have made me stronger. I never want to go through them again! But if I do, at least I know that I can.

Monday I start a new job. I start a new life in Minnesota. I am excited!