Michael and I were working at the community garden, clearning brush and weeding. A reporter from the Vancouver Voice, SW Washington's only alternative newspaper was there for a story. I asked him if I could stop by sometime to see what they do, learn, work for free...? He said, yeah! We'll probably put you to work right away.
Very good, indeed.
http://www.vanvoice.com/
Monday, August 30, 2010
Pug Play Date
There was a pug play date in late August that we found out about from Meetup.com. About 30 pugs, lots of snorting and smiles...
Guemes Island
Last weekend was instrumental in helping me recover from my "Too Much New" Blues. We went to visit Michael's family: his Aunt Randi and her husband Dick were so generous and kind. They invited us to a family party on Samich/Sawich Island and then to their cottage on Guemes Island. Both islands are off the Olympic Penninsula.
It was WONDERFUL to be by the ocean; I had forgotten how much I love being by water and water calms me. When we returned home to Vancouver, I felt compelled to bike to the Columbia River every morning to pray, to find peace.
I feel like I have been returned to myself.
The picture is of Henry, contemplating the seagulls and nuclear physics, while also guarding Mike's Aunt Randi from evil.
Apple Orchards and Other Good Things...
I haven't written for a while because, I guess, there hasn't been much to report. I fell into a little bit of a funk spiritually, which made everything else hard. I would stay inside a lot rather than exploring Vancouver or get really anxious and scared that something bad would happen when I did set out.
But recently, I've forced myself to have one adventure a day: whether it's biking to the store instead of driving, stopping in at a coffee shop, or reading a magazine at a park, I am committed to getting out of my confining comfort-zone.
And it's been working.
After about 2 weeks, the anxiety is gone. If a bad thing happens, then I can handle it. Moreover, I've felt the thrill and joy of adventuring that I haven't felt in a while--since we were roadtripping. This came as a result of a daily promise to find some God-space, some small spot of wildness within the city that I can pray.
Below is one of my newest spaces: an apple orchard outside the Fort Vancouver National Site; while it's man-made, God is the reason that the trees are growing.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Job
I, Michael, got a job!
Bethany and I have been having a very enjoyable summer while dealing with the not-so-enjoyable prospect of having to pack everything up and head home due to lack of work. We had set a deadline of August 30th to figure out whether or not we were pulling out. Things have been looking bleak as we had both interviewed only once, and I have been worrying that I was not looking hard enough and was being too picky: I have really wanted a job where I can work at the Portland Rescue Mission a lot, and even most part-time jobs ask that I work early afternoon shifts, which would have defeated much of the purpose.
My early morning habit of scanning craigslist (not the best method for finding work, I'm sure) was not yielding results until I came across a part-time position as a math instructor. Upon further reading, I saw that it was for a company that trains men and women to be wind turbine technicians. I was interested, submitted my resume, and was immediately scheduled for an interview (which I enjoyed - I don't care to play the "Is this a good time for you?" game).
Friday, I interviewed for the position. I wore my nice interviewing suit (I am VERY glad we brought it with us) and did not forget my last name (the man interviewing me is Italian - I know Maurizio, let the jealousy begin). Beside that, my experience at both Water Street Rescue Mission and Portland Rescue Mission spoke to my ability to not only work with adults, but to teach Math with empathy while undertaking many other administrative duties AND proactively improving the curriculum. BAM! This is exactly what they were looking for!
I was a little confused for a moment. I thought most schools wanted to fleece their students while placing respect and empathy at the bottom of their lists. I also thought all my busy work, time starting a non-profit tutoring agency, and high math scores would work against me. Things were a bit weird, so I started looking for a catch.
The catch is, I will be making the math curriculum! What?! I love making math curriculum! I make tiny math curriculum every time I tutor, and I love gathering inexpensive resources to make it happen! Also, I'll need to be ready to tutor. Awesome! I would have to have 2 classes a week (at least for now) chat with other instructors to see what math they want the students to practice, and for the most part, be the force that makes sure the students and instructors need only to focus on wind turbines, and not on the math. This is what I want!
So, I wondered just how much this might detract from my time at the Portland Rescue Mission. I have since found out that at the moment, I need only spend Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at work. The rest of my hours can come from WORKING WHEREVER. Yes, I can work at home, preparing powerpoints, grading papers, etc. For the moment, as a part-time position, I simply throw those hours on a timesheet, and I get paid.
Ok, ok, I have probably ruined the surprise already but suffice it to say, I was very excited and anxious to hear about the job. It was either this, or stocking shelves by myself 20 hours a week, every morning, for much less pay, or heading back to Pennsylvania (which isn't so bad - I have been missing everyone, especially my brothers). This position had 77 applicants, so I tried to not get my hopes up.
Monday morning, I was offered the position! I am still getting settled, but it looks like Bethany is not the only person with God on speed-dial. We could have been sent back to PA having learned the lesson that a couple does not leave on adventures and just have everything magically work out. We could have found ill-fitting jobs. We could have found ill-fitting jobs that paid just under what we need to stay out here, and eventually have to pack-up anyway. All these things would have been fine, and for all I knew, been part of God's plan for us. Instead, I am offered a job doing something I love. A job I never really knew existed. A job where I can be paid doing what I do best, while being appreciated. A job that affords me time to remain at the mission (I only have to reschedule one of my 5 students!). A job that is 3 BLOCKS AWAY FROM WHERE I LIVE! It is very surreal. I don't know what to say.
If you haven't heard from me yet, know that you will be getting a call soon. Things are starting to settle down again (last weekend I visited family up in Seattle, this week I have been bouncing around finding clothes, going to work, and going to volunteer) so I will have time to call people shortly. Now, everyone who is reading this will have a place to stay if they decide to visit Portland! Thank you for reading along with us so far.
God Bless!
Michael
Bethany and I have been having a very enjoyable summer while dealing with the not-so-enjoyable prospect of having to pack everything up and head home due to lack of work. We had set a deadline of August 30th to figure out whether or not we were pulling out. Things have been looking bleak as we had both interviewed only once, and I have been worrying that I was not looking hard enough and was being too picky: I have really wanted a job where I can work at the Portland Rescue Mission a lot, and even most part-time jobs ask that I work early afternoon shifts, which would have defeated much of the purpose.
My early morning habit of scanning craigslist (not the best method for finding work, I'm sure) was not yielding results until I came across a part-time position as a math instructor. Upon further reading, I saw that it was for a company that trains men and women to be wind turbine technicians. I was interested, submitted my resume, and was immediately scheduled for an interview (which I enjoyed - I don't care to play the "Is this a good time for you?" game).
Friday, I interviewed for the position. I wore my nice interviewing suit (I am VERY glad we brought it with us) and did not forget my last name (the man interviewing me is Italian - I know Maurizio, let the jealousy begin). Beside that, my experience at both Water Street Rescue Mission and Portland Rescue Mission spoke to my ability to not only work with adults, but to teach Math with empathy while undertaking many other administrative duties AND proactively improving the curriculum. BAM! This is exactly what they were looking for!
I was a little confused for a moment. I thought most schools wanted to fleece their students while placing respect and empathy at the bottom of their lists. I also thought all my busy work, time starting a non-profit tutoring agency, and high math scores would work against me. Things were a bit weird, so I started looking for a catch.
The catch is, I will be making the math curriculum! What?! I love making math curriculum! I make tiny math curriculum every time I tutor, and I love gathering inexpensive resources to make it happen! Also, I'll need to be ready to tutor. Awesome! I would have to have 2 classes a week (at least for now) chat with other instructors to see what math they want the students to practice, and for the most part, be the force that makes sure the students and instructors need only to focus on wind turbines, and not on the math. This is what I want!
So, I wondered just how much this might detract from my time at the Portland Rescue Mission. I have since found out that at the moment, I need only spend Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at work. The rest of my hours can come from WORKING WHEREVER. Yes, I can work at home, preparing powerpoints, grading papers, etc. For the moment, as a part-time position, I simply throw those hours on a timesheet, and I get paid.
Ok, ok, I have probably ruined the surprise already but suffice it to say, I was very excited and anxious to hear about the job. It was either this, or stocking shelves by myself 20 hours a week, every morning, for much less pay, or heading back to Pennsylvania (which isn't so bad - I have been missing everyone, especially my brothers). This position had 77 applicants, so I tried to not get my hopes up.
Monday morning, I was offered the position! I am still getting settled, but it looks like Bethany is not the only person with God on speed-dial. We could have been sent back to PA having learned the lesson that a couple does not leave on adventures and just have everything magically work out. We could have found ill-fitting jobs. We could have found ill-fitting jobs that paid just under what we need to stay out here, and eventually have to pack-up anyway. All these things would have been fine, and for all I knew, been part of God's plan for us. Instead, I am offered a job doing something I love. A job I never really knew existed. A job where I can be paid doing what I do best, while being appreciated. A job that affords me time to remain at the mission (I only have to reschedule one of my 5 students!). A job that is 3 BLOCKS AWAY FROM WHERE I LIVE! It is very surreal. I don't know what to say.
If you haven't heard from me yet, know that you will be getting a call soon. Things are starting to settle down again (last weekend I visited family up in Seattle, this week I have been bouncing around finding clothes, going to work, and going to volunteer) so I will have time to call people shortly. Now, everyone who is reading this will have a place to stay if they decide to visit Portland! Thank you for reading along with us so far.
God Bless!
Michael
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