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