If you haven't read Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life, you should. It's not an amazing book, but definitely hits some key points that everyone can use or be reminded of.
This week has been amazing! A week ago, I found a posting for a job that just seemed to fill my spirit with so many emotions. After praying, crying, and talking with Jason about it, I applied and put it in God's hands. Literally five hours after I submitted the application, I got a call for an interview opportunity with them. Yes, I have experienced this before, but this was different! I could feel God working, and it was amazing to even just have the opportunity to interview. So Monday, 2pm was my slot with Food for the Hungry.
A friend of mine sent me an article about interviews and wedding rings. After reading it, I talked to Jason a bit about it. "So just wear your band." My engagement ring is pretty big, not my choice. I'm fairly simple, but Jason did the picking and that's what he felt I deserve. That morning, I took my engagement ring off, looked at my hand and realized, "If they judge me on what's on my hand, I don't want to work for them." So I left my rings on.
I get there, 20 minute drive down one highway, but I'm an hour early. So I sit and sit, read an magazine I brought with, and did my best to save gas but not over heat in the Phoenix heat. I was so nervous, my hands were shaking and I just kept talking to God. I finally decide to go inside, and I'm immediately greeted by two ladies (about my age or a little older). Next thing I know, I'm in a personal conversation with the "President of First Impressions" or the Receptionist. Sharing where we are from, me being only married for 2 weeks and moving to Phoenix. It was nice to just have someone willing to just talk and sort of make the whole thing a bit less formal. I never once felt awkward. Final, one of my potential interviewers comes and takes me back to the Director's office. As we were waiting for the Director, she asked me about myself, which after a few sentences I blurted out, "I'm really nervous." We both laughed, and she said she knows the feeling, she was in my situation a few years back, once again, taking the edge off a bit more. She shared a bit more about what the job is and the community of the whole organization.
Finally the Director comes in, and it's laughs and giggles, which just helped me more and more feel more comfortable. The interview went smoothly and actually was really enjoyable. It had to be the best interview I have ever had. I was really excited to be able to share my background including my faith. Some of the questions I gave interesting answers to, but at least I can say I answered them all honestly! I almost started to cry during it, when talking about the emotions and feelings I had when reading the post for the position.
I left the interview feeling so blessed. I didn't care at that point if I got the job. God just surrounded that place, and you could see and feel Him working within each person and as a whole.
Two days later, I had another interview with another company. Whole Body donations, being the front end/receptionist for them. Yes, I would probably have a hard time discussing with people about a passing or even the benefits of body donation for them financially. So I went in there and give it my best. I get home, lounge around, get another phone call for another prospective job. Then FH calls! "Can you come in tomorrow for a second interview? I know it's short notice." Once again, I felt God working and was amazed!
9:30am, I got there 40 minutes early this time, because Jason warned me about the horrible traffic, which I got there in 25 minutes. So I sat there, filling out a background consent form for the body donation company and talked to God. 9:15, I went in, talked to the receptionist again and two other people that happened to be hanging around. The second interview was mainly so that another person could ask any questions they felt were miss, and since they would be my prospective direct supervisor, they wanted to meet the candidates. Also, had to do a interview with HR. The HR interview I was sort of sweating bullets, but once again was just honest. Maybe it's because I am more of a in the background sort of person and meeting new people makes me nervous. "You should be getting a call back either today or tomorrow, but we are going to try for today."
OK! So I go home, try to eat, FAIL! I just was nervous. I'm one of three people, and they are going to be calling everyone on my reference sheet. What are they going to ask them? I hope that everyone was available to talk when they call. RING! "Hey Raylene, it's ****** from FH, I have a wrong number for one of your references." My heart sank, because I was hoping it was "the call." I quickly found my error and gave her the correct number, but once again my nerves got to me and I was just uneasy for the rest of the night. Next morning, I get a text from one of my references. "I did my best!" Right then and there my nerves were no longer an issue. Once again, I put it in God's hands and enjoyed my day with my husband.
1245pm, "We would like to offer you the position." I nearly screamed yes! I think they realized how happy I was! "Be for we move on, we need you to sign the offer letter and other paper work so that we can do our background check." So, Jason and I go and grab some celebration tacos and head down to FH for me to sign my papers. Once again, the receptionist greeted me and made me feel at home. The Director came next to greet me, "She got the job right? We're hiring her, that's why she's here?" came from the Receptionist. "No, I'm just here to sign thank you for interviewing papers." She looked sad, but the Director quickly asked her, "who did you say you wanted?" She said me! I guess I made a great impression on her like she did me. It made me feel amazing that I was wanted more than just for my skills, but for who I am!
Signed the papers, said goodbye and was told I would start a week from Monday! I'm so excited! I told my parents before posting it on Facebook, which it took a lot of self-control to not type "I got the job." I can't help but feel blessed! I thanked and continue to thank God for this. Without him I would have never found this position, never would have applied, and never would have felt confident during the interviews.
Even though this is an awesome thing, and Jason and I are going to go to dinner tonight and celebrate, I can't help but notice the hardships of those close to me. Accidents, illness, lost. These are my focus now. These are what my prayers are filled with today. I know God is working in these situations as well, and the out come is up to Him. I just pray for peace for these involved and that they are drawn closer to His loving arms.
