How Did I Get Here?

I’ve had so many people in my life who provide wise counsel and use their experiences to help me.  They have shared tears, shared pleas, and shared the work alongside me.  I am so thankful for them and Who placed them in my life. 

Over two years ago, I spoke with a woman who has been so special to me over the years.  When she learned a few details about the relationship I was in, she said, “Oh, Keri.  Don’t settle.”  Her words rang in my head like a resounding bell.  Over the next weeks and months, I heard them over and over.  Those words came from a place of understanding and experience.  They were wise words, and I will carry them with me always.  I will not settle.  Not in love or in life. 

That conversation has a lot to do with where I am now. During the past few days, I've found myself trying to wrap my head around the fact that I am moving to Beijing.  How did I get here?  How did I get to this place where I am planning a move all the way across the world?  It's a long story, but I guess I have the time.........

A little over 2 years ago I left my teaching position, put the majority of my possessions into storage, and I moved home with the plan of moving to New York.  It was something I'd always wanted to do, and it seemed like the perfect time.  I was dating a New Yorker.  What better time to make this move? 

After the horrendous conditions of my previous job, I didn't want to see the inside of a classroom ever again.  Hearing a child made me physically shudder and grimace.  I was done.  I set out to find myself any position I could obtain with an elementary ed degree.  No luck.  I sent out multiple resumes, and filled out one application after another.  I became a pro at writing cover letters.  It was all to no avail.  I began to apply all over the country.  I joked that I was unemployable.  To add to it, we ended our relationship.  It was painful, but it was the best decision I could’ve made for myself.  I laughed thinking about what my life would look like if I wrote the specifics down on paper!

I had another conversation with that same friend and she asked me what she could ask for on my behalf.  I told her to ask for wisdom, discernment and courage.  I wanted wisdom to know where to go and what to do (because at this point, I was about to go crazy!), discernment to understand, and courage to do whatever it was I was supposed to do!

Months later, after a year of looking for a job with nothing to show for it, a friend of mine approached me about teaching at a preschool.  She had an opening in a classroom.  But, it was only 3 days a week.  I felt strongly that I needed to pursue something full-time with benefits.  Something that would allow me to move out of my parent’s house and provide for myself!  She called back 3 more times during the following weeks.  Each time I said no. 

Again, another wise woman came alongside me and she shared her wisdom and love with me!

The director of the entire children’s program called.  She offered me a 5^th opening teaching in a pre-k classroom.  I took the job, and along the way I began to enjoy children again.  I enjoyed teaching again.  I had a wonderful year with my pre-K class, and I am so thankful to those who provided support and opportunities to see how wonderful it can be when it is right!
Even though I succeeded with my preschoolers, I hesitated to go back to teaching…..to what had been more terrible than words can describe.  I continued to question the impression I was getting, “This isn’t what I am supposed to do, is it?” My fear that I would walk right back into what I had left kept me from making a move. 

In January, a friend of mine who's teaching in Beijing, emailed me and asked if she could pass along my information.  I agreed.  I didn't think it would end in much.  I couldn't get a job here, what made me think I would get one there?  Not long after, I heard from someone, and he wanted more information from me.  Then, I had a phone interview.  Then, a Skype interview.  Then, I received a job offer! 

A door was opening here!  After every closed door over the past few years, this door was opening.  Through this process, doors have continued to open, and I know this is where I am supposed to be.  I know what I am supposed to do, so here I go.  I’m trusting, and I’m about to move to the other side of the world!  4 more days!