Moving on

Wow. Life has changed in the past year. Or, rather, life will be full of changes for me. I finished my Masters in Occupational Therapy back in October, and have been working for the university since then. But, it's been so difficult to find a 'real' OT job. On several of my interviews, my disability was an issue for the employers. I was getting the interviews, but no jobs. Except for ...

I'll take you back to my process. I absolutely was dead set against moving out of Winnipeg, much less Alberta. In my opinion, moving to Alberta is like being a traitor to Manitoba ... it's where everyone wants to go. That, and Manitobans so often compare themselves to Albertans. Anyway, I saw this job posting months ago ... probably half a year ago or more. But, at the time, I was not going to consider it. Then, in January, I saw it again. I had this feeling like I HAD to at least check out the web site. Then I'll have done my part. Then, after seeing the job posting, I realized the job would be pretty interesting, but I still had NO intention of even doing it. I felt, though, that I HAD to apply. Afterall, just applying doesn't mean you have to take it. Then came a month of dealing with things personally. They invited me for an interview, offering to fly me to Calgary and all. At this point, I really had to process some things internally. Is this where God is calling me? Am I willing to go? Am I willing to leave my family and friends? Am I doing this just because I need a job? The pay is good, afterall. More than I'd get in Manitoba, even though it's a non-profit organization. A month after the interview, they offered me the position. I had to work through things again .... can I really do this? Is this what I'm supposed to do? I have decided to accept the position.... and moving day is coming fast!

The position is at the Mustard Seed. This is a Christian humanitarian organization that works with homeless people to get them back into living in the community. They also have a shelter and meals program there. My role will be mostly developing an OT program (again), teaching life skills, and helping people develop the skills to be able to do what they want to do. Check out the web site if you want. The web site is below. I'll maybe try to set up a link if I can figure out how to. They have been so accommodating and even think that my disability will actually be a benefit working with the homeless. They really have not focused on my disability at all, and I was up front about it from day one. So this is a real answer to prayer. My start date is May 15.

I've got heaps of things to do today, so I will sign off for now.