Tuesday, December 16, 2014

A new job... new best friends...a new mission with Jesus

I did not expect this one.  On a sunny ordinary August day, I was working in the International Office.  After completing many of the international student applications, I decided to take a break by checking my e-mail.  Usually my e-mails contain the "excitement" of Campus Safety reminders and store sales that really don't save you any money.  However, there was one e-mail that caught my eye. It was an e-mail from my advisor.  It said...

Hi Hannah,

I hope you got everything worked out with residence life. I wanted to also let you know about this opportunity. I think you would be great at this, so I wanted you to be aware in case you are interested in applying. Safe travels!

With curiosity of what the job could be, I read the attachments and the forwarded e-mail sent to her from a Special Education professor. The job summary explained a new program on campus called Bethesda College. The job itself specifically entailed being a Resident Assistant of four ladies with intellectual and development disabilities on campus. At this moment I felt an answer to God's prayer. Let's back up to what that prayer was all about...

{ Each year, Residence Life is hiring RA's. I wanted to be an RA for various of reasons so I gave it a try and interviewed. A few days later, I found out I didn't get the job. I was crushed because I put all my hopes and thoughts into getting this job. Therefore, I prayed to God asking him to help me get the job.. I tried again...and a few days later, I found out again I did not get the job. I couldn't understand why God did not answer my prayer and I didn't want to focus on it too much so I decided to
 move on. }


After reading the whole e-mail, I said a quick prayer to God saying thanks for another unique shot of being an RA and guidance as I e-mail the Special Education Professor about the opportunity.  I e-mailed her expressing an interest in the job and literally minutes after, I heard back from her expressing the want to interview me that afternoon.  I managed to complete the interview during my lunch break.  When I arrived, I got a feeling of nervousness in my stomach.  I sat down and met two ladies.  One of the ladies was the Special Ed. Professor and the second lady was the Director of Bethesda College.  I can't explain how wonderful the conversation was with these two ladies because it was just pure wonderful!  I could tell God was right there beside me giving me the guidance in saying the right words.  I felt His ultimate presence.  After an hour of talking, she offered me the job and I said yes! I called everyone close to my heart and expressed the great news... 

From there on, my life changed. I am now a Residence Assistant who wears many hats that hold many responsibilities.  I'm a teacher, a best friend, facilitator, a mom at times, a counselor, and more. My life changed in all good ways and it was because of God.   He answered that prayer I said to Him a year and a half ago.  He just did it in His timing.  Therefore, I learned to never underestimate His power and plan.  

These four ladies and three men became my best friends.  We eat together, I get ready in the morning with the ladies (sometimes dancing to music or singing or talking about what the day is going to look like), we watch movies, we study together, we eat ice cream (sometimes way too much) and we are simply there for each other. 
























I also couldn't ask to be part of a better family of staff.  My co-Resident Assistant is amazing. God blessed Bethesda College with a great male role model who has a caring heart.  All of the staff is supportive, loving, and committed. 

This semester taught me a lot regarding true patience, communication, flexibility, friendship, and simply what it looks like to be on a mission with Jesus.  This opportunity is not only just for me though.  It is an opportunity for these four ladies and three men to grow as independent successful individuals and experience a college life.  I can not be more happy to be friends with wonderful people!  

Now, I am on Christmas break... I wake up and miss everybody!  Sooner than we know it, we will be on the next adventure together.  (:  


Merry Christmas and Blessings to all!