Change of Plans

 Remember on my last post how I mentioned there was basically no reason NOT to move to OC? Funny things really happen sometimes.

After we made that decision, we prayed together we would receive confirmation this was the correct choice- and that we'd receive a sign. Well, that week, a school district in Pasadena had contacted me, asking if I'd be interested in a personal interview. I didn't get back to them right away because I didn't know what to think. But I decided I'd see what would happen and went ahead with the interview.

Here's the back story: several weeks ago, or months I'd say, I applied for a position within a school district in Pasadena. Every now and then I'd miss working for the schools and would see what was available. That's when I came across this specific one. It seemed out of my reach, considering the salary, the benefits, and qualifications- more money than I've ever made, and the qualifications were more strict. But I thought, "why not?" and applied anyway. This happened shortly after I had been suddenly removed from a case I had been working on for almost a year- and I was seeking stability within normal school hours. 

Some weeks later, the district contacted me via e-mail, inviting me to take the written exam at the district building. So, I went. My appointment was the earliest available, which was around 9 am. There were tons of people in the exam room. Not only that, the instructor said we were only the first group- there were going to be several more groups throughout the day and the next. A couple of girls at my table mentioned this was their 2nd or 3rd attempt taking the exam over the course of months/years for the position. The instructor also mentioned that only the top scorers would move on.

So, I took the exam and went on my way. Another few weeks passed and I received another e-mail from the district, inviting me to an oral exam. They would tape record me answering random questions about my qualifications. So, I went. Then I discovered once again there were many other people who were there for that exam. I got it over with and moved on.

Many more weeks passed, and I moved on. Since I hadn't heard anything, I assumed they had made their selection and had basically forgotten about it.

Then the phone call came, that very week Gary and I had prayed for a sign about where to move. I didn't know if I wanted to go through with the interview since I had my heart set on OC. I prayed, then decided just to see what would happen. So, I went with the personal interview. The interviewer said I would hear back in a few weeks on whether I got the position or not, then I went along my way.

The next day was the call. I contacted Gary to tell him the news, then immediately prayed about it. I was still feeling hesitant. Not only that, they wanted me to start in a month- meaning I'd have to give notice to my current job about leaving my cases. But, after receiving comfort, I contacted my employers, my families I work with, and the district about moving on to do the fingerprinting, medical stuff, etc. Everyone was thrilled for me and that made me feel a little better. Now, I'm not leaving my current company. The school position is 9 months, so I'll have backup during the summer if necessary.

Now? Still nervous about the decision in ways, but mostly because of where we're going to move. I wasn't ever sure about Pasadena, but I was told if we stay south of the 210, we'd find really beautiful, safe neighborhoods and places to live. The school districts worry me, but when we have kids, we'll worry about that. In honesty, you really can't beat Santa Clarita. So, now it looks like we'll be moving to South Pasadena or somewhere around that area. It's really close to Gary's job, and we'll be next to my new job.

Now about the job. The position title is Behavioral Interventionist. It's a salaried, 6-hour per day position, Mon-Fri. Just like any school position, I get paid holidays and vacations including 2 weeks off for winter, spring break, etc. I will basically be having DTT  (Discrete Trial Training-Google it) sessions with students throughout a regular day. They send me a student, I give them a session, and move on to the next. There's much more in the job description, so I'll figure it all out as I go. I'm not certain yet which school I will be sent to- I haven't received the site information just yet. It could be a high school, Jr. high, or elementary school. I'll figure that out today.

Anyway, that's the news and that's the update! The more we pray, the more comfortable we feel. I received a fortune on Saturday from a fortune cookie: "You will move to a wonderful new home within the year." Let's hope it's wonderful.