What a year this has been for me! It's had a lot of ups and downs, but God truly has remained my constant through it all. Let me try to sum up.
Last year at this time, I had just been given a notice that, once again, United was trying to downsize and there was a chance that I would be furloughed if they did not receive enough volunteers. In January, I found out that I was going to be cut. Shortly after that, however, I was given the opportunity to join the Continental side of things instead of losing my job for an unknown amount of time. After MUCH deliberation and prayer, I decided to accept their offer, effective April 1st.
There were many changes when I did that, the hardest of which was that I was no longer able to fly as a German speaker. Months went by, and I struggled often with my attitude toward things. Finally, after visiting some friends and family during my vacation in October, I made the difficult decision to move to Houston, TX, after living in Virginia for almost 5 years. I put my transfer request in, assuming that I would have multiple months to prepare for the move. When the transfer was accepted, however, I had 4 days off (while still working in Virginia) to prepare, then show up in Houston on November 30th. I didn't have time to finish packing, find a place to live, or anything. But, I knew God was directing me, so I asked for a lot of prayer and help, and, LONG story short, am now settling into a new apartment in Spring, TX.
My parents came back from Germany to help settle the chaos, and without them, I think I would have keeled over. I also had a dear friend in VA whom I had helped moved to Brazil a couple years back, and she returned the favor for me this move.
SO, what does this mean? Lord willing, I will be able to speak German again, and use the skills I acquired while growing up there. It also means that I have a new mailing address, so feel free to send me a personal note to ask for it if you plan to send me a Christmas card to welcome me to my new place! ;)
My phone number is still the same.
Oh, and could you pray for something else for me? I really enjoy having someone in my house while I'm away at work, so that everything is looked after. Could you pray that God would lead me to a roommate? My apartment is a 2 bdrm, 2 bthrm, and has plenty of room for such. I just need someone to share it with.
Thanks for your friendship over the years! I wish you all a very blessed Christmas surrounded by those you love, and all the best in the New Year! And, for those of you who have been asking, here's a couple shots from the apartment. They're not great, but they're something!
First sit-down meal in the new place.
My boxes might not be all empty, but my house is decorated for Christmas!
(Thanks, Mom!)
