New Possibilities?

Last week was both interesting and difficult.

For the difficult part, I received some information that I was doing a couple of things wrong on my job. In a perfectionist like me who strives to always be found favorable, this was disappointing. Even though some of it may have been based on mistaken information given to me, I still got bummed. I was also told not to work overtime without approval. I hadn't intentionally been working overtime. I was just trying to get the job done, and that was how long it took. All this information was received when I was in the throes of trying to get report cards out -- a process that took a bit of overtime to make happen.

Now the interesting part. The same letter advising me not to work overtime included an offer for me to pursue a teaching position at the school where I work. Being a charter school, I would not be required to have a teaching certificate. I would only need a bachelor's degree and to prove competency in my subject area through a test given by the TEA (Texas Education Agency).

You've heard me discussing a position my old project manager hoped to offer me at a start-up firm dealing with computers. It would require a commute and more time that my younger son would be on his own in the afternoons.

Right now, my younger son and I "do school together" in the sense that it is an activity we share. I'm seeing some improvements in his behavior (at times), and I'm having more time for character-building instruction and interaction. A friend reminded me of the importance of keeping son-time as a priority. Not that I disagree or hold another view, but sometimes we need reminding. It is easy to get sidetracked by the urgent things in life -- like paying the bills. Even if the other job would provide more financially, would I be sacrificing my son in the process.

I'm not sure if I want to be a teacher forever, or even if I feel it is a calling. At one point, it was the career I was pursuing with my educational preparation. I mainly changed my direction due to marriage. I still got my degree. However, I didn't pursue teaching as I felt it was a career, not a short-term job until I began a family.

And how does missions fit in? Would making more money get me to that goal faster? But at what cost? Would being a teacher make me a more attractive missionary candidate? Is that what I'd want to do? So many variables!!

At this point, I'm seriously considering pursuing the teaching position. However, I feel I'd be short-changing myself by not pursuing certification. There are alternative programs that let you teach as you train and will deduct your program fees/tuition from your teaching paycheck. There is an upfront fee/down payment to get started, and I would have to pay for the state testing separately.

The school has offered to pay for the competency testing, which is also one of the requirements of the alternative programs. I have asked my Campus Director to find out what, if any, financial assistance is available for the certificaiton program.

Although we have not finished our applications yet, Mark is still wanting to pursue applying with Agape Flights. I have not heard anything new on a replacement airplane for their ministry.

By the way, we survived the first round of TAKS testing. Overall, it went rather smoothly. Next week I will begin tutoring high school math students in preparing for the math TAKS test in April. I'm hoping these tutoring sessions will give me an indication of whether teaching would be a good fit for me. I figure it will either whet my appetite or drive me crazy!!

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

He knows the plans, but we don't! Please pray for me (and my hubby) to have wisdom in our decision-making process.