This is the Story (Part 2)

In February, I was willing to go just about anywhere that would fulfill the purpose of serving God, serving others, and paying off my student loans.  Everywhere except, Japan.  

Enter Kevin.

My stud of boyfriend, Kevin, was in Japan.  Now, I know most people may wonder, "So, why isn't Japan the first place you look?"  For me, Japan was Kevin's thing.  I didn't want to intrude on his thing and I wanted my thing. We had already planned on doing 2 years long distance, what would it matter if I just changed where the distance would be? 

Not looking in Japan for a job was unsettling for Kev.  I could serve God, serve others, make a dent in the loans, and have the added perk of actually dating my boyfriend in the same country.  After many prayers and long conversations with people wiser than myself, I made the decision that I wasn't going to aggressively search for jobs in Japan, but I would be openminded to the possibility.  

Within days, the only jobs that were coming my way were jobs in Japan.  One job description was teaching English in Yokohama at an all-girls christian school called Yokohama Jogakuin.  Guess where Kevin lives?  YOKOHAMA!  Woot! 

It took a while, in American standards, to interview and get officially hired with this school.  Once the process was done, I had signed a contract for a two year term where my responsibilities included: actually following Christ and letting that shine throughout my life to a group of girls who need to see an authentic christian woman (one with flaws and mishaps, but continues the good fight with a faith that is unwavering). All this, while teaching them English in the process, as in, an ESL approach to the english language.

So there you have it.  In 13 days, I will be leaving to start a new journey in Japan.  I am excited about my job and the ministries I will be able to partake in.  I know this will be tough and a growing process where I will be stretched tremendously.  I look forward to that actually, because I know that the hard times produce perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope.  And we can all use a little hope.

This is the Story (Part One)

Two.  That's typically the number of years you work full time while going to school at night to complete a Master's program.  Twelve.  That's the number of months some districts like to wait before honoring a teacher with the appropriate pay for their Master's Degree.  Sixteen.  That's the number of dollars some districts think is appropriate to add to a teacher's paycheck once they finally honor the additional degree.  At least this was the case for me.

Making loads of money has never been a mindset of mine (I don't think I would have gone into education if it was my mindset).  I strive and appreciate living simple.  I cut costs in nearly every way I could think of and no matter what I did, I struggled to pay those ugly student loans.

Around January, a little birdy started chirpin' in my ear (thank you Melanie.)  I am still young, I am able, I am willing, and I love to travel.  Why not look into teaching overseas?  Rumor has it that teaching overseas tends to pay well and maybe, just maybe, I could make a dent in my student loans.

I don't think Melanie ever thought I would run with the idea full speed ahead.  I joined an organization that placed teachers all over the world.  My first interviews were with countries in the Middle East.  One in Qatar and one in Bahrain.  Shortly after the interviews, countries throughout the Middle East started breaking out into civil wars (shocker).  The organization I was looking into, as well as family and friends, decided that I shouldn't go to the Middle East.  

So, I looked elsewhere...