It is official. I was there and now I'm going back again. There being Sohoe, a true Slice of Heaven on Earth. I left there to come here, to New Town, and now, just to keep things interesting - or complicated, depending on your view of it - I'm going back there, or close to there, to a place I'm going to call Lake Town.
I'd like to tell you the whole story, but it gets complicated - or interesting, depending on your view of it - so either pay attention or let your mind drift to the weekend sports results, as you prefer.
We, the Peanuts and I, left the First Place, a big city because small town life and grapes worked their siren song on us. Actually, that's why Mama and Papa Nut moved to Sohoe; the Peanuts moved because they had no choice and I tagged along because nothing else made sense. Things were fine and good, but when it came time for me to return to the world of work, nothing was happening. I had sent cajoling cover letters and resumes to the local library systems with nary a nibble. Not even a nibblet. Only one library sent a letter back thanking me for my interest with sincere expressions of regret that nothing was available at the time. Four years passed, and every time I drove by that library, I thought to myself how appealing it looked and that I'd like to work there. You know what's coming, don't you? That library was in Lake Town.
The time came when I couldn't put it off any longer. I had to seriously look for work, so I applied to any library posting I found, whether it be in Regina (for you non-Canadian readers, Regina is Canuck for "Freezing my tushie off") or Woodstock. New Town is the one I didn't think I was qualified for, but New Town is the one that worked out. I'm very glad that it did. So often, in the moment, our circumstances don't make sense. I remember the moment my present landlord told me he preferred month-to-month rather than a full year lease agreement, I knew with complete clarity that I wasn't going to be here long. I wondered what was the point, but it has been worth it. I've learned a vast amount, professionally, and I've been confronted with realizations about myself as well.
Still and all, the New Town position was only for ten months and as the Christmas holidays approached, I new I had to start looking around me for the next step. That's when I saw an opening at the Lake Town Public Library. I was interviewed and offered the job just in time to give two weeks' notice. Last Monday I began a week of training for a very complicated job that promises to offer a lot of professional growth. Two days later I found a beautiful little apartment only a 10 minute walk from the library. Somehow all the pieces will fall into place, and in a month's time I will once more be back there again.
There is one puzzling piece to this story. My dear friends and former spiritual director are moving from The First Place to New Town. Why are they being brought here just as I am leaving? I don't understand that part, but I know if I pay attention, that will be made clear with time.
Through the whole process, from last May to today, I feel a very strong nudging to not worry (my default setting), to not fret over the whys and hows, but to relax, let go, be patient, and let God give something to me, whatever it may be, rather than try to make something happen on my own. I find it difficult, and yet I have to say He is doing a fine job of it! This just might be when I finally learn to trust.
As far as journeys go, I have enjoyed being here, but am very glad to be going back again.
I have experienced too many "coincidences" in my life not to believe there is something more in this world than what is obvious to our five senses. It seems you have come across just such a situation. Trust, and don't be afraid.
ReplyDeleteBTW, when I was much younger and more adventurous, I was sure I would spend my life roaming about the North West Territories - Yellow Knife and such. I'm not sure how that would have worked out. It gets chilly up there.
Thank you, K R; I shall not give in to fear.
ReplyDeleteWhat was it about the Great White North that drew you? You could have been another Farley Mowat, writing of your frozen adventures.
Alleluia and thank the Lord! I cheered a little bit to my computer when I read "every time I drove by that library, I thought to myself how appealing it looked and that I'd like to work there".
ReplyDeleteAlleluia indeed! It hasn't entirely sunk in yet, but I'm a little giddy that it actually came to be. How cool is that?
ReplyDelete"What was it about the Great White North that drew you?"
ReplyDeleteThere is a feeling I've never understood that seems to draw me to it, as if I was supposed to go there, wherever "there" was, and find something. After all these years it still intrigues me. All I have is this unsettling feeling. And when the fall comes, and many of the birds are migrating south, there are times when I get almost nervously anxious thinking I should go north. It makes no sense to me, but the urge exists nonetheless.
There is something to that feeling. I've heard of it in conjunction with other places - usually warmer, more hospitable locales - never the frozen tundra. Do you have any ties to the area, do you know?
ReplyDeleteHappy for you. I had told you your life will soon improve.
ReplyDeleteMay God protect and bless you.
It pleases me so much in the times that we live, with all its chaos and unknowns, to read a story such as yours Tess. Your readers have followed you there and back again and have felt as companions to your little journey. I, for one, am totally awed at the way things worked out for you. K R is right, things just do not coincide in these ways without "something" behind it all. Best wishes in this next leg of your journey!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful, God-driven story. The best kind there is.
ReplyDeleteWhile the dear friends move to New Town just as you set up shop in Lake Town, at least they are that much closer than when you were in SOHOE and they were in First Place.
Thank you, Luis, Bobby, and Carly. Carly, you're right - one hour is way better than six!
ReplyDelete"Do you have any ties to the area, do you know?"
ReplyDeleteThe closest I can come up with is my Great Grandmother on my Mother's side. She was supposed to be a Blackfoot, but I have very little information about her. I don't know where she met my Grandfather, but they seemed to be moving west-to-east when everyone else was going the opposite way. I don't know anyone in that area today. Perhaps someday I'll get up that way and figure it all out.
I hope you do, Kevin. I believe that place is part of who we are. We've become such a mobile society that we may have lost that awareness, but perhaps some people still feel it strongly - like an American being drawn to Ireland, or you to the North.
ReplyDeleteTake care to time your travel to that tiny window between snow and mosquitoes.