On the other side of the world

When I tell people that I live in Georgia, most immediately think of the state of Georgia instead of the Republic of Georgia. I've had several friends in the last few months that have realized that I am not in a state beside them but on the other side of the world! I am constantly checking the world clock on my iPhone each day because part of my family lives in the U.S. and the other lives in Brazil. There are about 9 hours difference between the U.S. and 6 hours from Brazil. It always amazes me that as my day is winding down, my family and friends are just starting their day and it always reminds me that we really are far away from everything and everyone we know. Yet, the feeling I get is not of loneliness or sadness(at least not always). It is a feeling of how blessed my family and I are to get to have this experience. Last New Years, I would have never thought or guessed that this would be our home in 2014. The idea of living in the republic of Georgia would have made laugh and it would have certainly scared me! If my husband, dad and mom would have not thought this move was a good idea, I probably would have never accepted the job I have now. I am so glad that they encouraged me to be brave and to trust that God was in charge of everything. 

For the last few years, I have been in such a low place in my career. I have to be honest and say that I really hated my job and just wanted to get out! I had been trying to leave my job for the last three years but nothing would open up! I was frustrated because I applied to hundreds of jobs and nothing ever had come of it. When I saw this job post, I was hopeful and terrified at the same time. I knew that if this job opened up for me, it was going to be a big change for us. I really wanted to work in Latin America so getting a job offer in Georgia was a complete surprise! Nothing here in Georgia is like the United States. Everything is different and that is good! My family needed this change. We needed to get out and explore the world. I admit that when I left my job in TN, I was still angry and hurt by the many things that had happened in the last years there but as I the months have passed, I have realized that my experiences as a public school teacher have been valuable and certainly helpful in my new job. I have a better understanding of what teachers feel and deal with on a day to day basis. I am getting to see teaching through another perspective. From the beginning of our journey here, my family has had a positive attitude. We know things are very different than what we are used to but that is what makes this such a wonderful adventure. I am excited to see what the rest of adventure will be on the other side of the world!