As I think back to May, I'm reminded of a peace that I knew was from the Lord. Jon and Tommy's residencies were going to end come June 7, and yet they still had no offers. The hospital was not in a financial situation to where they could simply create jobs for these men- there were 0 jobs in Gainesville, but there were some possibilities.
Jon had been applying in areas where we knew people. We were looking in Gainesville, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, Baltimore, and DC. We were excited about all the possibilities, but unsure of where God wanted us to go. We were praying that God would provide us only ONE job. We felt encouraged as Jon began getting interviews. He felt that most had gone pretty well, especially one in Phoenix. Jon's aunt and uncle live out there- they told us they would be praying daily for that job. We were sadly let down when we found out that he did not get a second interview. Jon felt like he had been lead on based on his first interview, so that was a bummer. Following that no, he then was told no a few more times. He was definitely discouraged, but we were quickly reminded of our hearts prayer- that the Lord would provide us ONE job.
People would ask me constantly how I was feeling, if I was worried, etc.. and thankfully I wasn't worried. We kept praying. Our family and friends were praying. Our church was praying.
One day Jon said to me, I feel like we need to fully surrender our future and my job to the Lord. We need to seek him with everything we have. We began that day giving up any plans and really asking God to move. Oh my goodness, was he faithful. One job opened up at UF and there was hope for a potential one at Shands.It seemed like all the interview processes moved so slow- except this one. One week from that date, a Monday, another job opened up at the University of Florida, College of Medicine Pediatrics. Jon applied. Then THAT Thursday- he had his first interview- it went great! He felt more confident than ever. Then the very next day, he had the second interview. He continued to really enjoy the people he was meeting and continued to get even more excited!! Then Monday, officially one week after applying, he had an interview with the Department Chair of Pediatrics at about 9am, by noon THAT day, he had an offer!! Talk about an answer to prayer.
God has been extra good to us. Our search was over, and we are staying in Gator Nation for at least a few more years. Thank you God for providing us with jobs, a church family, and friends here.
Over the next month, Tommy got an offer in Vero, we met more friends Ben and Caryn (she's a CSU ram, they love Settlers, and enjoy outdoorsy things- we were meant to be friends), my role changed at work- it became more evident that I will not be temporary forever, we got to go to Virginia to see Lindsey graduate and spend a week in the Outerbanks with the Mollers, and Jon and I got to celebrate 3 years of marriage...
More details to come!
Very very exciting! I look forward to seeing how God continues to move in your lives in Florida :)
ReplyDelete