I moved here almost a month ago through a series of serendipitous events. Everything fell into place so seamlessly that not to move to Manhattan would have felt like the weirder decision.
Here's the story:
I had been feeling discontent with my job for various reasons and thinking that I would start looking for something new for the fall.
I was feeling a little stuck in KC. Nothing major, just unsure of what my purpose was there. I was starting to get an itch to go somewhere different. I'm 25, single, and there was nothing holding me there - why not venture a little further from the nest? I also didn't want to move across the country; the itch wasn't that big. So Manhattan came to mind. My sister lives here and will be here for the next few years in grad school. My dear friend Meg lives her and is expecting her first baby in August.
And, I mean, it's Manhattan. The Promised Land. The town that held so many memories of four years in college - laughter, heartache, growth, humility, mistakes - the whole deal.
I told a few of my close girlfriends that I was contemplating a change. Asked them to pray for me. That God would make clear what He wanted me to do. That I would have peace and direction.
That same night, I got online to see what types of jobs might be available in Manhattan, just to get an idea. I applied on a whim for a job at TFI Family Services for a Foster Care Worker.
They called me the next day to set up an interview. I scheduled phone interview for the following Tuesday. Tuesday rolled around and I was so nervous. More nervous than I've ever been for an interview in my life. I'm not trying to brag, but I nailed the interview. Nailed it. I felt so good afterward. But then they didn't call me for over a week. I started losing hope. I had butterflies in my stomach alldayeveryday. I called a week after the interview and asked for an update. She told me they were making the decision that day and to "hang tight". I got a call a few hours later and they offered me the job. I negotiated the salary a little (heyo!) and accepted the job, with a start date of just a little over two weeks from when I accepted.
The next couple of weeks were a straight up whirlwind.
First, I went to Waco to welcome my new baby nephew into the world and hang out with my other nephews and my sister-in-law and brother.
I got back to Kansas City on a Tuesday night, worked Wednesday and Thursday, packed Friday, and moved to Manhattan on Saturday, March 15.
The move went really well! My bestie, Laura Wetzel, drove my car and spent Saturday night and part of Sunday with me to help me get settled in. I am so thankful for her help. I think I would've been so much more overwhelmed if she hadn't come along.
Where am I living, you ask?
I moved in with a girl I had never met, but who came highly recommended by my sister and John Schwartz (Ichthus pastor and trusted friend). When someone comes with a John Schwartz seal of approval, you know their top notch. Katie and I talked on the phone twice before I moved in, but weirdly, neither of us were really worried about it. (When I say weirdly, I mean that I think that God's hand was so heavily involved in the whole thing that both of us just knew that it was going to be great.) And it has been great. She is wonderful. She is currently sitting across from me at a table at Arrow Coffee (my new favorite coffee shop in MHK).
I started my job the Monday after I moved in and have loved every minute of it. It's the best job I've ever had. I get to support foster families and advocate for foster kiddos. I'm so happy and finally feel like I'm doing what I was meant to do.
Can I say that I feel closer to God in Manhattan?
Because I do. I feel His presence closer to me. I feel this peace that I can't explain or describe. It's like I can breathe deeper. I sleep better.
I have a lot more to say about my time here so far, but this post is already way too long, so I'll just leave you here for now. But I'll be back soon. :)
Peace,
Emily
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