As many of you know, I have spent what seems like the past year in prayer, asking for clarity and wisdom in making a decision. At the same time, I solicited advice from various people whose opinions I valued and trusted. But most importantly, I always asked God to show me his will and I always reminded myself that my purpose on Earth is not to make a name for myself, but to do things in His name. What you may not know is how I ended up here for a second time back in 2010 - it was only by the grace of God. He worked everything out in his time (which as it turned out was six weeks!) and I found myself with a job, a place to live, and a buyer for my car within four days! I had been praying that God would make it that easy for me this go round and that's just what happened today!
There's the saying, be careful what you wish for, because it might come true. Well, this can also be applied to prayer. I had been praying and praying, especially over these last two weeks for God to reveal his plan to me for the future. And did he ever!!!! He hit me with a knockout punch this morning at 9:30. It was not at all what I expected, but I got my answer....
I left Louisville leaning towards the ideal of returning at the end of the summer. Over the break, I talked to my parents about my financial situation and the student loans I've been racking up over here over the past two years, not to even mention the fact that I'm still trying to pay off my trip from 2008 when I was here for the first time. I know many of you joke around and say I'm over here living it up, but if you only knew!!!! I'm definitely not here for the money! In fact, the reason why I have to teach ten private English lessons throughout the week is so I can have spending money! But I wouldn't trade this for anything!!!! Anyways, I decided that it would be in my best interest to return to the states to start getting my life together financially and professionally! I came to the harsh realization that realistically I would not be able to support myself financially by living over here after you factor in loan payments, rent, plane tickets, and food. In Louisville I have the option of living with my parents until I get back on my feet and finding a job that pays a lot more. I know you teachers over there complain about your salary - first year teachers make roughly 44% more than teachers here!
Of course, that all changed as soon as I arrived back to Madrid and got around my co-workers, my students, and friends. I've said it a million times, I have the best job anyone could ask for and feel beyond blessed to have it. Last year, my boss told me that they wanted me to stay and we looked into the process of getting my Spanish certification to be an English Teacher and what steps we needed to take to get me on an indefinite work permit, since I'm currently in the country on a student visa. Right before Christmas break, we contacted an attorney-like person who specializes in helping foreigners obtain work permits. Today we called him and he gave us the sad news that it would be virtually impossible for me to get a work permit. Spain has an unemployment rate of 22% and the government would have to approve my work contract. Chances of that happening are less than slim, because there are Spaniards who can teach English and job preference is given to them. My bosses at work are desperately trying to figure something out, but I know this is the final answer I was waiting on.
I am extremely sad and upset about this - Madrid has been my home for almost two years. I've made lasting relationships with amazing people and I hate to leave them all behind. I've really evolved into a different person since being here - a change even I myself didn't see coming. I'm even more upset because this is not the answer I wanted to receive and it's hit me hard. I've already shed countless tears in the past 24 hours and there will be plenty more in the coming months. (Cue the waterworks.) However, through all of this I am constantly reminding myself at how blessed I am to have had an opportunity like this! I mean, how many people can say they followed their dreams and lived their life to the fullest for two amazing years? Not many. On top of that, I did it in ANOTHER COUNTRY. I will be walking away from this experience with incredible memories. At the same time, I have a fear that I will never have another experience like this again. That, along with not knowing exactly what the future holds for me is a bit scary. The good news is I have been in contact with various people and think there are several job opportunities for me in Louisville. The problem is they're all in different fields and vary from education, to politics, to the corporate world. Soon it will be time to make another decision!
I'm not sure when I'll be leaving - it all depends on when my residency card expires. My family is coming over in May for my long-awaited graduation. They'll be bringing extra suitcases to help me move things back. I can send winter clothes and books with them, along with any other thing I find. (I've realized that I've accumulated lots of things!) I also plan on doing some traveling before I leave. Next month I'm going to Brussels with my European Union politics class from school. I'd like to travel during Holy Week, which is the first week in April. My best friend from 1st grade just arrived in London today for an internship, so maybe I can squeeze a trip there to see her too! I am in the beginning stages of planning trips for July and August, but I won't have a lot of information until at least next week, so I'm not going to mention those.
Throughout all of this, I'm trying my best to stay positive. Please continue to think of me and pray. This is going to be a hard transition for not only me, but for my family, especially my parents. Living with them after being gone for two years is going to be....Although this isn't what I was planning on, I understand this is what I'm supposed to be doing.
Thank you all for everything!
Sarah
There's the saying, be careful what you wish for, because it might come true. Well, this can also be applied to prayer. I had been praying and praying, especially over these last two weeks for God to reveal his plan to me for the future. And did he ever!!!! He hit me with a knockout punch this morning at 9:30. It was not at all what I expected, but I got my answer....
I left Louisville leaning towards the ideal of returning at the end of the summer. Over the break, I talked to my parents about my financial situation and the student loans I've been racking up over here over the past two years, not to even mention the fact that I'm still trying to pay off my trip from 2008 when I was here for the first time. I know many of you joke around and say I'm over here living it up, but if you only knew!!!! I'm definitely not here for the money! In fact, the reason why I have to teach ten private English lessons throughout the week is so I can have spending money! But I wouldn't trade this for anything!!!! Anyways, I decided that it would be in my best interest to return to the states to start getting my life together financially and professionally! I came to the harsh realization that realistically I would not be able to support myself financially by living over here after you factor in loan payments, rent, plane tickets, and food. In Louisville I have the option of living with my parents until I get back on my feet and finding a job that pays a lot more. I know you teachers over there complain about your salary - first year teachers make roughly 44% more than teachers here!
Of course, that all changed as soon as I arrived back to Madrid and got around my co-workers, my students, and friends. I've said it a million times, I have the best job anyone could ask for and feel beyond blessed to have it. Last year, my boss told me that they wanted me to stay and we looked into the process of getting my Spanish certification to be an English Teacher and what steps we needed to take to get me on an indefinite work permit, since I'm currently in the country on a student visa. Right before Christmas break, we contacted an attorney-like person who specializes in helping foreigners obtain work permits. Today we called him and he gave us the sad news that it would be virtually impossible for me to get a work permit. Spain has an unemployment rate of 22% and the government would have to approve my work contract. Chances of that happening are less than slim, because there are Spaniards who can teach English and job preference is given to them. My bosses at work are desperately trying to figure something out, but I know this is the final answer I was waiting on.
I am extremely sad and upset about this - Madrid has been my home for almost two years. I've made lasting relationships with amazing people and I hate to leave them all behind. I've really evolved into a different person since being here - a change even I myself didn't see coming. I'm even more upset because this is not the answer I wanted to receive and it's hit me hard. I've already shed countless tears in the past 24 hours and there will be plenty more in the coming months. (Cue the waterworks.) However, through all of this I am constantly reminding myself at how blessed I am to have had an opportunity like this! I mean, how many people can say they followed their dreams and lived their life to the fullest for two amazing years? Not many. On top of that, I did it in ANOTHER COUNTRY. I will be walking away from this experience with incredible memories. At the same time, I have a fear that I will never have another experience like this again. That, along with not knowing exactly what the future holds for me is a bit scary. The good news is I have been in contact with various people and think there are several job opportunities for me in Louisville. The problem is they're all in different fields and vary from education, to politics, to the corporate world. Soon it will be time to make another decision!
I'm not sure when I'll be leaving - it all depends on when my residency card expires. My family is coming over in May for my long-awaited graduation. They'll be bringing extra suitcases to help me move things back. I can send winter clothes and books with them, along with any other thing I find. (I've realized that I've accumulated lots of things!) I also plan on doing some traveling before I leave. Next month I'm going to Brussels with my European Union politics class from school. I'd like to travel during Holy Week, which is the first week in April. My best friend from 1st grade just arrived in London today for an internship, so maybe I can squeeze a trip there to see her too! I am in the beginning stages of planning trips for July and August, but I won't have a lot of information until at least next week, so I'm not going to mention those.
Throughout all of this, I'm trying my best to stay positive. Please continue to think of me and pray. This is going to be a hard transition for not only me, but for my family, especially my parents. Living with them after being gone for two years is going to be....Although this isn't what I was planning on, I understand this is what I'm supposed to be doing.
Thank you all for everything!
Sarah
