Nuts in Nederland

I'm still unemployed.  I didn't get the job at the university.  And somehow I'm OK with that. 

It does get tiring, however, being asked on a regular basis "Have you found a job yet?"  The answer is always the same.  And the process is always the same.  I apply.  I wait.  I get rejected.  Rather.  Rinse.  Repeat.

For now I just focus on the positive things I can do with all this extra time.  I've signed up to be a volunteer visiting imprisoned mothers at our local prison.  As the summer vacation is approaching, I won't get to do the training until September.  But I am looking forward to this opportunity and most importantly giving women HOPE.

We all make mistakes.  And sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to make it to the top.  I know.  For me, the year 1995 will always be the year I managed to make all the wrong choices.  However, 1996 was the year my life went uphill and from there it only got better.

Sometimes I think God uses me here in the Netherlands to give others hope.  To show people that you can overcome your problems.  And there are moments that I experience such an overwhelming feeling of  "service" that I know this is where God wants me to be. 

I always wanted to live abroad.  There was something inside of me that just felt I belonged in Europe.  I told my parents when I was in mid-20's, "Don't expect me to marry an American."  And that was BEFORE I met my Dutchie.

As life has worked out, I've managed to live out my dream.  I'm raising bilingual children in a foreign country, just as I always imagined.  And I'm married to my best friend.

I love my life here.  I wouldn't want to live anywhere else other than Breda.  It's a great city full of culture, charm and community.  I have everything I ever wanted.  And I suppose that is why I am able to relax about the whole job issue. 

There are worse things that could happen.  And as long as my little family and I are healthy and happy, the rest is just icing on the cake.  I know as long as I keep the right attitude, remain positive and persistent, it will all work out.  It always does.