This is a long post, and it is a boring post, and it is all
about my job. And, if reading the ruminations
of a sentimental fool isn't your jam, stop now.
Otherwise, read on.
I keep this blog for a number of reasons. The primary two reasons
are to keep family up to date on the super thrilling goings-on of the Boboth family and to keep
a running record for ourselves of our lives and God’s faithfulness therein. It’s always interesting reading through old
posts and tracing God’s hand in all of it.
I recently realized that the days surrounding our Oregon departure were such a whirlwind that I never had time to jot down what those
last few days of work were like. So many sweet
memories were made and I would hate to forget any of it.
One week before my last day of work, my coworkers threw the sweetest going away luncheon for me –
complete with incredible food, heartfelt memories, toasts, gifts, and a very
special dessert. To say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. I felt so
blessed to have been a part of that community for the last three years and
began to feel the “bitter” in my imminent bittersweet departure. After three years in the proverbial trenches with
these people, I suddenly realized how much I would miss them.
The final week of
work was a surreal one. Tying up loose ends, saying last goodbyes, going to a lot
of “we’ve-been-meaning-to-do-this” lunch dates… And my last day of work could not have been
more perfect. We had one final ‘going-away’
lunch with most of the staff, and –for one reason or another- most of my
coworkers left at different times throughout the day, giving me an opportunity
to say goodbye to each one individually.
At 4pm, one coworker called all those remaining into his office for a
special toast. We sat around for an hour
laughing, telling stories, and toasting to our next exciting season. As I looked around the room, my breath caught
in my throat thinking that I was about to leave this team, this somewhat
dysfunctional family, that I had grown to love.
As the day came to a close, I said my last goodbyes, hugged
each person extra tight, and retreated to my car and cried – partially because
I was going to miss these people, but also recognizing the end of a very
significant chapter in my life. It felt
like turning in my keys that Friday finished the last sentence in that chapter
of my life. You know that feeling when
you’re reading a book and you look forward to the satisfaction of its
completion; yet, once you have finished the book, you feel a loss somehow, almost
a “now what?” feeling? Yeah, that is
what it felt like. And, because I am
super awesome at not being overly sentimental, I cried.
Three weeks and one transoceanic move later found me
employed – again – by the same university. Yes, you read that right. In a stroke of God’s incredible provision and
faithfulness (and a little bit of extra work on my boss’ part), I had a job
waiting for me in Hawai’i. For the last
two months, I have been working at a satellite office playing a tiny role in helping
the staff get the office up and running.
It has been great. And, in a
large way, it has kept some homesickness at bay because I have still been somewhat connected to my former job and some of my coworkers.
Well, all this to say, today I turned in my keys again. If my last key-turning-in was the end of that
chapter, this has completed the epilogue. The impact that this institution has
had on my life is inestimable. Even with
all the stress, late nights, long business trips, and frustration over the last
three years, the personal and professional growth and the lifelong friendships
have made it more than worth it. I could
not be more thankful to the people with whom I’ve been so honored to work for
their patience, faith in me, and good humor – I’ve learned so very much from
them. But even more, I sit here
astounded at and incredibly grateful for God’s outrageous provision for us
through this job. From Oregon to Hawai’i, He has provided again
and again and then some.
I do not know why I can never seem to remember that - time after time - God is faithful. He is faithful! And, even if things do not turn out as I had hoped, I can be confident that He is always, at all times and in all ways, at work for His glory and my eternal good. I still cannot quite believe that this season has ended - I think I'm in denial, yet so thankful for these three years. I am excited to see what the next seasons and chapters of our lives hold - and I am anxious to document His Grace in it all.
