Idaho-bound

It's been a crazy week. 8 days ago I got an email saying that a particular non-profit organization was hiring a few people to replace an incredible woman who's been working there for 9 years. The organization sends volunteers to work with orphanages in Ecuador. I was a volunteer in 2000 and returned to school determined to be of use to the organization someday. To this end, I majored in International Development and minored in Child Development and Latin American studies. Right before my last semester as an undergrad (in Guatemala), I received notice that the organization was hiring. I applied but was told they would need me sooner than I was available. Unwilling to pass up the opportunity to do field research in Guatemala, I counted it as a loss. Now, over 2 years later, they are hiring again. I tweaked my resume and sent it in on Monday. Tuesday it was received. Thursday afternoon I heard from one of my references saying they'd spoken with the head of the organization. Thursday evening I got a call from the head, offering me a position. He was creating positions in Idaho and in Ecuador, and the position he felt I'd be best suited for was in Ecuador. I accepted (duh!!!). Later that evening, he decided maybe replacing his #1 AND moving administration to Ecuador at the same time was premature, so it looks like I'll be moving to Idaho for 6-8 months before we revisit the notion of moving to Ecuador. So Idaho-bound I am.

I'm so excited!!! After 2 years (and particularly the past 6 months) of struggling to find meaning in my work (and struggling to find work!), this comes as a bit of a shock. I almost don't trust that it will happen - that I'll arrive and be told they don't need me after all - because I've gotten so used to disappointment. But it's a risk I'm willing to take [a) because I know it's a ridiculous fear, and b) dude! this is my dream!].

Hooray for dreams coming true!