Preparing For A Journey

When I applied to renew my passport early this summer I had visions of hiking the mountains of Germany, sipping on strong coffee in a cafe in Paris or taking in the green vista of the Irish seacoast.  Instead, as it turns out, I have most recently presented my passport as proof of citizenship and eligibility to work here in the US.   This coming Monday morning, after a hiatus of more than seven years, I will be reentering the workforce, as a temporary employee of the University of Virginia.  Who’d have thunk it?

This past Thursday I spent most of the morning on grounds, obtaining my official ID badge and parking permit and then spent a couple of hours at home on my laptop, reviewing a slew of University policies and procedures, all in preparation of my  first day on the job. 

Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined I’d be taking this journey at this point in my life.  For the past several years I’ve been a dedicated volunteer keeping myself overly busy and stressed out by the needs of the various projects I’ve been involved in.  I know I can handle the work.  The biggest differences will come in the forms of time, place and dress.  To get up at the crack of dawn, put get dressed and drive to Charlottesville will be my biggest challenge.  If I could only work at home in my pajamas, but I suppose we all share that wish!

So, early Monday morning, I will rise before the sun, put on my big girl panties and head out on my new adventure.  As in all things, I know God has a plan for me.  So, on this day, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, I will try to remember that young girl who said, “Let it be done to me.” and trust that only good things are in store for me.