All of my life, I’ve been taught to finish one thing before starting another. I graduated from kindergarten before starting first grade. I had to finish my burger before I could eat my french fries. I learned to play notes, then a scale, then a piece of music. While I like to believe that life has order and pattern, sometimes it is surprisingly spontaneous and seemingly random. Following training camp, I struggled with my desire to finish work strong while already having my heart set on the World Race and all the amazing things God is going to do in and through me over the next year.
For the past 2.5 years through Asian Human Services, I have been challenged by my colleagues and numerous Asian and immigrant families. While I am at peace with leaving the agency, I am deeply saddened by the client relationships that will be terminated and hope the physical separation from my colleagues will not bring about a rift in our relationship. On Friday, I began to put some closure to my work life in Chicago when I submitted my resignation. Much to my surprise, my boss remained calm and after recovering from shock, immediately moved to looking for my replacement. Yet another reminder that I walk a fine line between being essential and replaceable. Replaceable when I am no longer called to be here, but essential while I am here.
AHS Staff: Sahida, Kate, Lauren, Isabel, Deborah, Harumi, Thidaporn, Dr. Ruhl, Ky, Thang Le, Ang
Majida, me, Shannon, Ha, Grace, Thanh Lam, Karmel
missing: Sharon, Soon, Tammy, Chou, Neha, Maida, Natalie, and several Doctors
I’ve also begun to put temporary closure with temporary farewells to my friends in Chicago. Currently, I have every intention of returning to Chicago at the end of the World Race, but if God directs me elsewhere, elsewhere I will follow. So instead of saying “goodbye” it’s more like saying “see you later” to…
my AHS family: Soon, Sharon, Ha, Jave, and Isabel (and Thidaporn not pictured)
my Chicago kids: Emma, Roman, Riley, and Ethan
my Chicago college friends: Krystle, Heather, Steph, and Marissa (and Marian not pictured)
my Bear Necessities family of advocates for pediatric cancer patients
and my Park Community Church small group!
I love you all and will miss Chicago (my home for the past 7 years) dearly!
