A different type of culture shock

Day 2 on the job

So, it's the end of day 2 of work and I will honestly say that I started to feel discouraged today. I have always been the type of person that is hands on and likes to get things done and be able to see progress happening but the past 2 days at work, all I find myself doing is attending meetings and more meetings. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just not what I am accustomed to when it comes to ministry since I am coming from a collegiate ministry stand point and my mind is still on the past 4 years with InterVarsity. I greatly enjoy those that I am working with and what the organization is doing but the work transition is harder than I expected and was prepared for. I was excited, ready, and looking forward to starting work but today I honestly just wanted to cry and was holding back tears.

It’s somewhat harder with my organization than some others might have it in one area which is knowledge of the US-2 program since my site has never had a US-2 so they are learning as they go just as I am. I have 2 bosses that I am working under in 2 different departments so right now it’s been hard knowing what each day has for me or which department I will be working with. Today I spent the morning with the community department for an hour, then went to a meeting with the youth department for about 4 hours, then was on my own for 4 hours, and then went to a neighborhood watch meeting with the community department. So today alone was spent in various areas yet it was today that I became discouraged and just wanted to cry. I know that as time goes on, things will become more organized and I will have more of a set schedule but for now, I don’t know much and if you know anything about me, I like to know what’s going on and have some control. However, right now I don’t know what’s going to happen day to day nor do I have control over any of it. You could definitely say that God is testing my patience and trust in Him and that’s hard.

I am in a place that I am still not familiar with and it’s still a transition but surprisingly enough the transitioning into the environment that Texas is has been easier than transitioning into the job that I have and the role that I am taking on. Do to my nature; I would rather be busy than not having things to do. I have always been the type that asks for more to do even if my plate is already full. It’s a strength but also a weakness of mine, I’m an achiever and that can sometimes get the to the worst of me.

Don’t get me wrong, I am in no way saying that I don’t like my “job” but it is different and it’s taking time to get used to and figured out. There’s some communication that could be smoothed out some but that’s expected when there’s multiple people trying to work together but in 2 different departments. Even with all the meetings, good comes from it. I am building the foundation for relationships and trust and over all understanding of the organization and what they are doing. Without the foundation then things would fall apart. I want to do the job to the best of my ability and right now that means attending meetings and just being in attendance. The meetings do bring up some questions and thoughts but I won’t go into that for now. However, for now, if you wouldn’t mind keeping me in prayer then that would be greatly appreciated and thanks for following my US-2 journey with me!

Oh and on another note: I am finding out that getting out of my housing complex is not always easy and finding how to get to I-30 from downtown Dallas at night, is NOT a fun adventure. However, after doing a few circles around the same streets, I finally made it to I-30 and back to the house!