Update(s)

Well, after that heart heavy piece just a few minutes ago...

I did my second interview on Monday with the congregation I am in conversation with. It went very well. I am eager to take the next step. They would like to hear me preach and we are working to set up a date for that. Potentially mid-late July.

All of this means that things in the call process are much slower than I anticipated. If I don't preach until mid-late July, and they decide they wish to offer my name to the congregation, well it first goes through council (and then I may have to meet with the council and/or congregation meet-n-greet) and then a congregational meeting will be called (with at least two weeks notice) and a vote taken. So ordination - if all of these processes yield a "Yes" can't be until at least September.

What does all that mean? Well, I have to get a PT job. But here's the exciting and funny news. Some of you know that for a long time one of my 'dreams' was the be a grocery store check-out clerk - even if just for a day. So, yesterday I was bouncing around Manassas/Bristow/Gainesville checking out the way-too-fast, way-too-much development since I left for seminary and found a grocery store named Harris Teeter. I had just seen a cool commercial for it the night before, so I thought I would look around. After doing that and being greeted, and welcomed, and offered assistance by staff members, I thought....why don't I see if they are hiring PT? So I did, and about an hour later (after application, computerized skill assessment, and drug test) I was offered a conditional postion as cashier, pending the results of my drug test! Let me tell you - I did NOT plan this. I was in jean shorts, a scruffy grey t-shirt, hair just there, and no make-up. And I walked out with a job! Now, I won't be starting until they get the drug test results (8-15 with the holiday) but wow, I have a job. I am going to be a grocery store check-out clerk!

Well, life hands you funny things sometimes and you just role with it. Besides, what a great job to have where I don't have to bring it home with me, and I get to meet people all-day long! Here's to the process - first call, grocery store, and life! God's pretty funny sometimes I think! :-)