Fired to hired.

May 16, 2019

I could still remember the fist day I entered my first school, as an English and Science teacher here in Thailand. Our school architectural design is like a mansion house and everyone of us are very close: for the reason that we always see each other every moment and time.This school, no matter where and how far my feet will go, it'll always have a special niche in my heart.

February 27, 2020

'Hello Teacher Ruth, can we talk for a moment? Yes sure!' I replied.

That was the time I was told by the manager of the school, that the next day will be my last day in school. I was in shocked and speechless, but I hold myself and pressed on. I couldn't deny the fact that I was broken and deeply sad as it was something of an unexpected drift in my life, first time! At that moment, I have no feeling whatsoever to seek for another job, I was in a mourning stage, I was ready to go home! I wasn't mad about it, but whenever I talk to God I ask,'Why?,' the amazing part was that; God was revealing to me all the prayers I've prayed before, He hears the secret voices of our inner heart! That was the time I understood and concluded; this is an answered prayer! Sometimes, an answer to a prayer will let you first experience pain and hurt, but for a while, will Himself restore you. That's what God did to me!

To keep myself busy, I played badminton, colored my hair and go to friends places. It was Tuesday that time and we have this "Power House", where all church families meets together to pray, worship and fellowship with one another. I'm not a perfect attendee, my house is kinda far and we have classes the following day, but now I don't have class, no work, I AM FREE! Which gives me enough reason to go. So I did went to the Power House, while the emcee was calling out people to testify, a voice inside me is saying, 'Speak up!', I was like,'No!' But it was so strong that it causes me to really stand, speak up and tell everyone what happened. While I was speaking, the words were overflowing and something like, you confidently know what to say, that wasn't me, it was somebody else speaking in me. It says;'Will you only testify the good things that had happened in your life? What if it is something unpleasant? Will you not be able to testify and praise God about it?!' After I have spoken those words, I was stunned! I was saying it, and myself being surprised to what I was saying! Then I knew who it was, the one that causes me to stand, the Holy Spirit. You know, just listen to that voice! Obedience, is a very important thing, even though how irrelevant it might sound, just do it, when it tells you too. Of course, with the wisdom that it will lead you unharmed. What I did was just speaking out my heart and how I felt, people were blessed, many people even more prayed, and plead to God on my behalf! Now, I didn't see that all coming, I was planning on just keeping it all to myself with only few people knowing about it, but to God, no! He has a higher purpose for every circumstances. I only see a narrow picture, He sees everything.

The following day, I started applying to schools, once again. My feet lead me to soil, which I've never been. I enjoyed the journey, every step I take it was He who's ordaining it. I met people who are really thoughtful in entertaining me, even though they knew at first place that their are no vacancies. Thai people are in the same way like us Filipinos who are know to be very hospitable and they are too, in so many ways we have the same character, I've even heard from a friend that Thais' and Filipinos' are long lost twins! How interesting is that!

It's been four days now since I started applying. Every-time I go out I still feel that kinda feeling of uncertainty and for moments were I feel that, God is just so constant, He assures me, secures me and for all those times, was with me! While searching trough the internet "near schools around me," I happened to see Raffles American School of Bangkok. I said to myself, 'okay this is gonna be the last one for today.' When I got there, I asked using the typical words for the day,'are you hiring teachers now?,' could you wait for a moment please?' she answered. After 10 minutes, I was led into a room and interviewed by a co-Filipino teacher, she is one of the coolest interviewee ever! She was funny-witty and is building real fast connection with me. I remember one specific question she asked, 'Are you gonna be able to adjust well, knowing that the position you'll be in, is not a teacher but a teaching assistant?' At that time, I really don't know. I just said, 'yeah I think so.' After the little chit-chat I was interviewed real quick by the director he said,'you've got a long list here, She's fine with me what do you think?' If she's good to you, then to me too!' (referring to the other co-teacher. I was told that whenever the director had a job interview it usually takes 30 minutes and because He was on a meeting real fast, he leaves me be, what are the circumstance!). That was it, I got out the office and she toured me around the school, as if I'm hired already! She said,'we will confirm to you by Monday.' Oh sure, I'll keep in touch. The moment I got out from the school, I knew I was hired already! Like, that was it! The last school for today, but definitely not the least!

March 10, 2020

'Hi! We want to hire you. Can you start tomorrow? Please bring all your papers.' It was a mixed of emotion after reading the message. Gracious!!! I was overwhelmed of God's love and care for me that I couldn't just keep it for myself and have to share it to my friends, so I send them a very long message and praised God for it! At night, it was powerhouse, again I had the opportunity to testify about it, after a week of telling my story! It's amazing how God blesses His people: Humility and Obedience! A simple whisper, if I had missed it, I wouldn't be standing right there!

Lesson learned:

How unpleasant your situation maybe, it really doesn't matter, what matters is that, God's will and purpose in your life will always prevail! When God promises to be with you, He means it and He will be with you! It takes not just "faith" and "confidence" but a little step up of faith, confidence, trust, hope that He is working out things just for you!

Remember, you are never out of God's hand! The road might be bulky, but trust Him, who can do beyond the narrow view!

"When a trains goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jumped off. You sit still and trust the engineer!"

-Corrie Ten Boom

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!