Last fall, our superintendent called me into his office. He informed me that due to declining enrollment, the music department personnel would be cut in half. Since I had the least seniority, I would be the one who would be leaving. It was panic time. I have been teaching 38 years and was not ready for retirement. It's not always easy for teachers my age to get a new job, and with a mortgage hanging over my head and heavens, health insurance...I knew I had to think out of the box. I had always admired people who had taught overseas. I decided look into it.
The Overseas Job Fair at UNI has been held every February since the seventies. Once a year, about 800 teachers from around the globe converge upon the Sullivan Center in Waterloo, Iowa. Several hundred schools from all over the world are there also, looking teachers and administrators to fill the many job openings available in their schools. It was three days of interviews and life-changing
decisions to make. I had three job offers and settled on a school where I could teach just K-4 music. Even around the globe, it's hard to find elementary music positions. This school even furnished rent- free apartments across the street from the school, no less! For a person who has been commuting 90 miles a day round trip for nine years worth of Iowa winters, that apartment across the street was a major selling point!
I accepted the position, now the hard part came...RED TAPE!!! I had no idea all the hoops I would have to jump through in order to get this work visa. I really wasn't even completely sure what a work was! It took about six months to get everything done...police clearance, passport, work visa, diploma authenticated, very extensive physical. I could have done it faster if I would have known what to do. It's all a matter of talking to the right person, because half the time they don't know what they're talking about and I didn't always know the right questions to ask. But that part is finally done, now it's time to figure out what to pack!
My family has been great! They have been my best cheerleaders. My daughter, Stacia is going to live in my home in Union while she works and begins her paramedic training. My son, Brett, and his wife, Sara, live and teach in Gibbon, Nebraska. My son has helped me navigate all the technology I've needed to use to revamp my resume and send documents back and forth to the Middle East. They have a sweet little daughter, Julia, who was born April 24 who I will miss so much. But thanks to the miracle of FaceTime, I will be able to sing her lullabies and watch her grow.
I'm now on my "farewell tour." I'm in Nebraska saying goodbye to my dad and son and his family. My eighty-nine year old uncle Lyle is close to meeting his Savoir any time now. Tomorrow we will give each other one last hug, with the knowledge that we will see each other again in heaven. To God be the glory! Until next time, dear friends, may God bless.
