The Great Debate

I'm sure at one point or another in reading through my blog that you've noticed the title.  The blog address is hesinireland but the actual title of the blog is "My Year Abroad."  It's interesting because the original plan was for me to be in Ireland for a year (thus the blog address), but of course, plans do change.  I may have mentioned it before, but my friend Jennifer Tharp once said "Write your plans in pencil and give God the eraser."  I'm not sure where she got that, but it has stuck with me ever since she said it. 

You see, my plan was to come to Ireland and I felt very confident that the Lord had a reason for that.  I still believe He did.  I came here and I worked with an amazing group of people up at DCU.  I met a cute little fellow, Ari, and got to know his family while nannying for them.  I met amazing people (mostly Americans) and I know I'll be friends with them forever.  I believe 100% that there was a reason for me coming here. 

With that same confidence, I know that the Lord has other plans for me now.  My time in Ireland may soon be coming to an end, but I will not have completed "My Year Abroad" just yet.  There are other opportunities for me out there.  Recently, I found a very interesting website called Aupair World where I created a profile for myself and in the days since doing so have had many families reach out to me interested in me becoming their next au pair. 

I've never worked as an au pair before, but I believe that in my many years of babysitting I've built some pretty good skills in childminding and I can say that my early childhood and elementary teaching backgrounds pique the interest of many families.  On top of that, these families see that my Masters is in teaching English and all of a sudden, I'm a top choice for them. 

The families mostly want someone to help with the kids in the after school hours and work with them on homework, etc as well as participate in the children's extracurricular activities.  I can do this.  These families also really want their children to learn English, or to improve it, so I've got that experience too. 

My "problem" lies with knowing where to go.  I've spoken to families throughout France, Italy, and Spain and I feel very strongly about certain places.  I am debating, in the most reasonable manner possible, and weighing the pros and cons of each.  I even created a color coded table so I can better visualize my options (that's such the teacher in me)! 

No matter the plan, I know I've got someone looking out for me.  I will know when it's time to make a decision where I am to go.  As for now, I'm enjoying learning a little about these families all over Europe and letting them try to "win" my favor.