Seven

Favor!

As I was preparing to apply for this job, I felt that certain peace and assurance that this would go well. True enough, I got shortlisted for an interview. But it wasn't only an interview, there was also a written exam and a teaching demo. All happened in one day. Then the waiting starts. Two months to be exact.

This position isn't always available. It's uncertain how many teachers the city would accept in a year. And a lot of us would want to get in. The perks and benefits that come along this direct employment are something foreign workers are longing to have.

Then they called me and told me I was first on the waitlist. We were all put on the waitlist. I heard there were over a hundred applicants. Less than half got called for an interview. Then about twenty were considered for the position. But it was still uncertain how many of the twenty will successfully sign a contract.

Another week passed when I finally received a mail. It was the contract package. Then they emailed me for orientation and introduction day. I came and brought all the documents required of me. I wore a suit. I entered the room and realized there were only seven of us. SEVEN. The perfect number.

Realizing this favor took a while for me. For the past years, I was struggling at work that I never saw how God can give me a breakthrough. It felt like I was praying for the impossible. And so when He promised me this, I put little faith into it. I know HE can but I was no longer expectant. 

Now, that the school year is coming to an end, I am looking back and felt so amazed at how GOD met my specific needs. The tiny details for a job I was secretly praying for came true. I have forgotten about them but God heard them and graciously said YES to all of them.

1. The school location is definitely convenient for me.

For the past two years, I have been complaining about how my school locations were inconvenient. While I only have to transfer at one station, the time and cost were not justifiable. My daily commute was always an agony especially that I alternately transfer at the big stations, Shibuya and Shinjuku. 

In my new location, I still transfer to another train line but it isn't stressful anymore. The commute time is shorter and the cost is now covered by the city.

2. I only got assigned in one school.

Also, I've been going to multiple schools each year and had to always do self introduction. It's been exhausting and less exciting. I was losing so much interest with what I was doing. I had to look into my schedule as carefully as possible and remember rules specific to each school. Now, I can focus and feel more at ease. I get to meet the same people every day and at least be able to get to know them well.

3. My desk is in a separate, smaller room.

The teachers room in Japan is an open space. I'm an outgoing person but when it comes to work, I need some quiet time to think and do my tasks. The smaller room with fewer people provided me with that need for privacy and creative thinking space. 

4. I was provided with my own tablet and access to MS Teams.

Not all schools can do so. With this access, I can do so much more in the class. I can make PowerPoints and send them to teachers I work with. I can save all of my work in one folder and take memos of all my classes digitally. 

5. My partner Japanese teacher has been supportive and is giving me the freedom to do my lessons.

He has been accommodating and understanding. Although we have different teaching styles, I am just thankful that we can agree on certain things in the class. I've worked with several JTEs and each had unique teaching style and even more unique personality. At least now, I only have to deal with one JTE.

6. I receive a bonus twice a year and my annual health check is free.

In Japan, it's hard to find a company that would give you bonuses. Since I am now directly employed by the city Board of Education, I get to enjoy semi-annual bonuses that the Japanese workers also receive. This is favor upon favor, grace upon grace. I was able to go on an international trip using my first bonus. God you are amazing!

7. I just met my first ever Japanese work friend.

I've heard about how difficult it is to form friendships with Japanese people especially at work. I met most of my Japanese friends at eikaiwas and of course at church. So, I totally understand. I wasn't expecting anything but when I met this teacher I felt instantly comfortable with her. I'm just really glad knowing I have someone to depend on at work when work feels heavy. We talk at work and we also hangout. And actually we share the same birthday!

💖💖💖

Thank you, JESUS. I know I have been the least faithful servant. I am not worthy of this all. I keep sinning. I keep disappointing you. Yet you never changed. You made it clear to me that it was you who brought me to this place and there is nothing I should worry about.

It's all because of you, JESUS!😭🙌