Finally a Job

Well I managed to snag a job. And I think, for the first time in my life, I'm really excited about where I'm working. I was hired at the Pavilion, the Behavioral Health System. I am working as a Mental Health Technician. The facility is designed for a number of different programs and needs, and offers comprehensive care to youths, adults and their families. The Pavilion offers inpatient, outpatient and partial hospitalization programs for the treatment of drug, alcohol and psychiatric problems.

I feel blessed to have gotten this job. The pay is pretty decent and I also get benefits, which is something I've never had before. The only downside to the job is that it is in Champaign- which happens to be over an hour away from where I live. I will be driving roughly 2 1/2 hours everyday, which isn't exactly ideal with the winter coming up so quickly. But nonetheless, I am really excited about this job.

For me, this isn't just a job. I am of course there to make money. You cannot survive without money. It's a necessity. But where I'm working now is far greater than just a job to me. It's a passion. And I never thought I'd be passionate about working in an institution. Or a mental health facility, for that matter. But I am. And I'm passionate about this because I know that I am going to get experience working with both kids and adults who are struggling with substance abuse and different types of psychiatric problems.

And because of that, I will be going on a medical mission trip next Summer to Kenya. Heather is leading this trip with a number of co-workers and friends that are all in the medical field. I am excited to be joining this team for a number of different reasons. I'm really looking forward to going back to Kenya and seeing everyone again. There are a lot of people that I wasn't able to say goodbye too because I left so suddenly. It will be nice to be with them again. I'm also excited about this trip because I will have a different medical perspective- that of mental health. I think it will be a great experience and I know I've got a lot to learn before I actually leave. I'm so thankful for this job, because it will give me a better understanding for when I go to Kenya.

I will give a more specific update about Kenya and what we will be doing there when the time gets a little closer. Thank you for your continued prayer and support.