It was great.
What a great program. I totally understand now why this program is so expensive... they put a LOT into it. The speaker for the first day was AMAZING.
But let me start at the beginning. So we all know that I was nervous. I was nervous about a lot of things. I mean, the whole changing my life and completely starting over aspect... some people would be nothing but excited. I AM excited. But it scares me too. Addicts don't tend to deal with change very well. We are very rooted in our routines, patterns, habits... but it wasn't just the big things that had me shakin' in my Payless cuties. It was the little things too. Driving somewhere that I'd never been following directions that didn't sound familiar. Not being sure what to wear because I didn't know what other people would be wearing. Not knowing what the schedule would be. Worrying that I was going to find out that I had missed a step.
So yesterday was the first class. It was from 9-4 at the Ruth Jackson Center in Grand Prairie. Never head of it. But the directions sounded pretty straight forward and MapQuest estimated a 30 minute drive. They requested we get there 30 minutes early on the first day so I got up at 6 planning to leave the apartment at 7:30. I left at 7:45 but wasn't worried because I thought it would be plenty of time. And it was... even though I got lost. haha. Not lost exactly, but I missed my turn. There was construction so the ramp to get from 114 onto Loop 12 South was not marked. I still can't tell you which of the two unmarked turns it was. I have no idea. So I was pointed the wrong way. The other problem is that I could BARELY see. The sun was right in my eyes and I couldn't read the signs until I was almost directly under them with my car shading my eyes. But God was totally taking care of me. Not only were there no cars behind me so I could drive slowly while I squinted at the signs, but taking a wrong turn was actually helpful. When I ended up headed the wrong way, I turned around and that took care of the sun in my eyes problem. And then I knew where I was. So I still got there in plenty of time.
It was an easy drive (once I got on Loop 12) and easy to find. It's a huge building and it's beautiful. Like, they use it for weddings beautiful. There were a TON of people there! Like I would guess 300. When I walked through the door there was a huge line where everyone was getting a scan card that will be how we check in and out at the classes. I sat down at a table that had one lady who was texting on her phone and evidence of a couple of other people who had left the table for something. The woman didn't look up from her phone though, and I realized that there was a woman by herself at the table next to ours looking shy and nervous so I got up to sit with her. Good choice! It was an interesting table. There ended up being 6 of us at the table. Two girls a few years younger than me, two girls ten or so years older than me and one woman older than all of us who ended up being a bit of a know-it-all. But somewhat helpful.
The speaker was SO good! He is a teacher from Fort Worth (teaching for 30 years) who was recruited by Texas Teachers four years ago because they saw a story of him on the news. He was taking his students, all who had A's in Honor Roll for the year, trick or treating. In May. It was hilarious! He was so enthusiastic! It was incredibly encouraging and I feel like I learned so much from him in the few hours he spoke.
After lunch, two guys who seemed to be the creators of the program or something, spoke about the program kind of explaining how everything works. I think that my scheduling is working out in my favor so far. God has guided me so faithfully. This is the perfect time to be in the program, and I am taking both of my tests soon so that will be over and done (if I pass them the first time) when job fairs start.
To think about the whole process is definitely a bit overwhelming at this point. There are a LOT of steps! But I am going to take them one at a time and pray that God will continue to lead me on a straight path as I cling to him daily.
This week, I would like to do the first three online sessions and STUDY STUDY STUDY! I should have started studying two weeks ago. My first test is two weeks from this past Saturday. But it's not too late. I bought a study guide today. I'm off to get organized and do some, well, studying!
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
1 comment:
I thought about you on Saturday. I wondered how it went Saturday and I've checked your blog several times. I know you will do great in the program! I'm praying for you!!! :)
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