“YEARS IN THE MAKING”

[Nathanial] I would like to share about one of the largest blessings in my life right now: My job.
My title is an “Educational Partner” in the Special Ed department of Academia de Cesar Chavez. ACC is a small charter school located on the east side of St. Paul [less than 10 minutes from my residence at Ekklesiah!] It is true; I do not have a teaching license. Even more ironic; me bachelor’s degree was in music management. My job is a true sign that God has a sense of humor. He has been paving my way and preparing me for this job for YEARS through my various life experiences. Here is just a small list of the “Godincidences” [not to be mixed up with coincidences]

• I am blessed to have 18 years of experience living with a [phenomenal] brother with Asberger’s
• My first job in high school was being a Personal Care Assistant for a local boy with high-functioning Autism
• I spent three summers with elementary-aged children employed by a Park and Recreation program.
• Summer 2007 I became a PCA for adopted boys of Latino descent.
• My senior year I enrolled in a class entitled “environmental education” because it was a science course without a lab!
• I took Spanish 101 my senior year at Luther out of curiosity.
• The highlight of my internship in the corporate music world last fall was an educational program entitled “Kinder Konzerts.” This included leading a program all by myself in December!
• Finally, I never truly applied for this job position. It sort of just fell into my lap. I have Jessica Print and Bridget Bursaw to thank for the “word of mouth” hearing about this job position.

I started on January 5th of this year and haven’t looked back. I get to spend all day with kids!!! I hear laughter and see smiles that need to shine to the corners of this dark world. I am discovering amazing concepts like “paid time off” and am blessed to be provided with health insurance. I also have a deeper level of appreciation for snow days and field trips ;) I believe this job is a true testament that although I may have tried my own path for the past numerous years, God knew where my path was supposed to lead all along. All the glory is due to Him and Him alone.