What a Mess

I poured a bag of pony beads all over the floor of my house today. One split second of an open bag, and then FIVE minutes of clean-up time.

I was in a rush too.

Reminds me of a story about lying.
To summarise:

The main character tells a lie about somebody, and then asks for advice from someone about how they can fix what they've done. The counsellor tells them to find a dandelion and to scatter the seeds to the wind, then come back.
Protagonist follows the advice, and then returns for the next set of instructions.
Then the protagonist is told, "Now go gather up the seeds that you scattered to the wind."

One moment, but the consequences can be huge.

JET Update 2

I now know when my JET interview will be held, so to update:

Wednesday February 18th, 3pm.

SFU Harbour Centre

Now all I need to do is go over the forms, application, reference letters, my essay, get my visa photo, shop for interview clothes, find practice questions, and pray, pray, pray.

JET Update 1

From:

Embassy of Japan

JET Programme Office

...

"Dear Ms. Yoshimaru,

'The 2009 JET Programme Selection Committee is pleased to inform you that you have been selected to proceed to the interview stage.

'You will be contacted shortly by the Consulate-General of Japan at which you requested your interview with detailed information about the time, date and location for this process.

...

'The Embassy of Japan and the Japanese Consulates General in Canada wish you the best, and are looking forward to meeting you at the interview.

'Sincerely,

'Masataka Tarahara

Minister

Embassy of Japan in Canada"

I HAVE AN INTERVIEW! And now my appetite is back!

Sunshine and Birdsong

Ever since I've come back from my trip to New Zealand, I have moments where I suddenly want nothing more than to be back there, in New Zealand. I'm not certain what triggers these moments, but I'm starting to believe that these moments come when I need to escape/de-stress/a change. One of these moments happened today at work.

It hadn't been a rough day, but I had been worrying about my JET application and imagining the worst-case scenarios (which would make me an emotional wreck if it should occur). I was putting fresh pastries into the pastry case when all of a sudden, all I wanted was to be in New Zealand.

I became so dissatisfied. Here I am stuck, serving coffee to random people who think they need it. I don't think I could stand doing that for another year, should I not get into JET. But then, what else would I do?

Anyway, an hour and some prayers later, I'm standing at the bus stop, still feeling down, but frantically trying to translate 135 lines of Beowulf from Old English into Modern English, when I gradually become aware of the sun shining and warming my face, and of birds singing songs that I only hear in spring. And then, I don't feel down anymore. These things reminded me of the hope that spring represents- the hope I have in Jesus. God knew how down I was feeling, how dissatisfied I was, and how emotional I was. So He sent me what He knew would cheer me in that moment: sunshine and birdsong. He knew this ahead of this day; He knew that I would need it, and so He caused the fog and clouds to vanish, and those birds to choose that particular tree to stop and sing in. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Yes, I will still cry if I don't get into JET, and yes, I still want to live in New Zealand one day, BUT, I have the hope of the plans God has for me and the evidence of his love- both seen through a few "everyday miracles."

To the One who loves me THAT much, Thank You.

JET Programme

From the official Canadian website for the JET Programme:

"Notification letters for the 2009 JET Programme are in the mail. Applicants who have passed to the interview stage will be notified of the exact date, time and location for their interviews by the embassy or consulate in which they requested their interview. Interviews in all cities will take place in February. PLEASE NOTE: Interview dates are not flexible. Should you be unable to attend your scheduled interview your candidacy will be forfeit.
[...]
'Please be aware that the decisions made by the JET Programme Application Review Committee are final, and there is no appeals process. We ask that you please refrain from calling our office to ask specifically why you were not selected for an interview because it is our policy not to comment on this information.
[...]
'We thank all applicants for their interest in the JET Programme."

http://www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/jetcanada/NewUpdates.html

OH MY GOODNESS. The letter is in the mail. OH MY GOODNESS.

The Future

is unknown.

Will I get into JET?
Does my Romantic interest also have a R.I., and is it me?
When will I start my career?
Will I live in Canada?
Or New Zealand?
Or Elsewhere?

Time to pray.