I lost my job a few days ago. I wasn't happy there, but I was happy to have a job. It really threw a BIG question mark on this amazing trip to Rome. Hoda, Kathy and the others keep trying to assure me that I will still be able to go. That it might take a bit more effort and I may not be able to do all I had hoped once there but I will get there. I haven't been so sure. I tried telling myself - why would God let everything fall into place so I can go, (such as finding 2 others to book with at the last moment so I got a better rate than if I booked myself), only to take it away.
I've talked to some family members and everyone seems to think I should still go. The flight and hotel are already paid for. I have a good start on my "Rome box" and I have $508 saved so far. I've decided not to give up on this trip. I'm going to do what I can to still go. This may be my one and only opportunity to go to Italy, or for that matter, anywhere overseas. I know I may not be able to do everything I want to do once there, but I'll handle it... after all, I'm in Rome!
I now need to worry about potential employers giving me the time off. Will they give me the time off? When do I tell them about the trip? At the interview? When an offer is made? After I accept the job? I've had differing views on that subject. After posting this thought on Facebook, I've had 2 people suggest doing temp jobs until after Rome. This way I can take jobs I want and not really have to worry about getting those days off.
My concern with this is... the trip is just over 5 months away. Unemployment only lasts 6 months. Once I get back, I'll only have what I make at the temp jobs without the unemployment. What if one of those temp jobs doesn't turn into a permanent job?
We're having our first meeting in a week to go over plans. Hoda has put an itinerary together which we will go over. She has asked that we look at it and highlight what we're interested in or anything we want to add. Along with the itinerary, she included estimated costs of everything, so I have an idea of what I need to save.
Well, all I can do is, do what I can, and trust that it'll all work out in the end.
My passport arrived in the mail 2 days ago (Friday, March 29)
Philippians 4:13 -- I can do all things, through Christ, who strengthens me.
