It has been a while since I sat down to write, 11 months. In the midst of life and priorities, my updates have suffered. Two big distractions occurred. Finishing school, I finished my HR Management Certificate program in August and going through structural changes at work. School took a lot of time with papers and tests and at the same time, work totally preoccupied my time with the impending changes. Leadership changes brought about changes in the organization structure. To the point, the four regional managers who oversaw operations for the 4 territories in Asia faced elimination of positions. We were give 1 month notice, told that the position would be replaced with a lower level, lower salaried position with less responsibility. For me, the writing was clearly on the wall, I was in jeopardy of losing my job.
It was now time for me to either find another opportunity in Japan or prepare to leave. I put my best effort forward to find employment via the government jobs on the military bases but to no avail. The majority of these jobs are reserved for military spouses. With that, I put forth my efforts to prepare for my return to the States. 
Preparing to leave was truly bittersweet. Bitter because I didn't want to leave my work, sorority sisters and my friends but sweet because I did actually miss the States, friends and family. It was a lot to take on, more than I imagined. I had to pack, sell household goods, sell my car, find a company to ship my remaining personal items, close out all business transactions, including my apartment and relocate to new housing until I departed. A lot to take on in a month's time.
Once I landed on US soil, I was overwhelmed. The transition was not easy. I felt, alone, tired from jetlag and out of place. My attitude was negative because in reality, I didn't want to return, no matter how much I missed the States. I never wanted to return to unemployment, the bad economy, depressing news and the fast approaching cold weather. Regardless of my feelings, I knew that I had to readjust my attitude and get IT together. 
With much prayer, support of friends and family, my attitude shifted because through all the negative happenings, I know that I am blessed. I know that everything happens for a reason and that God has a plan for me. Although it has not been revealed, I stay focused on that and know that this uncomfortable journey will come to an end in victory. UPDATE AS OF 11/14/2011
I remember telling someone that I will have yet another testimony after my second layoff. I never wanted to return to the States with no job. Well we know the story, I was downsized once again and had to return, unemployed. It was tough going through a downsiziing twice in two years but I always knew that God had my back. I had to stay focused on what He did for me before and knew that He would do it again. It was tough for me more so this time around but I prayed that my faith would be stronger. Through it all, I had to continually praise Him for the many blessings that He had given me and will give me. With the support of friends, prayers and staying faithful in God while always giving Him thanks and praise, God heard me.
One Sunday morning, I got up and heard the word from Joel Osteen and he talked about continuing to praise God in the midst of the storm, no matter what. I then went to church and was blessed by the sermon that spoke to me. When you come down from the mountain, times will be hard but you have to remember what God did for us when times were good. Praise HIM. It is so funny how 2 years ago, the exact same thing happened, I got up in the morning and listened to a sermon from Joel about my situation, as if he was speaking to me. He spoke of stretching your faith. I then went to church and the pastor spoke about the same thing. God works in mysterious ways.
As some of you know, during my job search, I stayed focused on getting my foot into the door of Human Resources. It was a challenge because I have never worked in the area but I have the relevant experience. Competing with others who already worked in the field created even more of a challenge. But no challenge is ever too much for God so I prayed and put it in His hands.
I have accepted a job with FirstEnergy in Akron, OH (50 miles from home), overseeing their co-op and internship program. It is the perfect entrance to HR. My hope is to learn other aspects of HR in due time but I'm in!
