One week and a life change


 

Oh what a week I had!

The President of Finland was visiting Seattle last week and I got to help as a volunteer in one of the events. I never even imagined being in a situation like that but there I was. And the best part was that I got to do it with a very close friend of mine, along with other wonderful Finnish ladies. 

Our job was to welcome everyone who walked in and make sure they were invited. That was a fun task - I got to meet a lot of people and have this short and friendly interaction. The most noteworthy person I actually met in the event (I didn't dare to try and talk to the President) was a Finnish hockey player that currently plays in the Seattle Kraken. It was lovely to get to know him a bit, and his lovely wife.

Finnish ladies serving at an event for the President of Finland.
March 2023, National Nordic Museum, Seattle.

This all happened on Monday evening - and the excitement started many days before. 

The excitement was at least doubled because I knew what was ahead of me the next day. On early Tuesday morning I was at Sea-Tac airport waiting for my flight to Florida. It was exactly the same day - March 7th - that we had moved to Duvall a year before. From the airport I posted on social media: "Pursuing my dreams. #dreamingwithJesus "

My dream job

I could start the history to my dream job with a story from my years as a university student. That's when I decided to become a social worker with a focus on communities' therapeutic functions and motivational discussions. But I'll keep it at that for now, and start with September last year. 

Before I started my Energy Synchronization process in October, I jotted down what I like to do for my work - in an ideal situation. These are the things I wrote:

I'd like to...

  • meet new people and be a pleasing encounter, representing my role/service/values with my whole being
  • make plans and organize things on paper
  • discuss important topics with those who can make an impact
  • provide support for those who need it - by chatting with them in a coffee shop or a restaurant
  • organize support groups and/or help people find them
  • work with people who are inspiring and passionate
  • discuss the what and the how in small teams or one-on-one
  • get feedback on my work and understand how to improve
  • bring people together with each other and with God
  • be a resource to anyone who needs support in their ministry/finding their calling
  • encourage and provide resources for leaders
One that is not on the list but has always been my dream is running my own business. 

When I started the Energy Synchronization Process, I told my coach Christian A. Schwarz that one of my main goals is to find direction to my professional career. He said that the ESP is not handling those questions but as a part of the process, I might well find answers.

In December 2023 I considered embracing a career as a homemaker. My American life as a homemaker has been very satisfying: I have a flexible schedule, meaningful volunteer work, and time to take care of relationships and myself. Not a bad option to settle with being a homemaker. However, for me it would be just that - settling with something when I know I can do better.

In my quest to find my purpose when it comes to work, I came across an eTest that shed light into my role in the community. That eTest is a part of the NCD paradigm. What is NCD? Glad you asked, let me explain!

Applying Natural Church/Character/Community Development


The Energy Synchronization Process is interconnected with Natural Church/Character/Community Development (NCD). NCD is a empirical research and Bible-based paradigm on the life of a healthy church. One of the concepts in NCD is the qualities of a healthy church: 
  • Empowering Leadership
  • Gift-Oriented Ministry
  • Passionate Spirituality
  • Effective Structures
  • Inspiring Worship Services
  • Holistic Small Groups
  • Need-Oriented Evangelism
  • Loving Relationships
These qualities apply on the communal level but also in individual level. This is because according to the Bible, [f]or as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. (Romans 12:4) I.e. communities are made of individual human beings in relationship with each other.

Any person or community that wants to function according to these life-giving principles should realize and live out the truth that each member has their unique role. This role can be found by learning about an individual's passions, gifts, and characteristics in relation to the community they are a part of. God's principles do not work around your popularity, net worth, title, beauty, or other such things, but those of gifts, tendencies, calling, and passion - permeated by love. When you exercise these things with faith in Jesus and according to God's guidance and plan, you will likely find a fulfilling and healthy life.

...And what I found out


So, back to my communal eTest. The result said that my greatest energy in the community is empowering. In the NCD paradigm, empowering is connected with leadership. Therefore I decided that in order to be empowering leaders, I should get some training on how to do it in practice. Since NCD lays out practical and Biblical principles on people finding their purpose in community, I decided it is a good place to start my journey as an "empowerer". And signed up for an NCD coach training that would be in person in Orlando, Florida in March.

NCD Coach Training in Orlando, Florida March 2023.


Last week I learned that after the training, I indeed am designated to serve as an NCD coach. I also learned that the Master of Social Work is actually a well-received degree in the church - not necessarily as an official qualification but as a valid paradigm and training for church work. I also learned from a pastor friend that in our denomination, there might be potential church customers. All this information encouraged me so much that now I'm looking into starting a business to work as a development coach.

NCD is known in over 40 different countries all around the world. Even if we move back to Europe or anywhere else, I should be able to practice this profession. Not to even mention the growing need for coaching in general - our world has so many loud voices that it is not easy to focus on the important stuff.

As you can imagine, all these experiences have kept me in a world of wonder of God's works. How can it be that I could actually start working in my dream job?



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