Travel Nursing: Minnesota In The Winter
So why did you go to Minnesota in the winter?
This is the question nearly everyone I have come into contact with has asked me since arriving in the Twin Cities. Why? During the most bitter and cold months of winter, did you decide "Yes, I am going to take a job in Minneapolis"? Well it was not the most enthusiastic decision of my life for several reasons - the biggest of them being that I sealed the start of at least a 3 month long distance relationship with my husband by accepting the job. In addition to being away from Matt, taking the job meant willingly jumping into the winter I have tirelessly attempted to avoid for the last 24 years of my life.
I think God has a funny way of taking you places you were never expecting. I hate the cold with a passion, ask anyone in my family and they will probably label me the "weakest" when it comes to winter. There is pretty much nothing I like to do outside in the winter, and history has shown how incapable I am of enjoying the snow and the cold. The only time I went skiing, I bombed the hill and flew through a fence. My dad literally had to rescue me from falling down a cliff as I hung on for dear life. The only time I tried snowboarding, I never made it off the bunny hill. I bruised my tailbone so bad I could not walk the next day and most likely concussed myself. I do not snowmobile, ice fish, ice skate, snowshoe, or find any joy in plunging into frozen lakes. Long story short, I am a terrible Minnesotan, but I have accepted it.
Honestly, I had no intention of coming back to Minnesota for longer than a family visit. Moving away has been such a positive experience for both Matt and I. We still miss family and miss things about the midwest, but we have adapted to the beautiful weather and truly found our sense of adventure and identity as our own family. When I decided to come back for a travel nurse assignment, there was something in my heart that knew it was the right decision.
The week I accepted the job, I was also offered a job in California. In all honestly, I thought taking the job in California was a no brainer. Both Matt and I see California as a place we could settle down in the future. I would be making much better money, have full benefits, and work less hours than the job in Minneapolis. However, after interviewing for the California job, I felt a voice telling me that this was not what I wanted. I fought back in my head thinking, "why do I feel this way? this job is everything I have been asking and praying for." Walking out of the interview on that beautiful day in California, my prayer instantly changed.
There have been just a few times in my life where I truly heard God speak to me in a profound way. That day, walking down the street in Oakland, was one of them. On the way back to my car I prayed, "God, I cannot believe I am asking you this, but give me the job in Minnesota." I stepped into my car, started it and adjusted my music as I got ready to drive home... then, my phone rang. It was a job offer from Minnesota, the job I had asked God for literally not 3 minutes beforehand. YOU GUYS. I WAS SHOCKED.
I took this experience as a confirmation. I saw that it as God telling me, "I see you. I know your dreams. Just trust me with them." I called my husband, told him what happened and we agreed together that this was the right choice for us. With that, I accepted the job and began packing my bags to leave for Minnesota a week later.
Being back in Minnesota has given me the chance to reconnect and spend quality time with my family and old friends. However, being back has not always been easy. My temporary nursing license expired at the end of January and I have been unable to work until my permanent one clears. Being out of work has also means I am not getting a paycheck or reimbursements for living expenses. My licensing situation has been unexpected, challenging, and I have questioned why this roadblock had been set in front of me when I felt so sure God had provided the opportunity to work here.
Despite all of the problems, God has given me so much peace and joy over the past couple months. He has been revealing my weaknesses, telling me to rely on him first and teaching me how to serve him better. As I have been actively problem solving through this situation, I have also been trusting that God will provide in every category - work, finances, relationships, spiritually, and personally. As I've waited for direction these past few weeks, He has continued to develop a vision for our future and teach me to be content and positive in the present.
After several weeks of waiting without a paycheck, it became clear for Matt and I that it was time to move on. I signed a new contract and will be heading back to the San Francisco Bay Area (one of my favorite places in the country) in March. There have been so many positive things that came out of spending the winter in Minnesota, and the growth I've seen in myself makes me realize why my heart was not ready to accept that job in California last December.
I was not ready to tackle the stress of a long distance marriage without the support of my family and friends back December (seriously, thank you all for dealing with my emotional self over the past couple months). Functioning normally without your spouse is the most difficult thing I have ever tried to do - honestly, it is impossible. I am not the same person without Matt that I am with him, it is like walking around with one arm and one leg. I was not ready to be alone in California last December - now I see that and I am thankful for the last two months where I have learned to function without my partner alongside me in person each day.
Two months left. Matt and I cannot wait to be back together for good. Our hope for the future is so much greater than the struggles of today - that's why I am looking forward to finishing this race strong. We have so much to look forward to, and so many blessings to be grateful for today - especially the three weeks we get to spend together before I head to California! We have had an amazing week visiting with family in Minnesota and South Dakota. Next week we will head to New Orleans for a long weekend, and for the first time in 4 MONTHS we get to be home in Miami!!!
Thank you all for following us along our journey and supporting us through the crazy twists and turns - we could not do it without you!