An Opportunity

 A couple of months ago, my sister Gail asked Donna and I if we wanted to help at an accounting conference she works  during summer months, when we are out of school. Gail has worked the conferences many years, and I knew she put in many hours each day. Honestly, I didn’t know much about what I would be asked to do, but I thought it sounded like a good opportunity to make a little extra money. Lindsey, my oldest daughter who is also a teacher, decided to go as well. With the four of us there, even with all the hard work, I knew we would have fun.

Work, Work, Work

Gail had never stretched the truth about the conference; there was much work to be done. In fact, in five and a half days, we worked 73.5 hours! Now, I am not afraid of hard work, but I do like my sleep. And I did not get enough of it! I think I may have walked the distance to New York and back during the days! God love those patient people! I must have said, “I’m not sure of the answer to that. Hold just a moment, and I will try to find out for you.” I smiled each and every time someone walked to the counter, but inside was thinking, Lord, please let me know that answer to this question.

May I Help the Next Person In Line?

The employer and attendees were wonderful. In the world of teaching, the help I give often yields slow results. Here I received much satisfaction with quickly solving questions. “How do I check-in?” “Where could I find…?” “Will there be a place to check my luggage on Wednesday after I check out of the hotel?” Ninety-five percent of the inquiries ended with a smile on their faces and much gratitude for our help.

Not In Kansas Anymore

Another duty I had was room monitoring. I laughed when I first heard this term because I knew it must have a different meaning than it does in the teaching world. As an education term, room monitoring is used for the adult who makes sure all kids stay in their own rooms on an overnight field trip! My job at the conference was to assist the instructors by contacting someone to help when they had a problem. In addition, I was to hold up my hands giving them a “ten minutes left” signal. Room monitoring required me to walk up to a stranger to initiate a conversation. This skill is a stretch for me; I have a difficult time with my confidence. But after the first few deep breaths and meeting a few instructors, I starting feeling more at ease.

Who Me?

On the third morning of the conference, a lady hobbled over to the counter in a panic. Her eyes were filled with tears. The lady was in much pain after having half pulled off her toenail and cutting her big toe profusely. Several people, including Gail, were helping her as I went on to my monitoring duties. About ten minutes later, Donna came down the hall and said she was about to throw me under the bus. She was asked to take the lady to the nearest urgent care.  Donna’s reply was, “I’m not your best choice. Let me get Karla.” (Donna has many stories as to her lightheadedness that occurs to blood and needles.)

Without thinking, I briskly walked to the front desk, got my keys, and with very brief instructions, headed to get my car.  Upon cranking, it hit me. I cannot navigate myself around in downtown Atlanta! Donna and I both should have gone.  For me to navigate and her to drive. Gracious, this reminds me of the time we tried to look for Doctor’s Hospital Focus, Karla, Focus!  Round and around I spun trying to find my way out of the parking garage. I was struggling with this simple task and I was about to pilot myself on the one-way, construction-filled streets.

Taking Chances

Guessing, I turned right and was thankful when I saw a reassuring sign that I was headed in the right direction to pick up the injured lady and her friend. Hobbling from the wheelchair into my car, we were off. The friend steered me with the right directions while the lady tried to keep some composure. As she was holding back her tears, I thought that I needed to say a prayer for her. Then I wondered if I should ask if I to pray with her.

I do not believe I had offered to pray with many strangers before, but it seemed to come out before I could think. She did not seem to know what to say and stumbled on a few words, but gave me permission. I smiled and shared that I promised to keep my eyes open while I prayed, trying to lighten the moment. I asked God to comfort her and give her a care team that would be knowledgeable and caring. When I finished her friend asked if she knew what the word Amen meant. I smiled as my backseat driver explained. The injured lady begin to calm down a little. I hoped that in my taking another chance, I had planted a seed to help someone desire to know more about Jesus.

The lady’s co-worker and I sat for four hours in the urgent care. While there, I was able to encourage her with situations with her children.

After I dropped both ladies off at their hotel, I realized I would then be left alone to find my way back. Honestly, I surprised myself!  I cannot say that I didn’t make a wrong turn (or did a short reverse on a four lane road), but I can say I did it!

Yep, I took several chances over the last week, worked in an venue very new to me, and made some new friends. In fact, I even took a chance on the pay; I am not totally sure how much I will make!