It is a question I’m asked
with each new introduction, yet on occasion I have asked myself that very
question. "Why Eugene, Oregon?"
My answer is simply the
words of my close friend, Karen Huskins, “it’s totally The Lord.”
Let’s rewind…
The end of residency meant
I must secure a job. In preparation for the
completion of residency in January 2015, I initiated a job search in late October
2014. I scoured various professional
websites in search of a job that matched my criteria for sports medicine,
research based, and a standout clinic environment. At the end of my search my google chrome
window held 20 separate tabs, it was a week before I could closely assess each
tab and apply accordingly.
One of the tabs was the
website of Tensegrity Physical Therapy located in Eugene, Oregon. I was a bit confused how an Oregon clinic
remained one of the tabs, I contributed it to sleep depravation during my job search. The state of Oregon was not
in my list of top states to reside in.
My job searches were focused in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas,
Colorado, and California. To be
perfectly honest, the search in the western states was more so to appease and
silence my family who kept asking if I would return to the west coast. After reading Tensegrity’s website and being
impressed by their mission and their clinicians, I decided to apply.
The beginning of my cover
letter reads “In response, to your job advertisement on ____ website, please
consider my resume in your search for a sports medicine physical
therapist.” This starting sentence
requires that I know the website from which the job was posted. When I returned to the job websites I had
utilized for my searches I was unable to locate an advertised position for
Tensegrity. I again googled their name
with employment postings and my search turned up unsuccessful. I decided I’d e-mail my resume and cover
letter, but an e-mail address was also not available on their site. What their site held was a “Comment/Question”
box – I boldly copied and pasted my entire cover letter into the small box and added a
clause – Please contact me if you’re interested in reviewing my resume.
The next morning I awoke to
an e-mail reading “Lauren, Interesting timing to receive your email. I am in the
process of creating another position that is full time and specifically looking
for someone with your background. I would be interested in having you send me
your resume if you are interested. In addition, we can arrange a time to talk.”
During
the first conversation with the owner he asked –
“Do
you have any interest in weight lifting?” Yes, sir, I do.
“Do
you like running?” Yes, sir, I ran in
college.
I’m
thinking – wait, do you stalk me on instagram?
After
my conversation with Tensegrity I told my best friend “I’m 90% positive I’m
moving to Oregon.” But after being heavily recruited by UNC for a position, my certainty percentage
shifted to 50/50. Although I was flattered by the potential opportunity with UNC, my shift in certainty can be contributed to
the fear of leaving the Triangle. Why in
the world would I leave a place that housed my best friends, my incredible church,
a professional network that included both Duke and UNC, a reputation that I had
diligently worked to develop among my patients and colleagues, and geographically,
an area that fit me like a glove.
I
became very conflicted about the decision east verses west. I would awake one morning and confidently
state, “I’m moving to Oregon.” Then I’d awake
the very next morning and firmly say, “I’m staying in North Carolina.” During this time I sought Godly counsel, I
prayed, I prayed, I prayed, and I even googled “how to make a Godly decision.” Number 10 in how to make a Godly decision was
– "which choice will make you rely more fully upon God?" The answer to that question was Oregon, duh. North Carolina would be the safe choice.
When
God sees you doing your part, developing what He has given you, then He will do
His part and open doors that no man can shut.
It also means he can close doors that no man can open. You can refer to my previous blog post
“Surrender” for details.
I
believe we all have a limited window of freedom in our lives, a time where we
are able to make decisions solely based upon our own desires – not a spouse or
children. I have that freedom now. I refuse to allow fear to dictate my
decisions. Fear of the unknown would
have kept me in North Carolina because I was comfortable, but I want to be a woman who overcomes obstacles
by tackling them in faith instead of tiptoeing around them in fear. The more I surrender to God, the greater my ability
to see His hand in my life. Moving alone to a new place is part
terrifying and part exhilarating, but God sized rewards require God sized risks.
Fear
told me no, faith told me yes, so in faith (and the gentle pushing of my prayer
warriors) I stepped out of my comfort zone.
I won’t lie, leaving NC was one of the hardest decision I’ve made. The first week in Oregon I battled
thoughts that I’d make an impulsive and wrong decision. Many days were spent in tears, but I’m
telling you God does incredible things when you exit your comfort zone. This decision has made me rely more upon him
and daily I experience his faithfulness and provision. Before I left North Carolina I was given a
journal by one of my best friends and on the inside she had written “The huge
wings The Lord has perfectly placed on your strong little frame were made to
fly – to explore and spread the truth to the ends of the earth.” I read those words daily to remind myself,
this life…it isn’t about me. I’m willing
to go where God wants me to go, for there is no better place to be than in the
middle of God’s will.
So, perhaps now you understand why Oregon.
Following in faith,
Q
