The Adventure Begins!

As you all know, I have received a tentative offer for an internship in the U.S. Embassy in London!  Getting this far has been a long process, and I'm only just beginning, but I want to thank everyone for the love and support thus far.  I think it's important for me to capture every step of this adventure, so I have set up this blog both for my own sake and for the benefit of all of my lovely friends and family (that's you!) who want to walk with me through this journey.  I will do my best to post when a new development occurs!

I've been asked many times what I will be doing in London, so allow me to explain.  My internship is with the U.S. Commercial Service, which is a governmental agency that matches U.S. businesses with U.K. buyers so that they can get their products into European markets (basically it's an export agency).  This agency is under the International Trade Administration which is a division of the Department of Commerce.  The office is housed in the U.S. Embassy right in the heart of London, so that is where I will spend my workdays!  My day-to-day tasks will involve responding to inquiries from U.S. and U.K. businesses, organizing and volunteering at trade shows, and other various administrative tasks.

U.S. Embassy, Grosvenor Square, London U.K.
Photo credit: http://foreignpolicyblogs.com/2008/10/09/relocating-the-us-embassy-in-london/

So far I have had to send in massive amounts of paperwork and my fingerprints so that they can begin the background check.  That's why the internship offer is "tentative," I have to pass it first!  I basically had to list the exact location of everywhere I've lived, worked, and gone to school in the last seven years - very time-consuming!  I also had to list a ton of references for each of those locations.  If you are reading this blog, there is a good chance that I listed you as a reference, so if the government calls and asks about me, be sure to tell them how great I am :)

I have always wanted to study abroad, and many of you know that my country of choice has been Spain for many years.  I am a Spanish minor, so I have always wanted to become fluent by studying abroad in Spain.  I can't quite explain why I am putting those dreams aside for now to travel to London...this opportunity was placed before me, and after much planning and prayer, it feels right.  During the process of applying and interviewing (which started back in November), I wondered whether this was God's plan for me.  Now that I've made it this far, I can see that He has placed me here, and I give all the glory of this opportunity to Him.  

"'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts...' declares the Lord."  Isaiah 55:9

There is no other explanation for the change of plans than His divine hand!  As a result, I know that there is more than just a job waiting for me in London.  I'm not sure what that special gift will look like, but if you know me, you know I love surprises...especially those that come from the Giver of Life.

The next steps involve receiving my new passport, passing the background check, and arranging housing.  Please join me in prayer over this adventure, and I will keep you updated!  Feel free to post comments if you have questions for me.

Much Love,
Hayley