Dearest Charlie,
So… about my journey. There are some things happening right now that I just don’t believe are coincidence.
First - Barnhart = They called me out of the blue to offer me this job. I had applied months ago, heard nothing, and assumed I’d been passed over. So when they called, I couldn’t even remember what I had applied for. That should’ve been my first clue.
Anyway, I said yes, packed up, and headed to New York—questioning my sanity the entire way and wondering if I was making a huge mistake. Then I got here.
Went through orientation… and the very first thing they introduced was the Barnhart Purpose:
To glorify God by developing and empowering people for meaningful work, personal growth, and eternal impact.
And their mission: one team, leading from the front, creating good works.
I just sat there like… okay, Lord, I hear You.
Second - Cody = My coworker. He is a strong Christian, solid and kind. The other day, right there in the office, he felt led to pray for me. Took my hands and prayed over me. And it wasn’t awkward or forced. It was just right.
And here’s the funny part ...
We end up talking a lot about bodywork - massage versus physical therapy, muscles, attachments, insertions… all of it. Come to find out, he went to school in Texas and got his degree in Fitness and Human Performance and he became a personal trainer.
So now we’re sitting there in a safety office… talking about muscles and movement like we’re back in a clinic somewhere. Isn’t that something?
I leave massage therapy to focus on safety… and end up sharing an office with a former physical therapist and personal trainer - who is now the site safety manager.
Life is strange.
Third - this apartment = When I first reached out, it was already rented.
Then, out of nowhere, about a week and a half later, the landlord contacted me and said the arrangement fell through and asked if I was still interested. Of course I said yes. And today… I moved in.
Right next door to a Presbyterian church.
Now you tell me that’s coincidence. Because I can’t.
On top of all that… I feel safe here.
Even my social anxiety hasn’t been nearly as bad. I don’t feel judged. My coworkers already feel like family.
It’s… refreshing. Peaceful, even.
So since my last post, I’ve mostly just been working and getting into the swing of things.
Come Monday, I’ll be on my own. Justin is going to show me how to run an HSE report, and then it’s basically sink or swim. We’ll see how that goes.
Kristi - my trainer - headed back to Tennessee today. We had a little going-away gathering for her last night. A few of us went out to eat, then hit a couple of bars.
And me? I called it a night around 9:30. Because… I’m old. Said my goodnights and went to my hotel room like a responsible adult.
This morning, I packed up from the hotel and moved into the apartment. Got here around noon and spent the afternoon getting settled.
Drove around town a bit, then made a run about 20 miles out to Aldi. I was only going in for a few things. I ended up spending $98 and came out with GROCERIES. So apparently I’m living large now. I’m going to have to rein that in if I plan on saving any money.
Tonight is my first night here. It’s quiet.
Very quiet.
I haven’t figured out how to work the TV yet, so I’m using my laptop for entertainment like it’s 2005. I’ll call the landlord tomorrow and have her walk me through it.
I had tentative plans to go sightseeing tomorrow - there are a few quirky little spots around here - but it’s supposed to be cold and rainy. And after all of my activity today, my knee hurts like it's filing a formal complaint. So… I may just stay home and have a do-nothing day. That actually sounds pretty good.
Anyway… that’s where things stand. A lot of moving pieces. But also… a lot of peace.
And I can’t explain that any other way than God.
I sure do miss you.
Love you always,
Me
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