The Best Laid Plan

My journey to where I am today never happened according to my plan. In mapping out my intention to work in the US, I followed certain timelines. The timeline I had in mind was that 5 years from becoming a senior citizen, that is before year 2019 ends, I should be able to reach USA to work as Special Ed Teacher. If everything works out according to my timeline, in a maximum of 5 years, when I turn 60 years old, I would be back home after completing the J1 Visa Program. When I turned 60, I could see myself going back to my home county, sharing my experiences in the USA to my colleagues, and leading a simple albeit enjoyable life.

But everything did not fall according to my wishes despite my overwhelming prayers, tenacity and positive dispositions. They said when man plans, God laughs. What seems to be a perfect plan of mine had undergone major twists and turns. Despite having a US Visa successfully issued to me in late February 2020, my Visa Sponsor, seeing how delayed I would arrive in the USA, did not allow me anymore to depart for New Mexico where my school placement was at. It was devastating to learn about it. So much resources had been wasted, as well as time and effort. I suddenly felt a loss of self-confidence and hopes in pushing for my dream to teach in the USA. There were moments of self-recriminations, asking myself "where did I go wrong?" There was a point that I started blaming God on why He allowed it to happen despite always asking for His guidance. After such big disappointment, I lost my interests in going abroad. I moved on with the highs and lows of the tide, and lost enthusiasm to apply for US schools. I just got tired and was emotionally drained for a while.

Then, iTeach America, through Ma’am Julie, informed me for an immediate hiring in Nunam Iqua, Alaska. But I told her I was not interested because Alaska is very cold. Ma’am Julie, being persuasive, pointed out to me that I should not worry about the cold because first, I will not be staying outside when I teach and live there, and second, there should be centralized heating system in the house and school. I was still not convinced when she said that. I continued to tell her that Alaska is very far. But then again, Ma’am Julie was persistent. She had me realized that anywhere in the US would always be far from the Philippines. So I told her, if I would pass the interview, I will take it. Ma'am Julie said, "Yes, you will!".

Everything unfolded faster than I thought with less effort compared to my New Mexico application. I got the job offer after my interview and after a few days I received my job contract.

To fast forward, despite the challenges brought about by Trump’s declaration suspending the US J1 visa, the CFO’s J1 Visa Moratorium, and the threat of COVID 19, I was able to overcome all obstacles and was able to set my foot in Alaska on December 11, 2020.

Looking back, I come to realize that what I have today surpassed what I initially planned. Better pay, thoughtful and good provider District, new found well-meaning friends, small but caring community and the best opportunity to enhance my professional abilities as a Special Education Teacher. It made me reflect on the Grace of God. It made me think that perhaps I did something good that He took charged of everything and laid the Best Plan - a plan that is certainly better than what I had.

I would like to thank Ma’am Julie of iTeach America, who would always pick up the pieces and pushed me for the realization of this endeavor, even despite our heated disagreements at times.

To my husband Ramil M. Abamonga, who never lost faith in me, and to my son Ram Christian E. Abamonga, who shared the responsibilities when I left at home for abroad, I could not thank you enough.

Above all, to God, who made The Best Laid Plan possible, I am forever grateful to You.