A Reason for Everything
I believe everything happens for a reason. Do you?
We may not see the reason at the time, but eventually, if we are perceptive, if we are thoughtful, if we are open to it, the reason will become apparent.
Synchronicity
I believe in coincidence. Do you?
I think coincidences are God’s synchronicity. In fact, it’s not “coincidence” at all… it’s part of a Master Plan.
Bear with me.
Let me tell you what happened this week while our grandson, Chris, was here in Ennis visiting us – on a ten day leave from the Anaconda Job Corps.
Chris took the leave because his parents (our daughter, DeAna, and her husband André) are here from their home in Switzerland. Chris (who has dual citizenship, by the way) hasn’t seen his parents in six months, so of course he wanted to have this time with them.
We are at the end of the ten days now. The three of them will leave today. De & Andre’ will drive Chris back to the Job Corps. Then they will be on their way to Los Angeles to fly back home to their place in the Alps.
Meanwhile…
Two days ago we learned that the USA government is reorganizing their Job Corps program AND in the process, they are closing nine training sites across the USA. The Anaconda Job Corps training site is one of nine sites scheduled to deactivate by the end of 2019.
In fact, one news article indicated Anaconda will be closed by the end of August 2019!
Chris is not scheduled to finish his Heavy Equipment mechanics program until December or January.
Where is the Coincidence?
What does this have to do with synchronicity?
Well, Anaconda Job Corps opened its doors in 1966, the year DeAna was conceived. For 53 years it has trained thousands of young people between the ages of 16 and 24. This particular year when it is scheduled to close – is the year DeAna’s youngest son is training there.
I believe it is no coincidence that Chris is here at this time – – – and that he was gone when the shocking news was announced. There is a reason. There are reasons. But, we don’t see them yet.
Two days ago we received this e-mail announcement from a friend:
The Chief posted more information on the Job Corps Centers this morning on “Inside the Forest Service”. Click on – www.fs.fed.us/inside-fs
Leadership
Chris has been in Anaconda four months, and has moved rapidly through the ranks to become a leader among the other trainees. His experience there has helped him grow in maturity, self-esteem, and self-confidence. He has gained “alpha” status, and the respect of his fellows.
We are so proud of what he accomplished so far there at Job Corps!
The experience and the training he has received in Anaconda so far will not be lost.
The announcement of potential closure more than likely was made while Chris was away from the site this week (I can’t imagine with it being in the local newspapers and on-line that it was not a major topic of discussion there). I anticipate that he will return today to a lot of friends who are in turmoil.
He is a level-headed, compassionate young man – – – and he can lend a listening ear, and a voice of reason.
Unknowns
There are so many unknowns.
- Where and when will the 150+ students be transferred to other sites to finish their training?
- Do they WANT to transfer to another place? Will some just quit?
- The Job Corps sites that were contracted out and run by the US Forest Service are being transferred to the Department of Labor (if they are not targetted to close). What will happen to the staff hired by the Forest service?
- Will their years of service and their retirement plans be honored by the Dept. of Labor?
- Will they have jobs offered to them at other locations? If they live in Anaconda, will they WANT to transfer to Butte or Darby, Montana or one of the other Job Corps locations?
- What will happen to the little town of Anaconda? The Job Corps is one of its greatest employers!
- How does this fit into some Master Plan that will ultimately be beneficial?
Choices
When one door closes, another opens. I have heard that all my life. Have you?
Do you believe it?
Everything happens for a reason.
Stay tuned in!
See you tomorrow
