I believe this would be a long post * I could already see it coming as I begin to write. So please...bare with me, precious friends of mine. Just wanted to share this experience of mine with people who feel like they are going no where in their work place, people who seemed to think that they're always not good enough, people who doesn't have the slightest clue why are they still there in their work place going through struggles and heartaches,...etc
Welcome abroad to her story at the Hungry Boys cafe.
It all started with her housemate, coming home and telling her what had taken place after the breakfast at the cafe.
What ya know, about a week later, she decided to give it a shot. No resume needed, with just a short conversation with the owner, Helen..yeaps, she got the job.
The first week was abt trying to memorize the price list, slicing rolls, getting to know people, remembering stuff on the menu, a broad understanding of how the work system is, trying to give correct changes to people. From 8 till 4, monday to friday with only 15 -20 minutes of rest, her tired legs were practically in pain that week.
Second week - started to work on sandwiches, stared blindly at customers when she couldn't count any longer hoping that at least, they would help in to count for her. That, by the way, wasn't a good idea afterall.
Third, fourth week - Still gave wrong changes to customers. Sandwich making was hideous. The amount of stuff coming out from the bread when she sliced it into half, wrapping them took ages.
Beginning of June - Got to know her bosses' kids at their home.Taught Leah a few songs on the keyboard and played with Saul and his huge alien man. Started to help out more in the kitchen with Georgie and Harry. Harry started teaching her how to make lasagna. She also gave in some suggestions how to improve his fried rice. Pressure at work kicked in. More expectations. Fussy customers came along the picture. It was the start of neverending piles of dishes to be washed. Sad to say, the only place where she could find any comfort & peace of mind was in the toilet. That very place was the place where she would start to tear, feeling that she wasn't good enough for the job. She almost wanted to quit her job.
Middle of June - One of the best birthdays she could ever have. SUprises with lotsa lotsa hugs and smiles =) A so called expert in making ceasar salad after a few lessons from Georgie. Harry allowed her to be part of his masterpieces , beef & black bean and meat balls. Piles of neverending dishes at the end of the day.
End of June - Started questioning why was she there, something within wanted to believe that it has to be just more than all this. More pressure..accompanied by gentle tears in the toilet.
Beginning of July - Sandwhich making was getting better. Georgie would make her hot chocolate every day..something that she loved. She could also make a request to either Georgie or Harry if she wanted something special for lunch.
Fussy customers that she would pray that she would not be the one serving them. That didn't work..cause somewhere, somehow..she'll just get them. With no where to run, she had to face the battle in fear. Started to clean those super greasy parts on the floors of the kitchen. Those dirt were one of the worst she had ever come across so far, humbling lesson indeed. Told God that she would leave the job after she has made an impact in the kitchen.
Middle of July - Started having interesting conversations with Harry. From religion to philosophy to faith. She saw that there was a young boy in him that seemed to be curious but stubborn. Only wanted to hear what he wanted to hear. But at least...something was being shared and they both respected each other's opinions. Georgie has now become like a mother to her. There was always something new to learn, something new to discover. Got to also know the rest of the people better including aunty antonia (helen's mom) and grandpa chris ( harry's dad) whom she loved to give him a loud 'GOOD MORNING' each start of the day.
End of July - Pictured herself as Cinderella..wishing and longing that someone would come to her rescue. Prince charming or not, anything lah...didn't really mattered to her at that time. Finished cleaning all those greasy stuff, yet she was still in her job. The pressure for perfection started. What she soon discovered was that she no longer cried in the toilet. She started singing songs while washing the dishes, having conversations with her Creator. She started writting songs once again.
Beginning of August - She saw Helen in frustration and stress. She told herself that she's gotta be strong to take all that in, times when Helen would released them out unintentionally to her and some co-workers. Reminded herself that she needed to be more understanding, taking upon the grace and strength of God. Got her some roses. Her boss started smiling back again.
Middle of August - She loved making sandwiches, enjoyed having conversations with her nice regular customers, overcame the fear of fussy one. Decided to move on to another chapter in life.
She knew that one day, this would happened. The thought of leaving that came upon her a few times since July brought her to tears. On her last day at work, as much as she told herself to stay strong, she ended up almost tearing when they gave her a farewell present, a card and lotsa hugs.
It was only when she started writing those notes, she began to realize that perhaps, that very place was reserved for her.
What she had in mind was just a part time job but what her Maker had in HIS mind was more than that.
What she had in mind was a 5 day job but He was more interested in the real stuff - relationship & people.
What she thought she could do ended up in humility and surrender.
What she thought she couldn't accomplish was the same thing He used to speak that it's by His grace, her strength is made perfect in weakness.
What she would do was to close one eye whenever she was tired but each time, she would be reminded to strive for perfection..giving her all no matter what it takes.
What she thought it was all abt her soon turned selfless = God +ppl centered.
When she longed to be rescued, her Lover said hold on, this is all good for your character.
That very same place of pain and frustrations was uplifted to joy and strength.
What she saw at that cafe was a group of workers ended up as a place of belonging, respect, friends and family.
A tribute to the people whom i've come to love and respect..
homer harry : thank you for your endless upfront jokes, your silly acts, the way you always put a big smile on my face,
my double portion of eggs and bacons, allowing me to be part of your main dishes, your honesty, your friendship.
Gorgeous Georgie : thank you for believing in me more than anyone else in the workplace, wise words spoken,
continous praises and encouragements, hot chocolates, souvlakis, hamburgers, for making me laugh all the time,
in taking great care and details in knowing what I really needed at that time when no one else saw.
Charming Helen : thank you for your constant patience through and through in helping me to make those sandwhiches,
your smiles and sweet thoughts, your appreciation each time i leave work.
Caring Aunty Antonia: your gentleness like my grandmother, for being so selfless, your sweet smiles and kindness in helping me with those dishes, sharing in your spinach and cheese pastie recepie with me.
Saul and Leah - your joy, laughters and simplicity.. =)
An agenda that I never knew about, an experience beyond any words could tell, a journey of reality, impacting & changing lives, an awakening to another mystery..
Thank you to the One who've made it possible. My persuer, My teacher, My saviour, My Heavenly Father..
