About two weeks before I flew out to Kuwait, I got an email from the principal of the school informing me I've been furloughed. This was two weeks before the start of the academic year, so not great timing if one is a teacher.
I spent some time scouring the World Wide Web in search of employment and within a week had an interview and job offer at an international school in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The catch, however, was that the airports were still not open because of COVID and I was expected to teach remotely, synchronously, and online. My workday just became 10pm-5am Sunday - Thursday. To take it a step further, I was living out of my car.
The solution to this problem happened to be a solution I stumbled upon 13 years prior after returning home from being out of the country. I called up beans and asked him what his parents would think if I asked to move in with them indefinitely. He said it would probably be fine, so I made the call. Without a moment's hesitation, Steve and Brenda welcomed me into their home (a second time) when I made my request.
"Welcome home, roomie!" exclaimed Brenda when I arrived after covering 1300 miles in 2 days to reach La Pine, Oregon. She prepared a guest room for me while Steve graciously let me take over his shop as I made my nighttime office in the barn.
When wildfires weren't raging up north, our backyard smelled of sweet, sweet pine. It was big enough to chase Bentley around and go on walks through the trees. Even big enough for Brenda to build her She-Shed.
If I ever needed Brenda, I always knew where I could find her: sitting with a glass of wine enjoying Mother Nature while chatting with friends.
And if she needed me, she knew I was probably sleeping all day. Or trying to help out with chores on the weekend.
Or hanging out with Bentley.
Once again, Steve and Brenda Lichtenberger came through to help me out. I can't thank them enough. Our family dinners were full of belly laughs, stories from the past, solving the world's problems, or simply enjoying the culinary delights of Steve's BBQ. They are the kindest people and I love them immensely. If you're ever in central Oregon, give them a call.
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