Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.

Hmm, where should I kick things off… my first job at the wise old age of 19? If you’ve had the pleasure of reading my blog “God will provide,” it probably won’t shock you to learn that I packed my bags and went across the country to start a new life, just like that, because let’s be real, moving back home! It was a big no for me.
Let’s take a little trip down memory lane. My college life ended after two years in classrooms and four months of work while interning. Just when I thought about extending my internship, one of the upcoming five-star hotels decided they needed a bunch of eager young souls to help open its doors on the beautiful Kenyan coast.

There I was, playing the role of a college assistant—did I mention my internship was at a college? Yeah, unpaid intern! I was busy helping alumni meet up with the recruiting agent, making sure everyone got their shot at the dream job, despite my future still being a giant question mark. Funny thing, though—this was a pretty hard pass for me; I vividly remembered waitressing at my folks’ restaurant during my high school time, and I absolutely hated it. I told my dad I would NEVER want to be a waitress; I mean, come on, customers can be like bosses on a power trip—super annoying! The irony later on in life…

Sorting these young recruits, I recalled my dislike for their job prospects, secretly smiling, thinking, “Not my kind of job.” By 2 pm, recruitment was complete, but the agent returned, asking, “Is that all?” We replied yes. “We still have vacancies. Don’t you have more recruits?” the agent asked. The college manager answered, “That’s all we have in our database.” I wondered why there was so much fuss if we interviewed over 100 candidates. The recruiter then asked, “What about her?” I responded internally, thinking, No, I’m unqualified for those jobs, and I hate them. Nah!

The recruiter asked me about my college major, to which I replied, “Public Relations and Customer Care.” He said, “Perfect! you know customer care; it will be easy to train you. Do you want a job as a waitress?” I thought, “What! I hated being bossed around at my parents’ little restaurant by customers.” Although I didn’t voice it, my heart said no. The college manager told me, “You’ve finished your internship; go, don’t let this opportunity pass.” The recruiter then said, “Come with me for an interview.” Oh my God, it was my first interview ever! What would I say? I was inexperienced and didn’t even have a CV. Was he serious or joking? I walked behind him, confused—was I dreaming? Someone pinch me; this is just a weird dream.

There I was, sitting with four interviewers who asked me if I had any clue about waitressing. The naive me mentioned helping my parents with their restaurant while in high school. One of them said, “It’s the same thing even at big 5-star hotels,” which confused me since I had never been inside one. She asked, “Do you want the job? Don’t worry; the hotel is deploying international trainers from South Africa; the first 3 months will be intense training.” I replied, “Yes, why not?” It hit me: if the internship extension isn’t extended, I have to go back home, and I’m not ready for that. Yeah! Take the job, Mary!

Mombasa Raha (pleasure)! Here I come! First, I need to share the news with my parents, uncle, and aunt, with whom I lived at that time. Wait a minute, do I even know anyone in Mombasa? When I called my parents, they were on their first mission in Hola, Tana River County. They were thrilled for me; remember my previous blog? “God will provide.” Here he was, providing me with a first pay cheque. “Halleluyah, and praise be to God; he has done it for you,” my mum said. My dad mentioned I have a cousin in Mombasa; a talk of Destiny Helper for another day.

When I arrived at my uncle’s house, I broke the jaw-dropping news that I was off to Mombasa in a week for my first job. They were thrilled, offering their blessing like it was a royal decree, making me the youngest hustler at 19! I mean, seriously, was it fair to let me wander out into the big, scary world all alone? But hey, I was an adult now, and someone had to bring home the cheque, especially since my parents had a calling to work for God with little to no income (i love them dearly for doing this!). # Lesson: “God will provide,” remember! So, off I went to Mombasa after my interview, buzzing with excitement and confusion about that sweet, sweet pay cheque waiting for me.

I am always encouraged by Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. That was just the beginning of my journey of God’s plan to prosperity!