“It surpassed my expectations. This was a source of energy and rejuvenation. I still come… It continues with the balance, it’s following through, and it’s continuing to meet and exceed my expectations every time.” – Angie (Work Life Graduate of 2020.) 

Having been involved with Project Connect Nashville for one year now, I find myself feeling the similar type of love and digesting the same sort of gratitude that Angie expressed in our interview together.

Moving to a new city right before a Pandemic was not my ideal type of transition, however, PCN and the people I have met along the way made my changes and my adjustments just a little bit easier. I started to search for work during the beginning of quarantine, and I came across my first Volunteer opportunity right after the tornado hit in North Nashville. 

My desire to help began with meal prep and lunch delivery to the victims and families who suffered damage from the storm. I had the chance to work alongside PCN’s Site Manager, Laura Ingram, and became more familiar with Project Connect and what their mission was. I developed a curiosity and was very intrigued by Laura’s encouraging attitude and the passion she displayed for making a difference… It was continuing on in these “lending a hand” footsteps, that I really acquired the itch to investigate more ways I could help, more ways I could listen, more ways I could impact, more ways I could make someone smile… more, more, more. A few lunches and meal deliveries later, I signed up online for Work Life Balance. 

Entering the PCN teaching space for the very first time as an “Ally” was fun and exciting! I was greeted by fellow Allies, Students, Teachers and Pastors. It didn’t take long to feel a sense of community and belonging. “All of the things that would impede our ability to grow, somehow magically, it doesn’t enter this space. When you get to this space, it’s settling, it’s calming… I don’t know what has taken place in this space, but it’s sacred and it’s peaceful,” Angie said. I couldn’t have put it better myself and I wholeheartedly agree with Angie! We were focused in on prayer, reading from our books, listening and connecting with God for two whole hours, uninterrupted. The space was there for us to deepen our understanding of skills used in the Work Place, and for us to be our full selves, genuinely and unapologetically. 

Angie first found out about Work Life Balance when attending her Trauma and Healing Class. It is no coincidence that one opportunity lead to the other, and she couldn’t be more grateful. “I have peace, and that’s priceless. I’m going to be a better employee, whenever I get a job, because of the experience that I’ve had with Work Life Balance. I am better.” – Angie stated. The most important lesson that Angie learned during her time spent in class was that in her weakness, “God’s strength is perfected.” I truly feel that each time I left class, I walked out the door with a more positive mindset and a healthier perspective on things. As an Ally, I know that I was showing up for the same reasons as my students were… To be better than I was the day before, and to trust in God during the process along my journey. 

Another student who I interviewed, Carol Sanchez, developed the same confidence and hopefulness that Angie and I did while attending Work Life Balance. “The biggest room in my house is always the room for improvement. All of us could use a lot of education in building our skillset to deal with conflict when it comes up in the workplace. And it’s come in handy, quite a bit, what I’ve learned out of Work Life.” Although Carol likes to “stay under the radar” when it comes to her music, I want to exploit her talent in this article… as she is an extremely talented singer and songwriter, who can also rock the guitar! Little did Carol know that when she crossed paths with Allen and Michelle Murdock at Restoration Church a few years ago, she would be part of the PCN family, attending Work Life and helping to lead Worship at Sister Ella’s Church where she will be infusing a healing service into their outreach. Carol too, has been involved in the Trauma and Healing class with PCN, and would love to keep that part of her life evolving. 

“Learning how to deal with conflict as it arises, stepping back instead of reacting… We are all flawed human beings, we all don’t necessarily know how to relate on a completely healthy level… I need to be cautious and mindful if someone ruffles my feathers…” Carol laughed. In a world where we feel like we have to fit into the parameters, Work Life really explored the idea that we are all in our own lane, and we all have our own Path. Whatever plan God has in store for each of us, we showed up for the six week course at Project Connect for purposes and intentions that ran parallel – to learn and to grow, to explore and to heal, and to relate to one another – all while gaining valuable experience. I am so appreciative of the new friendships that were made, the unique connections that formed, and the great memories that were created! I will be continuing onto the next Work Life Balance class, and I already can’t wait to meet the new group! Welcome 2021 students!