Jonny's First Week At His New Job

Jonny started his new job this past week and despite getting lost the first few times during the commute, it all went very well, praise God! It's a big change for us all, but we continue to be thankful and excited about this new opportunity.

Jonny's boss was actually away in Germany this week, but he got to talk to different people in the lab and started the steep learning curve of learning a completely new area of research. He's now studying, in his own words "how all the different proteins of various bacteria interact with one another; the aim of this work is to get a better understanding of how bacteria work." He said it feels strange to not know much both in terms of the area of research as well as his new environment, but is trusting that with time this will get better.

The actual Institute feels a lot more like a company than an University and Jonny is excited about the nice perks that come with the job like the free wonderful coffee. It's also very "chique" compared to Hopkins and Jonny said: "Ana, you've got to see the bathrooms!" :-) Jonny has been assigned a very nice cubicle next to a window with a great view. He's got lots of storage space so hopefully, this will help him keep organized and neat (well, at least that's my hope! :-)) It's a lot more formal than Hopkins was, he can't wear shorts to work anymore (though jeans and a T-shirt are fine, still the typical scientific community in that sense) and has to wear a lab coat when he is doing experiments. He says he feels a lot more grown up now!

Jonny's been leaving home at around 6:30 am so it is very strange for Daniel and I not to have him with us in the morning when we wake up. Every time I walk in to pick Daniel up from his crib, he immediately says "Pa-pa?" and continues to do so several times during our morning routine. And I have to say, "Papai has gone to work, but you will see him later today." The first 2 days were the hardest for me not having him there but by the end of the week, I was already a lot more used to it. But, I'm just so thankful that it's a holiday weekend here and we have Papai at home for 3 whole days in a row (it's Labor Day here in the US on Monday for those of you who don't live here)!

Anyway, Jonny took some photos of his new work environment so you can know exactly where he is when he is at work. Doesn't it look really nice?

Side of Building

Front of Building
Entrance/Foyer

Jonny's cubicle with his own personal phone line.

(He wanted to take photos of the actual lab too but he hasn't started experiments there yet... right now, mainly reading and planning)

View from window next to cubicle

View of shops and restaurants closeby - our friend Marlon is a manager at the Panera there and Jonny got a free lunch on Wednesday (thanks Marlon!)

Despite the nice environment and perks, our greatest desire is that Jonny will glorify God in all that he does and experiences in his new job.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this new opportunity! Please guide Jonny and give him the knowledge and wisdom that he needs to succeed in this new job for Your glory. And please help our family adjust quickly to this big change. In Your name we pray. Amen.