Encounters with the Davis Family: Gainfully Employed

The past month has passed in a blur. It is hard to believe that Kayla has been home for 5 weeks already! I have been warning Kayla since last summer that she would be working this summer. I started sometime in January telling Elijah it would be a good idea for him to work this summer as well. My aim was for Kayla to work about 30 hours a week and Elijah to work about 15. For Elijah, it is more about getting out of the house and doing something productive, especially after not being able to do much last year! For Kayla, she needs to have money for college, eventually a car, and other expenses that come with being an adult.

Kayla filled out four job applications and was invited to two interviews, one with Chick-Fil-A and the other with Krispy Kreme. She went to the Chick-Fil-A interview first and really enjoyed her supervisor. She was told that they do not normally hire seasonal help, but they would talk to the scheduling coordinator and get back to her. The next afternoon she interviewed at Krispy Kreme and they were willing to hire her on the spot. She thought the manager was okay, but everything felt more awkward, so she wasn't sure she wanted to work there. She decided to wait until after her second interview with Chick-Fil-A to make a decision. On Thursday of that week, she had her second interview at Chick-Fil-A and they called her that afternoon to offer her the job and she accepted.

Elijah only put in one application. He was invited to the first interview at Chick-Fil-A and I could not be more proud of how he handled himself. When he came out he was all smiles and said they wanted him to come the next day for his second interview, but he couldn't because he was getting his second vaccine that afternoon and knew he wouldn't feel up to it. Kayla went in after him and when she came out she told him that they said they "loved her brother!" It was so sweet, I am so incredibly thankful that their first interviews were so positive! Elijah had his second interview and they also called him that afternoon (before Kayla!) and he panicked and said, "I need to think and pray on it." He accepted that

evening through an email.

The next week they had their new employee orientations and they came home brimming with excitement and stories. They talked mine and Matt's ears off for almost an hour, but it was so worth it to hear and see their excitement. They had met more supervisors and the store owner as well. They liked everyone they met, including the other new employees.

Elijah going into work

Yesterday, June 1, Elijah had his first day. He was nervous and I was nervous for him! He worked 5 hours and when he came out I asked him how he was and he said, "Great!" I thought for sure he would say, "tired" or "my feet hurt!" But, he didn't. He filled me in on everything he had done and learned and was happy with his first day of work. He is working in the "back of the house," which is what he requested because he did not want to be around people all the time and having to talk to them. He prefers to be in the background.

Elijah coming out of work

He goes back again tomorrow for another 5 hours. I am happy that he has 10 hours for his first week of a "real" job, it is a great way to get acclimated and we only put him down for 15 a week. When we filled out their applications we requested no Saturdays, but if they had to work on Saturday we requested specific ones off and they have already been approved. They are closed on Sundays and Kayla and Elijah will be able to be off on Wednesday afternoons for church as well. We are thankful they are closed on Sunday and willing to take a chance on two teens who have no work experience, but do have people skills, lol! God is good and we are thankful for the opportunities they have and an employer who is willing to work with them.

Kayla going into work

Kayla after work

Kayla had her first day today. She was also very nervous, I was nervous for her but not as nervous as I was for Elijah. She just had a year away from us, I knew she would be fine! 😂She is working "in the front of the house." She worked from 9-2 pm. When I got there to get her she was outside waiting on me (oops). But, I was greeted with the biggest smile! She got in the van and with her girly squeal said, "I had so much fun!" I had to laugh, who says that after their first day of work? She was really excited to see one of her friends come through the drive-thru as well. She had a great first day and can't wait to
go back on Friday.

Kayla actually has two jobs this summer, which is pretty awesome! Our Pastor approached our Church board about Kayla leading worship this summer as a paid intern. The board agreed so when Kayla came back the pastor asked her if she wanted to do it. She, of course, said yes. She loves leading worship and is thrilled to be getting paid to do something that she would gladly have done for free. She has been doing that for a few weeks. I thought I took a picture that I could share, but I can't find it, I guess you will have to come to our church and see her in action 😉 or visit us online.