This morning a thought crossed my mind. Little did I know that this thought would have led me on a trip down memory lane, and in the process, remind me once more of the goodness of God. Something jogged my memory regarding preparation for our upcoming staff workshop. Members of the planning committee visited venue a few days prior in order to get a layout of the land, i.e. to get familiar with the area in order to work out the final logistics.

Accompanying the memory was the thought that what they had done was to conduct a reconnaissance of the area/venue and this reminded of me of my days working at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) where I learned the term. In preparation for the filming of an outside event, the film crew and other relevant personnel would visit the venue beforehand to get a firsthand view and make final plans. This they would call a recce (Short for reconnaissance).

As I relived my time at the JIS, I marveled at how God had granted me the desire of my heart. I had always had a passion for reading, writing, researching and sharing information and the JIS, was in my mind, the ideal place for me to work. After University, I worked for one year as a Research Assistant at the Jamaica Library Services (JLS), but there was always a deep desire to work at the JIS. I listened keenly to the radio programs and admired the presenters. I watched the Jamaica Magazine program which was aired on television and was in awe of how information about our culture, way of life as well as general information for public knowledge was presented in layman terms and made easy for the common man to understand.

Each time I passed the office I would tell myself that one day I would be employed there. God saw the deep desire in my heart and made a way for the dream to become a reality. Almost a year after I started working at the JLS, I met a coworker, who, at the time was an auditor at the institution. She had worked previously at the JIS. We became very good friends and out of the blue one day, she told me that there was a vacancy for a Research Assistant and encouraged me to apply. I wasted no time and in short order, I submitted my application, full of expectancy that it would bear fruit.

So said, so done. I was called for the interview, which went very well. The interviewers were very friendly and warm, and I had a sense that they were genuinely interested in my development as a person. I was comfortable, relaxed and felt like I had come home. I felt that this was the place for me to work. I left that interview with very high hopes and was therefore not surprised when shortly after I was offered the position. The rest, they say, is history.

Glory be to God; I had a wonderful six years working in various positions in the organization. My first position was as a Reasearch Assistant in the Research Department, where my writing skills were utilized, developed and enhanced. I was later promoted to Research Supervisor and later Acting Manager when my manager was on study leave. I was then transferred to the Television Department where I worked as the Librarian, with one of my job functions being to provide video footage for the Jamaica Magazine Programme. Talk about coming full circle! I used to watch that programme on television and now I was a part of the team that was responsible for the preparation of the show. I was elated!

I must confess though that at first, I was a bit terrified of taking on that role, as at the time, I had no training in Librarianship. In addition, someone had bluntly stated that I would not be able to manage the job, and sadly, I believed the lie. As I wrestled with the idea, I remember asking God to give me His peace about it if it was His will for me to work in that position. In addition, it was at a separate location from the Head Office on Halfway Tree Road so I was a little concerned as, at the time, I knew only a few persons at that location. After I prayed, a sense of peace came over me and knew that it was the greenlight to proceed.

My stint at JIS TV was a short but fruitful one. During that time, I gained firsthand experience of seeing a television program being recorded. I could not believe the amount of ‘takes’ it took before getting the recording just right, when the manager could say ‘that’s a wrap! I made many friends, some of whom I still in contact with.

And remember my concern about not being qualified for the job? Well, let me boast one more time about the goodness of God. I very well and was commended for my performance, considering that I worked alone. Another out of the blue experience came about a year into the job. Someone showed me an advertisement for a Librarian post at the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) and I applied, not really expecting a response. I was so wrong! I was called for an interview and again I was successful so in January 2003, I moved to the AGC. God is truly amazing!

I enjoyed my years working with the JIS. This experience has been critical in shaping the person I am today. I learnt a lot and made many friends, many of whom I am still in contact with today. I am extremely happy that I was able to serve the organization and my country in this way.

God granted the desire of my heart and He will do the same for you as long as it is good and in line with His will and purpose for your life.

Want to hear more about other ways in which God granted the desires of my heart? Read more in my books, Memorial Stones., Volumes 1 and 2. by clicking on this link.

https://www.amazon.com/author/lonaisaacs