One Way - New Career

Hey, folks. Here's an update! Things have been pretty interesting, lately. Tuesday was day 2 at CR England. We tested, and tested and tested, some more, in preperation for DMV on day 3 at DMV. Here are my test scores for the day: (the first number is amount of questions I answered correctly and the second number is my overall score for that test).

General Knowledge #1 40/80%
Combination #3 7/46.7%
Air Brakes #2 14/70%

Now, at this point I must confess... I did very little studying due to other time consuming issues. But, as you'll see, as I took time during the day, to review what should have been studied, the night before, things began to improve;

General Knowledge #2 46/92%
Combination #1 12/80%
Air Brakes #3 20/100%

A big improvement, needless to say, but, that was only mid morning. The following testing took us to lunch and beyond;

General Knowledge #3 47/94%
Combination #2 15/100%

At this point, we broke for lunch and returned. Right after returning, we were issued our last test of the day which I began, right away. Nearly finished with the test, I was called to see Jennifer in the head office. I knew what was up, as several others had been called before me, one by one. As I walked to the office, I gave it to the Lord. "Lord, here we go. You know, Lord. I only want to please you. Show me your will, Lord, and I'll follow." So, I find Jennifer, and sit down at her desk. She's very nice and always smiling or joking. She brings up the tickets I mentioned on my application, the day before, and I say, "Yes, I do have those tickets." "Well", she says, "That disqualifies you".

"OK, Lord, here I am, in CA, after driving some 3,000 miles from Maine/Massachusetts, to pursue this career. Spending just about everything I have on gas, etc. I sure hope I heard You right, Lord. What do I do now?"

"Does it have to?" I asked her. "Is there an option? What do you suggest?"

To make a long story a little shorter, let me just say that, at this moment, I will not be driving for CR England in the near future.

I told Jennifer I do not envy her job. It's got to be a real bummer to tell folks, they're gone. Anyway...

I went back in to the testing room, finished my last test. (I wasn't gonna leave without seeing how I'd do on my last test.)

Air Brakes #1 19/95%

Not bad!

Wednesday (Day 3) was to be a day at the DMV for testing. I decided, I drove all this way, and I'm gonna drive a truck. So, I went on down to DMV, Wednesday morning and tested...

General Knowledge 50/96%
Combination 18/90%
Air Brakes 25/100% ACED IT!

Now, I know... to some of you, that's no big deal. But,, it's always fun to pass a test, as, so often I fail God's testing!

So, here I am, sunny So. California, beautiful day, just passed my first CDL tests and no clue on what direction to take, next. What a life! Well, Lord, here I am. What now?

Well, what I know to do is this. I still need a job. I need to find a company to finish my training and hire me. But, what about these stinking tickets? Well, we'll see.

The rest of the day, Wednesday, I called, reviewed and put out several applications, online, with companies offering training. Interstate Distribution, Stevens Transport, Gordan Trucking, Schneider Natinal, FFE, Melton, Millis, Knight and others.

OK, so, now it's Thursday. Here's how it's going, today;

I got up this morning, drove to the Coffee Grinder cafe for their internet access among other things. Put out a few more apps and headed back to my friends house. I had calls from Interstate Distribution and Stevens Transport. Cool.

Interstate Distribution didn't like me. Once they found out about my tickets, they made it short. No need to waste time, I suppose.

Now I'm getting somewhat anxious. Money's getting low and I need to finish this thing, soon. Well, I asked the LORD about it, several times, this morning. Still unsure what direction to take, but, it'll be interesting to see the LORD meet this need as faithfully as He's met all others.

Check with tomorrow's post for an update on what happened with Stevens Transport.

Category: General

Hey, guys!

Thanks so much for writing. Nice to hear from you VM and DJ.

I'm excited to have things started at England, today. As expected, things were somewhat confusing, but, it's the first day, etc. Here's how it happened:

They really had us up way too early for my liking. And we ended up standing around for an hour or so, too. They wanted us to be up at 4am and said the van would leave the hotel at 5:15. In reality, it left slightly after 5:30, but, once arriving at the training center, we stood around in a slightly cold rain until they let us in at nearly 6:45.

I think they did an ok job at handling the 30-40 students there, today. We did a health check-up, integrity test, which was just a little discussion with one of the guys there, about drugs, drinking and any other possible vices we might have. We did a drug test and filled out lots of papers, as well as sit and visit with fellow students. Great time to get to know some folks. Michael filled us in and answered questions about what to expect with the program, daily schedule, financing for our training and how it is paid. Not a bad day, I think. No lunch, though. Just finished scarfing down a KFC chicken bowl and Angus burger from the Harvest Cafe, here.

We all got homework, though. Gotto read some 60-80 pages, tonight. Just hope they don't expect me to remember it all. Tomorrow will be some study and prep for Wednesday's visit to DMV to take our permit test. Sounds like by Christmas, I'll be on the road, and who knows where.

Here's the biggest problem, so far. Please pray for me. I have a roommate at the hotel and can that dude SNORE! I was up all night, and listening to that train go by, over and over and over. Ha! Funny, but, didn't help my drowsiness, today! Might not be a big prob. I he has his CDL and will soon be moving on.

One guy I met is from Nigeria. Pretty cool. He has a great attitude. When I'm hearing some of the students complain about whatever they can find to complain about, he'd lean over and ask me "What is de problem? Don't dese guys want to be here?" He likes it here and seems to take life in stride. He said "Dere are 3 kinds of peoples. Dem dat listen and dem dat don't" He was frustrated with so many people asking questions when the instructor had just covered those things. Pretty funny!

Well, that's it for our first day with CR England. I like it. I think things will work out alright.

Prayer: I have one little challenge to get through, here. I am not sure how strict England is with prior traffic tickets. I don't want you to pray for anything other than that the LORD's direction and will to take place. If I'm to be here, I want it to be by my Masters direction and not of my own doing. If I'm not to be here, I'm looking forward to His direction. Isn't it great to have a Master as loving as Jesus to lead us through life? It's been just a blessing to meet folks and share Christ with them. Our Lord is coming soon and has been waiting all this time in hopes that all would be saved. Let's be about our Father's business, a much higher priority than any earthly efforts we might undertake.

LORD bless! I'll keep you posted!

Category: General

Training starts TOMORROW! Ah, no big. Just nervously anxious, I guess. Got my hotel room, today, and looking forward to getting started. Been hooking up with friends and hanging out at Harvest Christian Fellowship! Been a long time, but, great to be in God's word with the fellowship, again. Getting to know some of the new folks, here, since I left 10 years ago, too.

I'll write to let you know how the first day went. Also, have a camera phone on order and will be able to post some pics, soon.

LORD bless you guys!

Category: General

Hey, thanks guys for your comments. Roadhzrd, Loconuez, and VM. Hope you all are doing well. All points are considered and appropriate decisions made! Thanks!

Roadhzrd, thanks for your help. I do have wireless card and tried the Iowa rest areas while in the area. Seems they're just for local info. What'd I do wrong? Couldn't seem to bring up anything but local weather, ads, travel info, etc.

Just arrived in ID, last night. MA to ID in 4 days. Including several hours of work on my vehicle in Iowa. Had several stops to figure out why it was running so bad. Dude, I was down to 35 on the interstate for awhile! Changed distributor cap and rotor (really needed it), fuel filter (which was clogged, somewhat), as well as the previously exchanged catalytic converter. Still having same problem, but, not as bad. Planning on changing out MAP sensor, today and maybe some new plug wires. Any words of wisdom? Symptoms: Runs fine for first 3 hours, then, begins to run rough and drops the speed to about 60. If I press the gas, it bogs down, as if it's flooding. Replaced 4 of 6 plugs last month. Need some special attention to get the last 2 changed. Also, if it gets bad enough I can pull over, shut it off a few minutes and start all over. What affects it most, is putting a load on it, like hills, mts.

Today I'm sitting at a cafe in Couer d' alene, ID. Great little place. Fireplace, coffee and wireless, what a life. God is good!

Speaking of which, VM, I appreciate your note. Just to respond; the Bible says "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" - Romans 3:23. So, you're not alone. An even bigger part of the prob. is that sin has a penalty. "The wages of sin is death..." - Romans 6:23. Pretty serious. That's why I want everyone I talk to, to know that there's a problem, so we can get it taken care of before it's too late. The good news is that "...the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Rom. 6:23 Also, John 1:12 - "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name." Sounds like it has nothing to do with religion, but its a personal relationship with God and you, through Jesus. Just trust that He paid for your crime by His death. If you do that, you'll never have to answer for your sin (which would be eternal death), but, instead, you'll live! It's an awesome plan! And pretty simple, really! Lot's more info on the subject at ww.calvarychapel.com. Links to CSN Radio, Podcasts, ebooks, etc.

I rescheduled my training start date to the 27th to give me some time to get there, and take care of some things before then. Long way to drive, from Maine, to CA, by way of ID! Had a great trip, though. Stopped and spoke with some guys from C.R. England. I have yet to run across anyone who was legitimately unhappy with the company. These guys had just picked up their new truck, this month. I know there is NO perfect job. That's because people are involved. I'm really looking forward to getting started and somewhat bracing myself for any problems, to come. Also, I know that whatever comes, will be preapproved by God for my life. I'm just here to serve Him the best I can. In turn, I also know He's faithful to meet my needs and open opportunities to serve. I like to drive and the thought of getting paid to meet new people and see the country really appeals to me. In reading through a fellow bloggers experiences, the thought of getting my own truck later on, sounds good. I'll have to evaluate everything, but, not opposed to the idea. I do like to be in charge of my own business and look forward to being out on my own, someday, soon.

Any words of wisdom from those of you who run your own trucks? How's the pay, etc. Of course the expenses are there, like any other business.

Hey, keep me in prayer. Looking forward to hearing from you all.

Until then, God bless and don't forget there's just ONE WAY!

Category: General

Just to let everyone know where I am and to thank everyone for the comments!

Thanks to RoadHzrd for your comments. Thanks, but, no thanks to the "religion". I've had my fill, quite frankly. Jesus was not much of a religious freak, either. He confronted the Pharisees about their "religion" and came to provide THE Way! Pretty simple, really!

Nan, thanks for checking out the blog, again! I'm looking forward to getting training started, this month. You guys are great and I am very encouraged by your hospitality, thank the Lord. But, don't forget, the next time I get by there, I'll be bringing my own "RV". You know, the one with "Freightliner" stamped on the grill. I'll keep you posted, or better yet, stay tuned for my upcoming schedule and whirlwind tour of the country.

I'm visiting my Dad, today, in Maine. Then, headed out for CA and expect to get there, sometime late next week. Keep me in prayer as far as travel is concerned. Lots of weather and drivers out there.

Thanks again, folks for taking a few minutes and reading the blog, and for writing. It's a blessing from the LORD to have you. I pray you'll all come to know Him and invite Him to keep you safe on these roads. I'll be a couple of days until writing again. I'll be enroute to England training and on the road away from internet access. I'll be working on getting pics.

By the way, if anyone has ideas on setting up internet access via cell phone, etc. Maybe you can explain all that to me. Not the "saviest" of computer users, here. Just wondering what is the best way to access the internet all over the US as I'll be EVERYWHERE. What plans should I check out, what gadgets, etc.

Thanks again,

LORD bless!
One Way Road
emailonewayroad@yahoo.com

Category: General

Alright... today I set an appointment with DMV in CA to change over my drivers license to CA. This will allow me to train in CA. It's looking like I'm going to sunny So. Cal. for Dec. I think I'll be rescheduling school for Nov. 27. That puts me out of school just after Christmas and on the road all WINTER!!! Ugghhh! Well, I'm a Mainiac, so, shouldn't be a prob.

I'll be staying with family and friends, visiting everyone there, I haven't seen in years and some quality time at CC Costa Mesa! Evenings only of course, due to training. I'm sure I'll hit a few services at Harvest, too, but, really looking forward to seeing Chuck!

Was just thinking of the theme song to Searchlight, Jon Courson's radio show. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" Have you ever thought where this world would be without God's Word? Such hope there and direction for our day. Comfort and help when needed. What a future we have in Jesus. "Love not the world", folks. "Neither the things that are in the world, for if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in Him.
Be in prayer." We have a hope that Jesus could come ...rightnow! This life is short, but, Jesus coming is imminent! Be ready! As the bumper sticiker says... "Get right or get left!"

I love you folks, LORD bless!
Mark

Category: General

Thanks for all the response, folks. I appreciate all input and hope to be faithful in responding. Thanks to VM, and my friend Keith!

Here's my first attempt at uploading some shots for everyone. Be patient...

I'm borrowing this shot from a fellow blogger from CR England. (hope you don't mind). This is my goal after my first 3 months of training. Keep me in prayer, guys. LORD bless.

Category: General

So, I was able to connect with my recruiter, Nicole Garcia, from C R England, this morning. I got scheduled for training to start Nov 20, in Salt Lake City, UT. I asked her a few questions about what to expect and also, about the possibility of conducting my training at the facility in Mira Loma, CA, instead of UT. I have friends and family, there, and it would afford me the opportunity to visit with them as well as other brothers and sisters at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa or Harvest Christian Fellowship, too. I'll be there a month and to make it work, would have to get to CA a few days early to get my drivers license transfered there, first, but, not a problem.

That's all for now, I guess. Be sure to email any questions or comments and I'll look forward to hearing from you. Keep me in prayer! LORD bless...

Mark
EmailOneWayRoad@yahoo.com

Category: General

Well, that's what Frosty says everytime he is awoken. This is a new chapter in my life and I'm hitting it off in a new career. Life's an adventure!

Just a thank to Jesus my LORD for direction and assurance of His hand in my life, while I start things up, here. I'm looking at getting started in my training with CR England, this month. Probably around the 20th or so.

My situation is that I have nothing to hold me back, and basically no responsibilities to worry about, at this time in my life. I'm excited to see what the Lord is doing. I've raised 2 of my 3 boys, who are now out on their own and the best way to visit them and other friends and family around the country is to actually get paid for it, by driving. I am keeping an opened mind and expecting nothing, but, hoping for the best. I'll keep you all posted if you'll keep me in prayer.

LORD bless, you folks, I hope to see you, soon.

Category: General