WOW!

I know this is repeating myself a little, but I realized recently I have made it through some very big life changes in a short time. I’m surprised how I have handled all these challenges. Okay yes, I did need to take a little white pill for a while, but hey who couldn’t use a little drug therapy.

Since Dec. 26, 2011, I have had the following major events: Dec. 2011; half the family moves to Dubuque, the other two moved in by March of 2012. I became pretty sick in March of 2012, plus started a new job. Yes I continued to work, during this time as my last job had no “sick” plan really. Well unless you count getting in trouble for calling in sick. Who cares who you infect.

Sorry “squirrel” as they say. Back on track. During the year of 2012 everyone had to make serious adjustment. This included going on food stamps, and using the food pantry on campus. The kids had to try and make new friends, which when your older can be trickier. However, we managed to make it through

Bring on the year of 2013! Doug completed his second year of Seminary and started his internship.

Internship, was something I was not truly prepared for, and because life wasn’t crazy enough, my job was turning into a nightmare job. This said job, I wouldn’t even wish upon my worst enemy. Oh and lets not discuss all the new medical issues that fell during all this time as well. Again off on another topic. Going back to my preparedness for internship or should I say lack thereof, I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know if the people were friendly, or even what their expectations of me where. Surprisingly, it was me making a big deal out of nothing. The people of First English were/are wonderful people who are used to interns and their families. They welcomed us with open arms. Now, I stress over the fact that we must say good-bye in July 2014. It has been such a wonderful experience. At least for me, and I truly hope I can at least maintain contact with some of those people.

This internship that started over the summer of 2013 has sparked my interest in learning to knit. I am proud to say I have now made two prayer shawls, four scarfs, and a hat! One scarf was a actually 6 feet long and had several colors, to resemble the DR. WHO scarf. What an accomplishment! Mistakes and all, I’m still proud of what I have done. I also started sewing again, helping the ladies of the church put together quilt squares. One day I hope to make my own quilt, from start to finish.

Here it is 2014. In January Travis turned 21 and moved back to Illinois. Realistically, I don’t know who he is staying with or how he’s making it, since he has no job that I know of. Best I can do for him is to pray. I ask that those of you reading this, if you could please do the same. I am very thankful that family is nearby should he get into any real trouble. Of course that would require him to call someone, hopefully he has all the numbers. All of his belongings are still in his room, he only has his clothes and toiletries. Even his Xbox and air soft guns are still with us. So did he really move? I’m thinking garage sale!

Also in January, Becky completed high school, and started attending the local community college. In March she turned 18, and she and Doug, headed for a college campus visit at the University of WY. Upon her return she decided to apply to the college with the hope of being accepted. I am sure she will be starting in August this year. On top of all that, in June she will be leaving for CA, for an internship experience with a wonderful friend and mentor from our home church. Becky will live with her for six weeks and work at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. She will return in July, and head to her ever favorite camp, Leadership Lab. I remember very clearly how much she fought going to camp in the summer of her freshman year of high school. Funny this will be her fifth year. I guess parents do know what they are talking about from time to time.

So since I left Illinois, I have had two new jobs, an internship experience, and I will be an empty nester by the end of the summer. We are also still battling issues with the short sale of our home back in Feb of 2012. I might also add, by the end of this year, Doug has to turn in his paperwork to select were he might like to take a his first call. The suggestions we give, will not guarantee anything, it’s only a wish list. Let’s hope I don’t end up in North Dakota, or Alaska. I would not be opposed to warm sunny beaches! Hello region 2!Off on my squirrel track, Region 2 encompasses California, Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona, along with Colorado and Wyoming.

Wow, after typing all that I’m exhausted. I am making it day by day. I thank God, for helping me through this time. I know, that even when I feel like I am alone, I’m not really. I do ask those of you who read this, if you could still continue to pray for our family. We still have a year of seminary left and another move in 2015. I also have to prepare to potentially leave the new job, I am truly enjoying and have potential to move up the ladder. I say potentially as this company might have the ability to transfer me to another location, but I’m not holding my breath. We just don’t know.

The uncertainty of this seminary journey, has left me with the belief that we do come through everything in HIS time. It may not be in the way I expected or the way I WANT it, but we do. I am not starving, unfortunately I have gained weight. I still have shelter, clothing, reliable transpiration and even, dare I say , new friends. I am learning to try and live for the day, not in the past or in the future. Thank you to everyone who has supported us through this time , this journey, and have prayed for us. I’m keeping my head high, my eyes focused above me. Let’s just hope I don’t trip and fall.