Thankful for an all-knowing God.

This post is about the interview/visit we had this past friday in Elkhart. But first I need to take this opportunity to encourage fellow believers concerning this healthcare bill (biting my tongue in order to not call it what I would like to).

The bottom line is God knew Obama would be president. God knew this bill would pass. Did He orchestrate it or just allow it? I don't know what I believe there but I do believe that God knows exactly what He's doing. Whether or not He chooses to save our country by somehow stopping this bill, our true citizenship is not here on earth. It's in Heaven. And in heaven we won't need any healthcare! So let's not forget Who we represent. Let's not forget Who is really in charge. And, let's make sure to pray for our country and our elected officials!

(If you know me at all, you know that the previous paragraph was painful for me to write).

Now on to the purpose of this post: an update.

We drove out to my hometown this past Thursday to interview on Friday morning. We already knew that we really liked the idea of this job, but actually visiting it and hearing the details of every day life, and listening to the guy in charge share his passion, we can't imagine a better fit. It's as though God has been preparing both of us for this job for years now.

At the end of our time there, we were given a quick summary of pay and insurance costs. That was a serious downer. Then it only got worse when we got an information packet that was more detailed. By Saturday night we knew we could not afford to take this job. Since then we've gotten some clarification that was somewhat encouraging. As far as we can tell, Derek would be making as much as he does now at the Scranton Counseling Center. The negative about that is we can't live on what Derek makes at the Center. He would be forced once again to work at least one other job. Probably more. And the health insurance is incredibly expensive (and will only get worse very soon!).

So instead of leaving Elkhart with even an idea of a decision, we have left with more confusion. While we are still planning to pursue this job, Derek is back on the job search bandwagon. He's really beginning to hate that wagon.

There is a job opening down in Florida where we have a connection. To be honest, I'm having trouble being opposed to living in Florida. But I also struggle with how that would be a step toward Russia. Who knows. God works in very mysterious ways.

I feel awful for my poor husband who has to work so hard just to barely make ends meet. And here I am living my dream career - taking care of this little Goob full time.

 

A New Possibility

We are currently praying about a job opportunity for Derek in Indiana. He would be a tutor to kids who for one reason or another cannot go to a regular school. He is THRILLED about the prospect. For so many reasons it seems to be the absolutely perfect fit.

As I got more and more excited about the idea of the job and the positive report on the phone interview, I braced myself for a possible... no probable... down side. And it came almost like an afterthought. "They only have openings in Kokomo and Fort Wayne." For those who don't know much about the flat state of Indiana, this means that the closest location would be at least an hour and a half from where my family lives. I suddenly forgot all the reasons we want this job and nearly decided this would be a terrible idea.

This move that we are hoping to make is for the purpose of making a home base to come back to on furlough. We would like to own a house and have family close by so when we're home from the mission field, we don't have to live out of suitcases and we won't have to travel to see family. 2 hours is still traveling to me!

But I promised Derek that I would pray with an open heart, just in case God leads us somewhere I'm not thrilled about (or tells us to stay here). And seeing the light in Derek's eyes when he talks about this job... well God is working on me.

So right now I'm praying that God will provide an opening in either Elkhart, Goshen, or South Bend with the expectation that He will, but the realization that He might not.

Please pray with us while we go through this process. We're traveling to Indiana to check out the campus sometime in the next couple weeks. Hopefully we'll have some definite decisions made soon!

Living like a Homemaker

I am a homemaker, but I'm working on living more like one. Maybe it's just the renewed energy from finally being way out of 1st trimester... but lately I've been in the mood to stay on top of cleaning, spend more time teaching Marie, and try new recipes.

I got a great cook book from my mom-in-law for Christmas. It's perfect for me. Simple recipes for every day life. The best part is I've heard of most of the ingredients! (That's saying something!) The first recipe I tried was a success!

Fried Onion Rings...

At least as delicious as they look! It was a little messy to make but very easy and pretty quick.

The second recipe I tried was Egg-in-the-hole. I've wanted to learn how to make this since I saw it on "V for Vendetta" (a very fascinating movie that has strangely played many rolls in our lives!) I guess this recipe was a success... in a backwards sort of way. Derek likes his eggs well done. I like mine a little runny. Somehow I managed to not cook his long enough and cook mine too long... The very buttery, fatningly delicious bread made up for the less than stellar egg.

 

(Me and chocolate milk... we go way back.)

Today I have "Perfect Pot Roast" in the crockpot and I'm planning to make homemade Buttermilk biscuits to go with dinner tonight. My mother-in-law is coming over for dinner so she can reap the benefits of buying me a great cook book!

Here's the must-have cook book -

  

The Pioneer Woman - the website that will have you browsing for hours. It's like online education for moms like me. She'll have you cooking, taking pictures, homeschooling your kids, laughing, crying and blogging long before you realize you are officially hooked.

Our Bundle #2

There's so many fears I have about Baby #2... just the thought of having 2 is a little overwhelming! And I'm uncomfortable and frustrated with my weight. So overall, the past 4 months haven't been all that thrilling to me. And while I've felt this little booger for a couple weeks now, tonight I was especially touched (no pun intended!)

Maybe I'm just really tired... no I mean I am definitely really tired. Maybe it's just the hormones added to the tiredness, but I finally felt connected to this little guy (or girl!) and so I got out my magazine and read about how he/she is growing and changing this month.

The little creature actually looks like a human! A tiny 5 inch transparent, disproportionate human! He's got ams, legs, fingers, toes, eyes, ears, mouth and nose! (I could not resist). He can hear my toddler's high pitched screams and would get annoyed - because he is his mother's child - if someone put a flashlight to his cozy little home.

Obviously many more details are being knitted and woven by God Himself physically. But it means so much to me that God Himself is softening my heart to this tiny little Babe and I'm beginning - only just beginning - to kind of understand what it's like to have equal parts love for more than one child. I'm sure I won't fully understand it until this Itty Bitty is in my arms, but I've thoroughly enjoyed the glimpse. Thank you, Lord.

I still have trouble imagining I could possibly have enough love to share when I look into this sweet face...

Poem from 'Streams in the Desert.'

Wating! Yes, patiently waiting!
Till next steps made plain will be;
To hear, with the inner hearing,
The Voice that will call for me.

Waiting! Yes, hopefully waiting!
With hope that need not grow dim;
The Master is pledged to guide me,
And my eyes are unto Him.

Waiting! Yes, Expectantly waiting!
Perhaps it may be today
The Master will quickly open
The gate to my future way.

Waiting! Yes,waiting! Still waiting!
I know, though I've waited long,
That, while He withholds His purpose,
His waiting cannot be wrong.

Waiting! Yes, waiting! Still waiting!
The Master will not be late:
Since He knows that I am waiting
ForHim to unlatch the gate.

- Streams in the Desert