EMPLOYED

Finally I can say that I am employed! I will be working for Kilgore ISD at Chandler Elementary as a third grade teacher. While I am thrilled to finally have a job, there has been SO much going on trying to get things sorted out this last minute that I have been stressed out like mad. We have to find a place to live and the means to come by it in the next week. We are also waiting for Tim to get a job. He applied for the ETBU admissions job and we are keeping our fingers crossed for it! He would do such a great job. If that doesn't work out, we will be living in Longview (sadly not as close to Jeff, Sarah, Colin, and Carley as we'd like) so he will have options.

Obviously, God has a sense of humor. If you have talked to me the past year, you will know that I said I would work anywhere BUT drumroll please...East Texas. God thought it'd be HILARIOUS to open a door ONLY there. So, I'm confident that God isn't through with us out East and I am having to eat my words as we will again move back and continue life on our odd journey.

Here are a few of my positive thoughts:
- Although we will be East we will live in a CITY! Longview has much more to offer than Marshall.
- I went on a small shopping spree for my classroom with the giftcard I had recieved from my lovelies at Spring Hill and I got some super cute stuff!
- I found all the wonderful things people gave me at SH to add to my shopping spree stuff.
- I will finally have benefits!
- I have the keys to my very own classroom!

Here are my concerns:
- Jeff and Sarah will be more than 5 minutes away.
- The guy that had the room before me left a lot of stuff...I have so much cleaning and organizing to do!
- I do not feel I have enough time for training, putting my room together, finding a place to live ,and moving.
- Needing money for all the fees and a truck for moving.

Here is what I am confident in:
- God's plan is the ultimate plan...beautiful and strategic in every way.

Though I am very sad to depart the metroplex once again, I know God is going to use us as He always does.

Worry

I've never had to be this patient and faithful. I have points in my mind where I just feel like breaking down and crying because I feel as if I've done everything in my power to find a teaching job...well...I guess that's the problem...I've done everything in MY power. I have been tested greatly these past two months about waiting for HIS timing. I've never had to wait for anything big, really. Now, Tim and I are both looking towards the end of Camp Thurman and attempting to remain confident of God's provision. Funny how God likes to strengthen us. I fight anxiety everyday by reminding myself that God is faithful and His timing is perfect. Although I fight doubt, God continues to provide...why wouldn't He now? His Word truly has been a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path...His words have reminded me of His faithfulness to His people. So, we wait...and ask for prayers!

26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Matthew 6:26-27

And the beat goes on

Life is still moving despite my absence from blogging. Life is busy, but not too eventful...if that makes any sense. Tim and I are working at Camp Thurman and we work Mon-Fri 7:30-4:30. It's been so fun and I definitely love my job. I had forgotten how much of a joy it is to work at CT...so many relationships, laughs, blessings, and fun! There really is no better job...I wish I could do it year round.

Speaking of jobs, I still do not have one. I have put out numerous applications and have only had one interview. God has not opened any doors and He closed the one...so here I wait (un)patiently trying to continue to be confident in His plan and His timing. Tim also does not have a job yet...we have had one lead there and we are just waiting...so pray for our career situation.

Tim and I will be married for two years on Monday! WOW....time has really passed quickly. What a wonderful, Godly man. He loves me almost perfectly (everyone has flaws) and I still feel like the luckiest girl alive for being married to a man like Tim. What a hunk! Life has been so wonderful with him in it!

My last bit of news is that my niece, Carley Erin Stapleton was born June 30, 2010! I got to hold her and see her and she is perfect!! So exciting!!