Transitioning: part six - heading out

After an emotional couple of days between the last day of work and the last neighborhood get together, the focus turned to packing.

Monday was filled with sticky tape, boxes, washing out cupboards and more packing. One last trip to the dentist to have two of the little miss' loose baby teeth pulled that I could just not get out. And a visit from my sweet friend/co-worker Katie and her amazing little guy Luca. Hugs, more hugs and happy hugs too.

It ended up being a late night of going, going, going. We both fell into bed exhausted.

Tuesday was errand upon errand. Eye exam, last picture at Kerry Park (where our first family pic was taken upon arriving in Seattle), Costco, us girls getting our nails done, etc. So many last stops.

Moving day arrived. I woke up at 5:00 a.m. thinking I heard the semi pull up (it wasn't scheduled to come for two more hours). After laying in bed for a bit, Ed said, "I think I'm going to get up to greet the day." I loved that phrase. It was full of hope, excitement and so much to look forward to.

The kids were up by 6 and by 7 we were walking to the corner to meet the truck.

In a flurry of hours of activity the car was loaded and the truck was being packed. The kids played with their friends the entire day.

When the time was coming to a close, there were kid tears all around. 10 year old best friends clinging to each other, sobbing.

Seven year old best friends walking around the outside house holding hands, being followed by a sweet three year old jabbering away.

A surprise drop-in from Nancy, fabulous friend and co-worker. More tears and clinging hugs.

I finished the final touches of cleaning and took one final walk through of our home the past two years. Tears streaming down my cheeks.

So many memories. Fun times. Birthday parties. Friends for dinner. Kids running through. Ed pouring over papers and books. Hours in the kitchen creating food for family and friends. Snuggles on the couch. Hard conversations. Hurt and then mended hearts. So many memories.

I wrapped them all up in my heart and carried them out of the house with me. To hold forever.

Final hugs and tears mingled as goodbye's were exchanged with neighbors who became friends.

And then we drove away. Extracted ourselves from our Seattle life.

Drove out of the city. Out of the state.

On to a new home.

New memories.

But carrying with us those we love and an array of memories.

Never, ever forgotten.

Thank you Jesus for three years that forever transformed me more into who You created me to be. I look back and see a glimpse of how you wove our lives in your greater story. Our family is tighter because of it. Our marriage stronger. Our lives richer. Us closer to you. Friends forever intertwined. I wouldn't have changed a single moment. And there is not a single regret. You planted us in Seattle for reasons we may never know. But what we do know is that we will never be the same because of our time here. And for that I will be forever thankful. Amen and amen.

Transitioning: part five - the 'hood'

Last night, under a hot shining sun and cloudless sky, our neighborhood gathered at John and Karen's home for a goodbye BBQ.

When we moved out to Seattle, we had four days to find a house and did the best we could in that limited time. Eight months into living there, we knew we needed to find a different place. And we were more picky the second time around.

Little did we know what type of neighborhood we were landing in. Ed would IM me at work every day and tell me who he met and where they lived. Even the neighbors basset hound, Margaret. Everyone would be out and about, walking the loop we live on (only one way in and out) and introduce themselves. It was an experience we've never had before.

We settled in fast and quickly adapted to the rhythm of the 'hood'. There are very few kids around, but the ones that are became fast friends to our kids.

We felt safe enough to let our kids go out and ride the loop by themselves, knowing those on the other side would have their eye on them.

It was the first place, ever, that Ed or I felt comfortable enough to go and ask to borrow a cup of sugar, or a crock pot, or cake pan, or card table or an entire patio furniture set.

It was the first time Alina went to a sleepover. Knowing she was right across the street and in safe walls, made that milestone easier.

Seeing my kids welcomed with a smile at the door while giving away painted rocks (no room in the moving truck for them) and coming home with $1.25 and two suckers.

Even as renters, we were welcomed in quickly and lovingly.

Being invited to the neighborhood BBQ, after a month living here, that closed out the summer. Experiencing the neighborhood progressive dinner at Christmas. Celebrating a new kitchen remodel of another neighbor. Finding cookies on our doorstep or a birthday card in the mailbox. Being invited to birthday parties for friends. Or the birthday party for Lucy, the dog Alina loves to walk.

Along the way, our neighbors became our friends.

Which made last night so bittersweet.

Neighbors stood to share a words of encouragement and thankfulness to us. And hearing the words of a seven year old, Alina's closest friend, who stood and said, "As many of you know, I was really lonely before Alina moved in, and I'm glad she lived here." Seeing her tears as she walked to sit back down next to Alina and watching my daughter give her friend a big squeeze with tears in her own eyes.

We couldn't have asked for a better or more amazing place to live. It has become home and we are going to miss it tremendously.

Karen, the host of last night, adequately summed it up in a nutshell, "Once a part of our neighborhood, always a part of our neighborhood."

A neighborhood that none of us will ever forget. It has seeped into our beings and has shown us an example of what community looks like. People from different walks of life, different religions, different political views, all coming together, being themselves, helping each other out, and loving each other.

That's what I call true community.

Transitioning: part four - tears

Have you ever had a job that you love, but more importantly, you love the people that you work with? And then you leave?

That was yesterday.

And it was hard.

Much harder than I thought it was going to be.

The day started like any other. Come in, fire up the computer, answer emails, chat a bit, and start editing.

And then lunch time came.

I heard everyone outside our office. I knew there was going to be a good-bye lunch. And I vowed I was not going to cry.

When I was told to come, I opened the door and there was a tunnel of all my co-workers cheering me.

I ran through the tunnel of cheers with a heart full of love for those I work with.

And sadness.

Throughout lunch people shared memories and amazingly sweet thoughts of me. It was very humbling. And very tearful by many.

The dam broke when my dear friend and children's ministry co-worker, Mary, started to share. Tears, sadness, thankfulness, grief and joy.

And it continued when my other dear friend Katie, and children's ministry co-worker, shared. The three of us have been through a whole lot the past years.

I couldn't have asked for better people to work with. From office staff to pastoral staff to custodial staff to ministry staff. I am going to miss them all terribly.

Throughout the day there were hard good-byes and many hugs.

The end of the day drew near. Desk was cleaned out. Out of office was on. Everything was wrapped up.

One last trip up to the 3rd floor office to turn in my keys and fob.

And shed more tears.

And stock up on more hugs.

And chat one more time with friends.

And more hugs.

And that was it.

Mary and I walked out together. She didn't want me to walk out alone. And I didn't want her to walk out alone.

As I drove away, I turned to look one more time at my work place of the past 2 1/2 years. A place where I met amazing people who were a part of molding me even more into who I have become today. People who have encouraged me. Shared their lives with me. Chatted with me. Loved me. They have settled in my heart and will stay there always.

The tears flowed all the way home.

I walked into our house, straight into my husband's awaiting arms and let the sobs come.

Transitioning: part three - a ministry goodbye

Leaving is starting to sink in a bit.

The last time we said a hard goodbye was three years ago. I remember the tears that flowed while standing in our driveway. Not wanting to let go. But in the back of my head I knew we'd be back.

Not this time. More than likely, we won't be moving back to the Seattle. And that's what makes it hard. I'm also leaving a ministry that I have poured myself into over the past two and a half years. A road I've never traveled.

I'm now realizing how much I immersed myself into the volunteers and families at my job. And now it's coming to a close. The goodbyes have already started. There will be a many more this Sunday as it's my last Sunday on the job. I've already started hearing, "my kids are so sad you're leaving" to "I'm really going to miss you" to the "what are we going to do without you" comments. Comments that are not easy to hear and squeeze my heart.

It's hard to imagine not being here. Not going into church bright and early on Sunday mornings. Hearing "hi Jean!" by the kids. Getting hugs from the little ones. Chatting with the volunteers.

This is going to be harder than I thought.

Review of An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser

Head back to the year of 1895 and follow two girls who come from two very different walks of life. One immigrant. One high-class. Follow their journey as their worlds collide and take a turn in opposite directions. How class barriers are broken and independence is born.

With twists and turns throughout this book, it will leave you wondering what happens to these two girls whose lives live outside of their society.

I really liked this book. To a certain point. Towards the end it got way too mushy and romantic for my taste. I enjoyed seeing how the two main characters blossomed into womanhood sans romance and how they learned to fit into the skin they were born with. I did like seeing how two societies were so far apart from each other and seeing how a friendship was forged despite the rules.

Bethany House sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Review of Another Dawn by Kathryn Cushman

Another Dawn is about a young single mom who is faced with caring for her father, whom she has a rocky relationship with. Undertones in the story are her sense of self and learning to defend herself in her choices and learn to accept who she was created to be. She learns that running from problems sure doesn't make them disappear, but facing them head on helps develop a strong sense of self and a determination that was buried way deep down in.

A very different read than most I've had before. Controversial even, in today's society. Even though it was fiction, I believe a lot of parents weigh the pro's and con's of what they "should" do and "shouldn't" do as seen by the eyes of society. And yes, I'm being vague with what the subject is, as I don't want to give away the whole premiss of the book.

This book left me thinking how I view the subject at hand, and also the viewpoint of other parents who may chose differently than me. A definite good read.


Bethany House sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Transitioning: part two

Yesterday at work, my farewell article was edited and published in our monthly parent newsletter. One more stamp of finality that our journey here is coming to a close.

July marks a month of lasts.

Last time to head to the ocean.

Last time downtown.

Last day at work.

Last day at our house.

But there is still so much to do between now and our last day here. Two weeks of Kids' Summer Adventure for work and all the prep that will happen leading up to those two crazy weeks.

And there is still so much packing to be done. Some that can't happen until right before the moving truck comes. No matter how many boxes I pack up in my kids' room, more stuff multiplies and forms out of no where. I'm still mystified as to where my daughter is hiding it all!

But one thing that is not a last, is me. I have become more of who I am while living out here.

And that is one thing that will not be left behind.

Nor will it be packed away, sealed shut in the black darkness of a box, to be opened at an unknown time.

All of who I am will be transitioning.

To a different house.

Different scenery.

Different city.

Not as new beginnings.

But continuations.

Of who I am.

Transitioning: part one

Three years culminating into an hour and a half.

Smiles and waves seeing my husband walking down the aisle in his cap and gown.

Tears flowing witnessing him being "hooded".

Raw emotion ripping apart my heart watching a still-fresh grieving, amazingly courageous widow receive her husband's hood and diploma. My husband's closest school friend was not there to celebrate graduation. Not in flesh. But in memory and spirit he was there. He was definitely there.

Lots of hugs and congratulations all around.

Hearing "we'll stay in touch" over and over.

Loading into the van to transport the family and extended family back home.

Standing in the kitchen taking in my freshly graduated husband.

"Now what?"

I had heard a few days ago that the transition out of school is actually harder than school itself. I thought, "there's no way that can be true! I can't WAIT!"

Then yesterday afternoon came.

That sense of something grand, coming to an end.

Finality.

The routine of an ever-changing semester schedule is no more.

No more juggling who's going to take the kids to school or pick them up.

No more papers or required readings.

No more late night or early morning classes.

It's all finished.

But yet it's not.

There is and will be grief.

But also hope.

Hope for what is to come.

To take what we've learned and embed it into who we are.

It's not over.

It's a step.

One big three year step that has had hundreds of little steps intertwined in it. Steps that ebbed and flowed into new steps. Steps that have taken us to new places of life. Much deeper places. That will continue to propel us forward.

Even in death.

It's not the end.

It's just another step in our journey called life.

Rank and Review of Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

We start off with Trevor MacDaniel. His past consists of winning gold medals and leading the fast paced, spot-light life, all to out-run a painful childhood memory. After a nasty knee injury, skiing was put on the shelf, and the adventure shop was open along with being a part of a search and rescue team.

Natalie Reeve is his working neighbor. An unfortunate event is how she and Trevor are introduced. But Natalie has a talent like no one else. A sculptor by trade that is also her mode of survival.

And last, the name-less character. He inserts his life into Trevor and Natalie's via pictures of kids in perilous situations. Hoping Trevor will come to the rescue for these helpless kids, he inserts his life from afar (at the beginning) to feed off of the arch-angel persona he feels Trevor is.

A high paced, well written story that will keep you guessing until the end. A bit disturbing in places (from the viewpoint as a parent), but oh so good. Kristen does it again with writing a thrill-seeking book that sucks you in from page one. Characters are fully introduced at the beginning and then she works backwards in revealing their lives.

Some of the characters from Indivisible are in this book, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone book. I highly recommend it. A fantastic read!!

Waterbrook Multnomah sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Let me know how you liked this review! Rank here:

Review of A Killer Among Us by Lynette Eason

Revell Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.
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Book Three in Women of Justice Series, Lynette Eason introduces Kit Kenyon, a detective and hostage negotiator. She and her new partner are on the hunt for a serial killer who may be hunting one of them as well.

This is a fast pasted thriller with a few squeamish parts thrown in to keep things interesting. Lynette, as always, does a fantastic job creating a thrilling plot with touches of a budding relationship on the side.

Loved this book. Though I couldn't read it before bed as it was a bit suspenseful for my dreams. It was a can't-put-down, what's-going-to-happen next type of read that any one would enjoy.

As book three in the series, this could be a stand-alone novel as well, but reading books one and two (which are equally fantastic), would only build upon this third book and make it that much more great.

Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

memory lane

Taking a trip down memory lane today. 16 years ago at this time, I was getting ready to walk down the aisle into a new adventure called marriage.

Reflecting over the past 16 years, I see a lot of laughs. A lot of tears. A lot of changes. A lot of love.

One memory was my first ever backpacking experience. My husband, a seasoned backpacker, and I drove up to a mosquito infested Lake Superior Provincial Park in the U.P. on a July weekend. We arrived at dark to set up our tent, bedded down for the night then rose early the next day to start our hike in. The mosquitoes were thick. We went through an entire can of bug spray in a couple hours. I said out loud that I hoped it would be so cold the next day that it would kill all the mosquitoes. My wish came true as it only reached the mid 40's the next day.

And that was the day I ended up sick in the tent while Ed boiled water as his water purifier was broken. The third day I uttered the words before backpacking out,

"Just leave me here. Go get a boat or something and come back for me."

Um...can't do that out in the middle of no where. I was never so glad to see that little red pick up truck when we arrived at the parking lot.

So many more memories come rushing in. Our first anniversary trip, complete with me being blindfolded, to Niagara Falls. A trip to Northern Ireland to celebrate graduating college. Purchasing our first house. So many more backpacking trips (that weren't so dramatic). The birth of Sam along with surgeries and bladder bags for months there after. Purchasing our second house. Alina being added to our family. 10 year anniversary trip to Mexico. Raccoons eating the food supply on our first family backpacking trip. Bike rides to Jersey Junction. The decision to uproot and move across the country. Entering elementary years with two kids. Wading through life with a pre-teenager.

And then there's love. Not a squishy, ooey-gooey love (though that's still present). But an I'm-in-this-with-you love. A love that doesn't give up. A love that when the feelings aren't there, commitment and foundation are. I won't give up on you.

Our marriage hasn't been all flowers and sunshine. There have been trecherous storms, very dark valleys that could have easily broken us to pieces. By God's amazing example of love, we battled through each one and came out stronger on the other side. I'm pretty sure there will be more down the road too. But building the foundation of commitment to each other, commitment to our wedding vows, and commitment to Christ, has and will help us weather each storm.

Here's to 16 more amazing years my Love. I'm excited to enter yet another new adventure with you in the coming weeks. And to see how God weaves us closer together in the coming months and years.

Happy Anniversary! I love you!

slowing down? i think not.

I thought when the end of the school year approaches, things are supposed to start slowing down and come to finale of celebration of freedom for the kids on the last day of school.

I'm finding quite the opposite (except the celebration part...one can't wait...the other one will be very, very sad).

We are 3 1/2 weeks out from the end of school. There is a lot of ground to cover between now and then.

For the son, there was a spring concert last night, field trip today, 3 part auto-biography paper (of which I type for him...and no, I'm not cheating. promise) and the presentation, field day, one other field trip, year end field trip celebration, three more soccer practices, two more games, three more musical practices, musical overnight tour, musical dress-rehearsal night, musical church performance and then last day of school.

For the daughter, there is a spring concert, two more soccer practices, three games, a science project, bring a shirt to school to decorate, read-in day, dress up/presentation as favorite book character day, outside reading coupons, field trip, field day, end of year field trip celebration and then last day of school.

And I know I'm forgetting something in there.

looking back

On a whim, I jumped back years in my blog to May of 2006. I found the post below:

When's Friday?
Today my most adorable children have been at each others throats constantly. Arguing. Screaming. Roaring. Laughing. It's been one roller-coaster after another. One minute they're giving each other hugs and then next yelling, "NOOOOOOOOOOOO I don't WAAAANTTTT TOOOOO" (my lovely daughter) and "I DON'T WANT HER TO FOLLOW MEEEEE!!! LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!" (my handsome son). These are the days I say no more mini people allowed. Unless they are someone else's and I can give them back. I just sit here and watch it all. All my energy is spent. I let them scream and see what happens. I interveen only when bodily harm is becoming evident.

Alina found the little pepper grinder. Sam found pepper in his water. I ran out of diapers today. Alina's wearing a swimmy diaper with rubber underwear training pants so she doesn't leak everywhere. The joys of having one vehicle and no diapers.

Oh....happy place..... How I love being there.

Alina was 2 years old. Sam was 5 and getting ready to graduate preschool.
Preschool people.
He's now getting ready to finish 4th grade.

I chuckled when I read this old post and sadness coursed through me too. Sadness that my kids aren't little any more. I've watched video's of them when they were wee whipper snappers and I've wept. Those years don't come back. They fly.

There's more than just pepper in water and no diapers. There is wading through emotions of why there was no birthday invite when everyone else got one. Explanations as to why you don't need a cell phone when "all" your friends have one. Liking girls. Growing bodies. Mending tender hearts.

I miss those early days. Looking back they seemed easy compared to now. But I know they were just as hard as today. And 8 years from now when Sam's getting ready to graduate high school, I know I'll look back and think these present years were easy.

So many seasons to life. So many new experiences to wade through. I'm so thankful for the season I'm in right now. Thankful for the season I was in five years ago. Thankful for my 7 and 10 year old. Thankful for my 2 and 5 year old and having the opportunity to grow with them.

And yes, they still argue and laugh with each other.

Lenten thoughts

For Lent I chose to put aside sugary sweet goodness. Did I make it the entire time? No. I caved. More than once. But I was still committed, and was thankful for a new day to start over.

I also had a live conscience. Alina. She held me accountable so many times. "Mom, you can't eat that! You made a PROMISE to GOD!" Oh my sweet, sweet daughter. How can anyone dispute that? I couldn't even negotiate! And she was a huge example to me as well by giving up playing Webkinz on the computer.

I found that it was not an easy Lent. There was many a time I prayed while craving those sweets, which is the whole point. At times I failed. All the time God showed me his ever-lasting grace.

And I find it quite humorous that during Lent, I wanted what I couldn't have, but now I don't want what I can have! Go figure.

and the beat goes on

When I hopped on last night to write my book reviews, I saw that it's been almost a month since I've written a non-book post.

That got me thinking...what in the world have I been doing? Oh right. Life. That does happen at times. And right now our life revolves around soccer. Monday through Thursday nights. Two nights for Alina, two nights for Sam. Plus musical rehearsals for Sam on Wednesday nights. And somewhere homework needs to get done and dinner made (it's been quite the challenge working 8-10 hours a day) each night. And we'll be adding in evening classes for Ed starting Monday.

Ah life. How quickly it goes by. We're down to single digit weeks for Ed now. 8 to be exact. 56 days. And it's going to fly by. Winding down of the kids' school, busy season ramping up for me work wise, Ed pushing through the final weeks, ending soccer, spring concerts, Sam's musical, and the big graduation celebration.

After that, life will continue. I have to keep reminding myself of that. That life doesn't finish on June 25th. But a new season begins. A season of no graduate school. A season of unknowns. Adventure. We don't know where that season will take place yet, but we're learning not to stress. To do everything we can, but leaving it all before God's throne.

Review of A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell

Bethany House Publishers sent me a complimentary copy to review for them.

The elegance of Madame Forza's gown shop is a far cry from the downtrodden North End of Boston. Yet each day Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana enter the world of the upper class, working on finery for the elite in society. The three beauties each long to break free of their obligations and embrace the American dream-and their chance for love. But the ways of the heart are difficult to discern at times. Julietta is drawn to the swarthy, mysterious Angelo. Annamaria has a star-crossed encounter with the grocer's son, a man from the entirely wrong family. And through no intent of her own, Luciana catches the eye of Billy Quinn, the son of Madame Forza's most important client. Their destinies intertwined, each harboring a secret from their families and each other, will they be found worthy of the love they seek?

Not as romantic as it sounds. As I have said before, Siri is one of my favorite authors. This book did not disappoint. With a new twist in her writing, she wrote the book from a narrative standpoint and the narrator would inject their thoughts throughout the book about the characters and the choices they were making. A very unique way of writing.

Based in the early 1900's in Boston, it was a glimpse into the lives of three dress making immigrant girls who's lives intertwined like thread. They were learning and exploring their way in life amidst danger and life vs death choices.

A great, fast read, even with all the Italian names (smart to put the glossary of characters at the beginning).

Review of The Dawn of a Dream by Ann Shorey

Revell Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Twenty-two-year-old Luellen O'Connell is stunned and confused when her husband of just one month tells her he is leaving her. Deeply wounded by this betrayal, Luellen decides to follow the dream she had set aside of obtaining a teaching degree.

More than anything, she wants to teach children in communities like hers and help them recognize that education opens a path to future possibilities. But her wayward husband left something behind when he abandoned her. Can Luellen overcome the odds and achieve her dream? Can she hide her secret, or will it destroy her dreams forever?

An altogether ok book. Several spots along the way the book slowed and I felt like I needed to plod through them. But a great read about an independent woman with tenacity who overcomes so many obstacles to achieve her life long dream.

This was book 3 in the Beldon Grove series and read like a stand alone novel which I do enjoy. I didn't feel like I was jumping in the middle of a story, trying to figure out who people were. A definite clear beginning and clear end.

Available April 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Review of Regret Free Parenting by Catherine Hickem

Booksneeze sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

"Every mother wants her children to grow up happy, healthy, and fulfilled. But reaching that destination can be full of indecision, worry, and second-guessing. Ask any mother, 'Do you think you're doing a good job?' and she’ll likely give you a mixed answer. In her groundbreaking book, Regret-Free Parenting, Catherine Hickem offers seven principles for mothers to raise their children well . . . and know they’re doing it right."

Loved, loved, loved this book. It was mainly focused towards mom's (which I didn't know going into it) and it hit home. There were many light bulb moments and times I thought, "well, that completely makes sense!" The biggest area where it made the most impact was where Catherine talked about pre-teens. As a mom of a full blown pre-teen, it's new, uncharted territory and this book brought some clarity and some of those "ah-ha" moments to mind.

One other reason I loved this book was because Catherine is a licensed counselor. With my husband in school to become a therapist, so much of the terminology she used was familiar and it was easier to understand.

I would highly recommend any mom or dad to read this. A fantastic book that I will definitely be reading again.

Review of Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann

WaterBrook Multnomah sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Battling his own personal demons, Police Chief Jonah Westfall knows the dark side of life and has committed himself to eradicating it. When a pair of raccoons are found mutilated in Redford, Colorado, Jonah investigates the gruesome act, knowing the strange event could escalate and destroy the tranquility of his small mountain town. With a rising drug threat and never-ending conflict with Tia Manning, a formidable childhood friend with whom he has more than a passing history, Jonah fights for answers—and his fragile sobriety.

I am a huge Kristen Heitzmann fan and once again she does not disappoint in this book. Right up to the last page I was engrossed. The characters were an eclectic bunch and their back stories took the whole book to explain. Kristen keeps you entwined in the story through the entire book and guessing as to what in the world is going to happen. She is a brilliant writer that effortlessly keeps you in the plot right up to the end.

Anyone who likes mystery, suspense and a touch of humor would thoroughly enjoy this book!

Easier said than done

Now is one of those times in life where I'd just really like to know what God's plans are for us. With just over two months left before graduation and no solid plans yet, it leaves one feeling a bit unsettled.

Job glimmers come and then are snuffed out. But the prayer continues to stay the same. "Jesus, put us where you want." I know what Iwant. But He trumps my wants. And that's where the faith and trust come in. And it hasn't been a "yippee-skipee" trust and faith. There have been many tears, many disappointments, many times of not understanding why things are not happening. Plans haven't panned out the way we thought.

But we continue to trust. To dig deep into the faith that has been so rooted in us that our Savior asks us to trust Him. Yes, I know God has a plan. But more than that, I believe He wants us to trust Him in every resume that gets sent out and every response that is received back. And that no matter what the next step of our journey is, that we will continue to deepen our trust in Him.