Summer musings...

Summer is almost here. At least it is school-wise. Although our kids have already finished school for this year (benefits of homeschooling), public school students only have 2 weeks left. The down side is that now I only have about a week or two of work left, as a substitute teacher. Hopefully in the Fall, I'll have a full-time teaching position. But, that doesn't help me for the summer. I'm trying to brainstorm options for a summer job. We have to gain income from somewhere.

At The Journey, we are bringing down a couple next week to see if they would be a good fit for our Youth Pastor position. They live in Telluride, Colorado right now. I can't imagine moving from such a beautiful locale, but God takes us all in different directions on our individual journeys. I'm reminded of this as I prepare to say goodbye to the Longorias as they head to NC. Gerald will only be here for one more week and I hope to have a last breakfast with him this week before he is gone. Although I know we will stay in touch and continue encouraging each other, it will be a little more lonely here in Austin, knowing that they aren't in the vicinity anymore.

So, I've been listening to some podcasts from Erwin McManus, the lead pastor for Mosaic in Los Angeles. Although Dina is getting tired of hearing me say, "let me tell you about this podcast I listened to by Erwin," I have heard some great stuff. The latest one that is on my mind is in regards to initiative. How many times do we sit idly by, waiting for something to happen, or someone to do something, rather than standing up and taking the initiative to do something ourselves? I've spent too much of my life stuck in passive mode, waiting for things to happen and watching opportunities pass me by. I'm determining to take control of my life and destiny and pursue God like a barbarian!

Lastly, I want to thank Dina for 9 years of being the mother of our children. She is the most loving mother and she loves children more than anyone I know. She sacrifices of her time, her love, her attention, her sleep, and her gifts and abilities to mold and shape all four of our children. Her patience has been extreme and her dedication unwavering. One day, all of our children will rise up and call her blessed. Many women have done excellently, but she has truly surpassed them all!

Popcorn, anyone?

So, yesterday, I'm subbing at Stony Point 9th Grade Center. I'm just about to start class, when my cell phone rings and it is Dina. She says that Rachel somehow got an unpopped popcorn kernel into her ear and it is now stuck there. She has tried everything she can to remove it, all to no avail. So, a trip to the doctor is in her day. I spent the day texting and calling with her in between classes to check the status. It turns out our pediatrician couldn't get it out, either, and he sent them to an ENT. After a long wait in the lobby at the ENT, the doctor was able to quickly remove the kernel and Rachel was happy and whole again. However, Dina had to endure a long day of dealing with a screaming toddler in waiting rooms. Fun, it was not.

While I as at SP9, I spoke with the director of the IT Academy there. There may be a job opening soon, and I did some networking and lobbying with her and the principal of the school. I also found out today that I am still in the running for a teaching position at McNeil High School, as well. Wherever I may end up, I just pray that God will open up the doors for me and reveal where is best for me. Lastly on the job front, our pastor, Mitch, has been talking me up to the principal of Vista Ridge High School in Leander ISD and he has passed my resumé on to him as well. I'll be glad when the job hunt process is over. However, at that point, my stress will only shift into worry about dealing with my first year in teaching. But, it will be great to have a regular check again, not to mention insurance!

On a sad note, our best friends, the Longorias, are moving to North Carolina. Gerald got a better job offer with a server company there and he will be gone in a couple of weeks. Carol and the kids are gonna hang around a bit longer to clear and sell their house. I know that God always takes us in different directions, but it is always hard to have to put long distances between those that we love. I'll miss the phone calls and conversations over pancakes that Gerald and I have shared together. We have spent many a day spurring each other on, encouraging one another, and holding one another accountable. I feel excited for him and I know that God is leading them in this move.

So, the last 2 years has included more change in our 10-year marriage than we've ever faced at once. And, with my new career opportunities, the changes don't seem to be settling down for quite some time. Dina is my rock through it all and I could never make it each day without her help and the longing in my heart to come home to see her and the kids every day.