May 3rd also marked one year since we first submitted our application to our agency in Virginia. I can hardly believe this as in all actuality, the time has gone quickly. I had one of those surreal moments last night as I was praying for her. Maybe it was just finally clicking that I am soon to be a mama of a little girl. Each day I grow more giddy with delight that one day I will be able to hug her, coo over her, and watch her grow. For now, I can pray for her and imagine those moments folding out before me.
On a side note, Randy and I are finally graduating. We have the commencement this Friday afternoon. Three and a half years ago, we moved to Maine so that Randy could pursue his masters degree. He worked for a year a dishwasher at the university. He never complained one day about this line of work, as he was thrilled just to be in Maine, pursuing his dream to be a teacher.
On the other hand, for me that first year was tough, especially those first six months. I spent a heap of time on the basement stairs just crying out to God, asking Him to take the pain away of being so far from everyone and everything that I knew and loved. I never want to forget what it felt like in that valley, because although I felt broken each day, it was those moments where I could feel and see God at work all around me and within me, filling me with the strength to greet each day. So here I am now, taking in the mountain view of seeing something through to the end when the beginning seemed so hopeless. The Lord has blessed our family so much during our time in Maine. Can I share a few details:
We paid off my school debt from my undergraduate degree, nearly $14,000 in just twelve months time while bringing in less income than ever before. Thank you Dave Ramsey for inspiring us to live like nobody else so that we could eventually LIVE like nobody else.
After searching long and hard, we finally have found a church family, a genuine community of believers serving and loving their neighbors and loving God with all their heart, mind, and soul.
Both of us have pursued and completed our masters degree without gaining any debt. I had the opportunity to take two classes each semester for free while working for the university. Randy has a graduate assistantship which has aided in shaping him into an even more resourceful educator. Thank you University of Maine!
Grayson has learned to talk, run, blueberry pick, ride his bike, and appreciate God's creation since moving to Maine. He has grown so much and warms my heart daily as he continues to learn and love.
We have been called to adopt a little one from Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills, and prayerfully have sought out the resources to fund the process of adoption. So far, every step has been fully funded.
God has continued to disciple our family through His word, His church, and His creation.
Take a moment to think about and remember what this past year has been for you. I am sure that there have been some trying time, some smiling times, and some growing times. How has each moment shaped you for the next?
Love your post! It's been quite a year for us as well! Love Dave Ramsey!! Way to go paying off your student loan....amazing! And to hear the Lord is providing every dollar you need for your adoption! Praise the Lord! So where are you attending church? I would love to get together and visit sometime!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!