As mentioned in an earlier post, Lessons from a Mortgage Lender's Wife, a mortgage lender's job is one with great amounts of stress. There are people constantly putting you down, wanting things faster, and many times, wanting a different out come than what you can give.
What a helpless feeling to be the one to take the brunt of all complaints, hateful words, blame, and ultimately, your name and reputation put to the test. Especially when so much of the process is out of your hands and you have no control on the timing of such events. It is during these times I realize that my husband needs my support through my words, my actions, my prayers, and my willingness to be available to him-- not me trying to run the show on my terms to satisfy me. Last Sunday we had a lesson on speaking wisely.
A word spoken at the right time is like golden apples on a silver tray. - Proverbs 25:11
Often, I get wrapped up in my day-to-day struggles and forget that my partner also faces great trials. I tend to want to run my mouth before thinking-- complaining about how the kids behaved or what went wrong with my day. Or, many times, I start off with great intentions. I ask how his day went and when he doesn't offer a lot to the conversation, I start poking and prodding knowing full well that the time is not right. If he shows any kind of frustration or hatefulness at me, I then say something to make him feel bad- not exactly golden apples in a silver bowl. I desperately want to communicate and help in whatever way I can-- it just seems like sometimes I only want to help in the way I see best-- not the way that is truly helpful to him.
I have decided to choose to support him. It's not like I haven't supported him all along, it's just that maybe I wasn't doing it in the most appropriate way. Perhaps the right words for me, most of the time, are none at all-- or at least not when he just gets home.
I know that I will mess up and that it will take practice, but with God's help and direction, I believe I will start to find the right words (if any) at the right time.
In addition to watching my words, I know that part of my job in supporting my husband is to help alleviate stress. I know that some ways I try to do this is by having a clean home when he arrives and having dinner made (or at least in the works) when he walks through the door. I also try to surround my husband in prayer. Every chance I get to pray for my husband, I do. He is our leader after all, we should support him in the most powerful way possible! Being available for my husband is another strategy I'm trying. Being available to talk, to listen, to hold, etc. This is often the most difficult for me. I WANT to be available most of the time, but if I'm in a bad mood, or if I feel robbed of something- I often have a hard time choosing to support my husband through availability.
One of the best lessons I've ever learned about marriage was that it wasn't about me. Sure I have needs and I want a lot of things out of our marriage- but that isn't the point. My needs and dreams being met in our marriage is really just a biproduct of what a godly marriage is. The real purpose in marriage is to be a visual picture of Christ and His church- His people. Marriage is to show a lost world how Christ loves his people and how His people should follow and love Him. That's God's whole purpose in marriage- to bring Him glory. In doing this, we often reap the benefits that overflow from God's design.
It's kinda freeing knowing that I don't have to meet Kasey's needs- God will do that when I choose to follow God's plan. Knowing that my role is one of support-- I must choose to be the church to the lost world. I must choose to put myself aside and put my husband before me. I must choose to support my husband so that he can lead our family properly.
Lord help me as I commit to supporting my husband. May a lost world see your love for your people through our marriage. May they see how the church should act toward Christ through my submission to my husband.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
Breakfast with God
We are trying a new routine in the Cowger household. For starters, we are training our kiddos to have a quiet time with God every morning. In an effort to "train up a child," I decided that the first place to start is developing a love for God's word. How do you do that when you have children who can't read? Well that was where I struggled too! After searching the web a little bit, I found one of the best ideas for my family: a breakfast basket. At the center of my breakfast table there is a basket. In the basket, there are prayer sticks (large Popsicle sticks with family and friends names written on them), bible study materials (kinda range by age), and about 200+ conversation starters (see link below).
Since the beginning of summer, I have been determined to get up and fix my children breakfast every day. I really want to establish a routine of communication in the mornings before school starts. I don't make anything fancy- just your regular pancakes, muffins, toast, waffles, etc. The idea is not about showing off any gourme cooking skills (which I do not possess), but to set aside a time for my kids to connect with me in the morning. This also seemed like the perfect time for them to start their day off with God and instill a passion for quiet time with their Creator.
For now, I have breakfast made and I help get the time with God started. Ian, the 18 month old, looks at a picture prayer book and kinda just sits with us. Mason has a cool devotion for boys ages 2-5 that I picked up several years ago. I read the verse to him and let him look at the picture. There is more to that devotional, but I'm not pushing too much right now. For Gavin, we've been using his Bible and learning how to look up verses in the Bible: finding the book, the chapter, and the verse. The boys have really enjoyed this special time. Their favorite part is picking a prayer stick. Whatever stick they pull out has a name on it. That name is the person they are to pray for in the morning and through out the day. They really get a kick out of this!! The conversation cards are also pretty fun. They are meant to be done at dinner time, but we've been using them in the morning as the last part of our time together. They are really more for family and communication building so they've come at the end of our Breakfast with God time.
Don't be confused- this isn't a perfectly quiet time with very still children. It is simply a time we are setting aside to instill a passion for spending time with The Creator. The person who came up with the idea stated it this way, "It's not about perfection, but faithfulness." I love that! I'm not trying to have a perfectly quiet morning, but rather to teach faithfulness in the long haul.
** Please note that this is a compilation of SEVERAL different ideas I've found online. I do NOT take credit for coming up with this on my own! Just adapted it for my family and went with it :)
conversation starters - click here
Since the beginning of summer, I have been determined to get up and fix my children breakfast every day. I really want to establish a routine of communication in the mornings before school starts. I don't make anything fancy- just your regular pancakes, muffins, toast, waffles, etc. The idea is not about showing off any gourme cooking skills (which I do not possess), but to set aside a time for my kids to connect with me in the morning. This also seemed like the perfect time for them to start their day off with God and instill a passion for quiet time with their Creator.
For now, I have breakfast made and I help get the time with God started. Ian, the 18 month old, looks at a picture prayer book and kinda just sits with us. Mason has a cool devotion for boys ages 2-5 that I picked up several years ago. I read the verse to him and let him look at the picture. There is more to that devotional, but I'm not pushing too much right now. For Gavin, we've been using his Bible and learning how to look up verses in the Bible: finding the book, the chapter, and the verse. The boys have really enjoyed this special time. Their favorite part is picking a prayer stick. Whatever stick they pull out has a name on it. That name is the person they are to pray for in the morning and through out the day. They really get a kick out of this!! The conversation cards are also pretty fun. They are meant to be done at dinner time, but we've been using them in the morning as the last part of our time together. They are really more for family and communication building so they've come at the end of our Breakfast with God time.
Don't be confused- this isn't a perfectly quiet time with very still children. It is simply a time we are setting aside to instill a passion for spending time with The Creator. The person who came up with the idea stated it this way, "It's not about perfection, but faithfulness." I love that! I'm not trying to have a perfectly quiet morning, but rather to teach faithfulness in the long haul.
** Please note that this is a compilation of SEVERAL different ideas I've found online. I do NOT take credit for coming up with this on my own! Just adapted it for my family and went with it :)
conversation starters - click here
My First Born Son
Seven years ago, as of yesterday, my first born son arrived on this earth. I remember distinctly the sleepless night before his arrival, the 2am shower I took because I couldn't sleep, the feeling of anxiousness and excitement when arriving at the hospital at 5, and the shock of finding out I was in labor on my own! Kasey was just as excited as I was, and we both could hardly contain ourselves as we waited for the moment we would put a face to the son we were already in love with. Gavin was not only our first child, but the first Cowger grandson.
There is nothing quite like meeting your child for the first time. Holding them close in your arms and feeling just an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and blessedness. Their small body engulfed in your arms has such a way of stealing your heart and the breath right out of your chest. Gavin Lee Cowger has blessed our lives from day one. He was, and continues to be, such a mild tempered child that has a quiet sense of leadership and determination. In his leadership, he also is very obedient and a great help with his two younger brothers.
Gavin LOVES sports and is very talented at them. He listens intently to details and conversations (welcomed or not) and has an inquiring mind. He also has such a security already in Jesus. My prayer for Gavin is that he continues to grow in his love and friendship with Jesus. I pray that his quiet leadership continues to grow in service and with a deep desire to share Christ with others. I also pray that he uses whatever platform God grants him in the future to further His kingdom and to bring Him glory.
Through Gavin, God gave Kasey and I a deeper understanding of the Father's love for
us. He also granted us with one of the biggest blessings in our lives. We cherish every moment with Gavin. While it saddens me to see him grow older, it also excites me for the things to come. God has big plans for Gavin, and I can't wait to see how He uses his life to bring glory to Him.
There is nothing quite like meeting your child for the first time. Holding them close in your arms and feeling just an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and blessedness. Their small body engulfed in your arms has such a way of stealing your heart and the breath right out of your chest. Gavin Lee Cowger has blessed our lives from day one. He was, and continues to be, such a mild tempered child that has a quiet sense of leadership and determination. In his leadership, he also is very obedient and a great help with his two younger brothers.
Through Gavin, God gave Kasey and I a deeper understanding of the Father's love for
us. He also granted us with one of the biggest blessings in our lives. We cherish every moment with Gavin. While it saddens me to see him grow older, it also excites me for the things to come. God has big plans for Gavin, and I can't wait to see how He uses his life to bring glory to Him.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Lessons from a mortgage lender's wife
This morning while dropping G off at soccer camp, I was praying for my husband. Praying that he would have a blessed day and be a light to others. He has recently had some stressful and dry times at work and I try and surround him with prayer as much as possible through out my day. It was during this time of prayer that I realized how thankful I am for him. God has given me an amazing partner in this marriage ministry. My husband has worked so hard for me to be able to stay home and has grown so much professionally, as well as matured spiritually. In this time of prayer and thankfulness, God revealed three important lessons I've learned from my husband: humility, conviction, and how you react under pressure speaks louder than any of your words.
Humility:
My husband is very good at his job, but he would never say so. Now I know I am bias, but I believe he truly IS great at what he does! He has won the Sales and Service award twice (or maybe 3 times), Mortgage Lender of the Year twice, and some other award (not real sure what it is called.) I, obviously, am so proud of him! He didn't tell me of these awards, or anyone else for that matter. I found the plaque and trophies in our closet! When I asked them about them, he casually acknowledged them and went about his way. I was shocked!! Who wins awards and tells no one?! I tried several times to get him to display these in his office. It would be great for his clients to see that they are in good hands and that he is highly qualified. However, Kasey felt like that was boasting and not needed.
It was then that I realized how humble he has become. He felt no need to boast in himself (even if it would be a professionally wise decision). This humility has come with his maturity in Christ and an area that is so beneficial for my children to see.
**On a side note, while I am blessed that my husband wished to be humble, I still would like to see his awards displayed in his office instead of on our dresser (where I placed them).
Conviction:
Perhaps one reason he has been so successful in his profession is his ability to conduct business with conviction. Mortgage lending is a stressful job and often his part in the whole process is misunderstood. It can, at times, remind me of my first job in retail.
When I use to work in retail, I would be faced with customers daily who would complain about the prices in the store, the sale policy, the store layout, etc. Often, especially during a stressful time like holidays, they would act just down right ridiculous! I always found this interesting since I was just the messenger and completely powerless in any of the decision making process for the store. I didn't set the prices, create the sale items, or the store layout. I simply worked there and followed the rules. There really was no need for them to be hateful to me or demand anything from me- I was helpless!
This is very much how my husband's job works! He is simply the messenger in most cases. He works for a fantastic bank that has a set formula on how they approve people for loans. This is really for the customer and employees protection. With that being said, he really can't decide- nor make any special exceptions, etc.- on who qualifies for a loan. He also has no control what paper work is needed and when, if closing dates get pushed back, last minute changes, etc. There are so many people behind the scenes in the mortgage process that no one can see. The lender is really the messenger in a lot of ways. Now his job has more to it than just showing up of course, but there are so many variable that are out of his control and yet he is the one to break the news, whatever it may be. The lender is the one you see and talk to (much like a clerk in a retail store). He/she is the one who is going to take all the heat and angry comments- even when it is far removed from their hands.
Knowing that many of the anger is misdirected at him, he still maintains a level of conviction and compassion for his customers. I saw him come home the other day obviously upset. Something went wrong with a loan and he had to tell some clients that they were not able to close on the house they wanted-- three days before they were to close (YIKES!). This is understandably very upsetting news and causes many people to get angry. In fact, heart broken. Since the lender, my loving husband, is the only one they see (and often believe is the only one involved) in this process, the heat came down on him (even though it had nothing to do with him.) While I probably would have been outraged at their behavior toward me and reacted less than honorably toward them, my husband took it all and felt awful for them. He knew it wasn't his fault, but that didn't change how bad he felt for them. He pondered all the different ways he could try and help them, or make it work, it just wasn't possible. Wow! If only they knew how much he was on their side!
He knows that a house is a big deal in people's life and he hates when it can't work out for people. He came home not upset that he didn't get a loan closed (since that is the only way he gets paid), not upset that he was yelled at, but upset that his clients will not be able to get the house they wanted. Wow- what conviction! He has such a good heart and operates with such integrity- even when it is undeserved. How I love his heart! He is teaching me to care for other's disappointment -- to bear their burdens.
How you act under pressure:
During my husband's first year as a Mortgage Lender we had a massive F5 tornado that decimated our town. In this time, home loans were obviously needed and the mortgage lenders, title companies, and banks were swamped. It was also during this time that we witnessed some amazing people overcome very traumatic events that took place in their lives. It became obvious to us that how you act under pressure speaks so much louder than the words said. My husband heard several stories of heartache and unspeakable loss. Most people in these situations acted with such patience and thankfulness. Many understood the incredible stress and overwhelming need, not just with them but for all their neighbors and businesses around them.
However, there were also those who didn't act so upstanding. Sadly, one of the most horrific events my husband has endured as a lender was from a couple we use to worship with and call friends. Unfortunately, due to such chaos, their closing date, along with countless others, had to be pushed back. They were devastated which was expected, but the way in which they conducted themselves during their frustration was not one that reflected the people we believed them to be or what they said they stood for. They not only withdrew their loan, but spoke awful about my husband and his bank on different online public platforms. Not to mention how they treated him to his face. This was particular hurtful and sad because they were, we thought, friends and fellow believers in Christ.
Perhaps what was more disturbing was that many who were non-believers in the same situation acted with more patience and compassion than those who claimed to be believers! This became one of the greatest lessons we have ever learned- how we act in stressful situations and treat those around us will speak so much louder than what we claim with our lips. If we were non-believers and saw this behavior from those who claimed to have Christ in their lives, we would want nothing to do with that! Especially in seeing how other non-believers handled themselves! How careful we must be to guard our witness, even when faced with disappointment and tragedy. It also makes me wonder, have we also been guilty of this? Have we acted out of frustration and anger and not reflecting the patience, grace, and mercy of Christ? I'm sure we have- and therefore have been guilty of the same crime. How I pray that God will forgive us for our selfishness and not let our mistakes be stumbling blocks to non believers around us. We are not perfect-- that's exactly why we need Christ. Since this happened, as hurtful as it was, we have forgiven them. They may have not acted the way we had anticipated or the way in which they should've, but maybe they too have grown from it.
The Bible tells us that the man is the head of the house. He is the one who is to lead. I can say with certainty that observing my husband both professionally and personally, that he has been leading his family toward Christ. He deserves all our respect and trust and we shall follow his lead. While he certainly isn't perfect, he is a man continually growing and sacrificing for his family. Kasey Cowger, we love you!
Humility:
My husband is very good at his job, but he would never say so. Now I know I am bias, but I believe he truly IS great at what he does! He has won the Sales and Service award twice (or maybe 3 times), Mortgage Lender of the Year twice, and some other award (not real sure what it is called.) I, obviously, am so proud of him! He didn't tell me of these awards, or anyone else for that matter. I found the plaque and trophies in our closet! When I asked them about them, he casually acknowledged them and went about his way. I was shocked!! Who wins awards and tells no one?! I tried several times to get him to display these in his office. It would be great for his clients to see that they are in good hands and that he is highly qualified. However, Kasey felt like that was boasting and not needed.
It was then that I realized how humble he has become. He felt no need to boast in himself (even if it would be a professionally wise decision). This humility has come with his maturity in Christ and an area that is so beneficial for my children to see.
**On a side note, while I am blessed that my husband wished to be humble, I still would like to see his awards displayed in his office instead of on our dresser (where I placed them).
Conviction:
Perhaps one reason he has been so successful in his profession is his ability to conduct business with conviction. Mortgage lending is a stressful job and often his part in the whole process is misunderstood. It can, at times, remind me of my first job in retail.
When I use to work in retail, I would be faced with customers daily who would complain about the prices in the store, the sale policy, the store layout, etc. Often, especially during a stressful time like holidays, they would act just down right ridiculous! I always found this interesting since I was just the messenger and completely powerless in any of the decision making process for the store. I didn't set the prices, create the sale items, or the store layout. I simply worked there and followed the rules. There really was no need for them to be hateful to me or demand anything from me- I was helpless!
This is very much how my husband's job works! He is simply the messenger in most cases. He works for a fantastic bank that has a set formula on how they approve people for loans. This is really for the customer and employees protection. With that being said, he really can't decide- nor make any special exceptions, etc.- on who qualifies for a loan. He also has no control what paper work is needed and when, if closing dates get pushed back, last minute changes, etc. There are so many people behind the scenes in the mortgage process that no one can see. The lender is really the messenger in a lot of ways. Now his job has more to it than just showing up of course, but there are so many variable that are out of his control and yet he is the one to break the news, whatever it may be. The lender is the one you see and talk to (much like a clerk in a retail store). He/she is the one who is going to take all the heat and angry comments- even when it is far removed from their hands.
Knowing that many of the anger is misdirected at him, he still maintains a level of conviction and compassion for his customers. I saw him come home the other day obviously upset. Something went wrong with a loan and he had to tell some clients that they were not able to close on the house they wanted-- three days before they were to close (YIKES!). This is understandably very upsetting news and causes many people to get angry. In fact, heart broken. Since the lender, my loving husband, is the only one they see (and often believe is the only one involved) in this process, the heat came down on him (even though it had nothing to do with him.) While I probably would have been outraged at their behavior toward me and reacted less than honorably toward them, my husband took it all and felt awful for them. He knew it wasn't his fault, but that didn't change how bad he felt for them. He pondered all the different ways he could try and help them, or make it work, it just wasn't possible. Wow! If only they knew how much he was on their side!
He knows that a house is a big deal in people's life and he hates when it can't work out for people. He came home not upset that he didn't get a loan closed (since that is the only way he gets paid), not upset that he was yelled at, but upset that his clients will not be able to get the house they wanted. Wow- what conviction! He has such a good heart and operates with such integrity- even when it is undeserved. How I love his heart! He is teaching me to care for other's disappointment -- to bear their burdens.
How you act under pressure:
During my husband's first year as a Mortgage Lender we had a massive F5 tornado that decimated our town. In this time, home loans were obviously needed and the mortgage lenders, title companies, and banks were swamped. It was also during this time that we witnessed some amazing people overcome very traumatic events that took place in their lives. It became obvious to us that how you act under pressure speaks so much louder than the words said. My husband heard several stories of heartache and unspeakable loss. Most people in these situations acted with such patience and thankfulness. Many understood the incredible stress and overwhelming need, not just with them but for all their neighbors and businesses around them.
However, there were also those who didn't act so upstanding. Sadly, one of the most horrific events my husband has endured as a lender was from a couple we use to worship with and call friends. Unfortunately, due to such chaos, their closing date, along with countless others, had to be pushed back. They were devastated which was expected, but the way in which they conducted themselves during their frustration was not one that reflected the people we believed them to be or what they said they stood for. They not only withdrew their loan, but spoke awful about my husband and his bank on different online public platforms. Not to mention how they treated him to his face. This was particular hurtful and sad because they were, we thought, friends and fellow believers in Christ.
Perhaps what was more disturbing was that many who were non-believers in the same situation acted with more patience and compassion than those who claimed to be believers! This became one of the greatest lessons we have ever learned- how we act in stressful situations and treat those around us will speak so much louder than what we claim with our lips. If we were non-believers and saw this behavior from those who claimed to have Christ in their lives, we would want nothing to do with that! Especially in seeing how other non-believers handled themselves! How careful we must be to guard our witness, even when faced with disappointment and tragedy. It also makes me wonder, have we also been guilty of this? Have we acted out of frustration and anger and not reflecting the patience, grace, and mercy of Christ? I'm sure we have- and therefore have been guilty of the same crime. How I pray that God will forgive us for our selfishness and not let our mistakes be stumbling blocks to non believers around us. We are not perfect-- that's exactly why we need Christ. Since this happened, as hurtful as it was, we have forgiven them. They may have not acted the way we had anticipated or the way in which they should've, but maybe they too have grown from it.
The Bible tells us that the man is the head of the house. He is the one who is to lead. I can say with certainty that observing my husband both professionally and personally, that he has been leading his family toward Christ. He deserves all our respect and trust and we shall follow his lead. While he certainly isn't perfect, he is a man continually growing and sacrificing for his family. Kasey Cowger, we love you!
Let's Try This Again!
Wow! It has been FOREVER since I blogged last. I thought I would enjoy blogging about my first year of teaching, but apparently, I never had time! :) Well, my first year of teaching went great (four years ago) and my other 2 years of teaching were awesome too! Life has changed for me though. We added our third child, Ian Ross, on January 11, 2012 and we decided that I should stay at home this coming school year. We plan on taking it one year at a time, but I am SUPER excited about this opportunity. Since my schedule will now look different, I thought I would give this blogging things another go!
So... here goes to second chances! :)
So... here goes to second chances! :)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Fall
It's been a while since I've had the chance to update my blog. With lesson planning, grading papers, chasing 2 boys around, and trying to sell my house, I've been pooped!
School so far has been going great! Every week it gets a little better and I feel a little more confident in what I'm doing. I have an excellent bunch of kiddos and a great group of teachers to work with. This career is definitely hard and time consuming, but I love every minute of it!
The Boys
My boys are growing leaps and bounds every day! They are enjoying each other's company more and more. It is so fun to watch them cuddle with each other in the morning, wrestle with each other in the afternoon, and play cars or soccer together in the evening. They are already so close and I love it! Gavin has been involved in soccer this fall and is doing such a great job! Mason has been busy exploring every possible drawer, cabinet, room, closet, pantry, etc. that he can find and removing all if it's contents! Oh my Mason, never a dull moment!!
The next big event for them in Halloween. Their costumes are in and I can't wait to hit the streets to show them both off! Gavin is going to be Buzz Lightyear (by his choosing) and Mason is going to be the little green alien from the Toy Story movies.
School so far has been going great! Every week it gets a little better and I feel a little more confident in what I'm doing. I have an excellent bunch of kiddos and a great group of teachers to work with. This career is definitely hard and time consuming, but I love every minute of it!
The Boys
The next big event for them in Halloween. Their costumes are in and I can't wait to hit the streets to show them both off! Gavin is going to be Buzz Lightyear (by his choosing) and Mason is going to be the little green alien from the Toy Story movies.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
School
Well, it seems as thought it's been about 2 months since I last updated the blog! Wow- so much has happened since then! Our Myrtle Beach trip was awesome! The boys did SO much better than I expected and I would take that trip again in a heart beat! 19 hours in the car seemed like a breeze with how amazing the kids behaved- truly a God thing!
This month Gavin also turned 4!!! I can not believe that 4 years have passed by so quickly. I am so thankful everyday that God entrusted us with such a wonderful, handsome little man. May the Lord bless him and keep him always! We had a wonderful time jumping at the House of Bounce with friends and family to celebrate!
Since the trip, I have worked diligently on my classroom and have finished two weeks of NTA (New Teacher Academy). School starts for all teachers tomorrow and students come Thursday. I am so excited and nervous. I have been praying that the Lord will use me to minister and love the students in a way that only he can do. I have also prayed that God would open their minds and ears to not only the educational aspect of school, but to the love that Christ has to offer them. Please join me in praying for my 22 students this year!
Through NTA I have made some new friends and I am so excited to be teaching with them this year. We are going to rock "The View" and bring so much light and excitement to those around us!! :) After I complete one more bulletin board and few other tedious items, my room will be finished!!
In other news, my brother and sister-in-law have officially decided to adopt from Ethiopia!!! Their adoption papers have been approved and now begins the many months of preparation, paperwork, and prayer. Adoptions are not cheap and they are planning on receiving a sibling set from Ethiopia. Please join us all in praying for God's guidance, peace, and support through this process. We are all so excited to meet the new members of our family, and it is a true test of patience to wait!! If you feel led to help out with their adoption, there are super cute t-shirts and other items you can buy that will help go to their adoption fund. For more information on how you can help, check out their blog at: www.teamchase4andcounting.blogspot.com
This month Gavin also turned 4!!! I can not believe that 4 years have passed by so quickly. I am so thankful everyday that God entrusted us with such a wonderful, handsome little man. May the Lord bless him and keep him always! We had a wonderful time jumping at the House of Bounce with friends and family to celebrate!
Since the trip, I have worked diligently on my classroom and have finished two weeks of NTA (New Teacher Academy). School starts for all teachers tomorrow and students come Thursday. I am so excited and nervous. I have been praying that the Lord will use me to minister and love the students in a way that only he can do. I have also prayed that God would open their minds and ears to not only the educational aspect of school, but to the love that Christ has to offer them. Please join me in praying for my 22 students this year!
Through NTA I have made some new friends and I am so excited to be teaching with them this year. We are going to rock "The View" and bring so much light and excitement to those around us!! :) After I complete one more bulletin board and few other tedious items, my room will be finished!!
In other news, my brother and sister-in-law have officially decided to adopt from Ethiopia!!! Their adoption papers have been approved and now begins the many months of preparation, paperwork, and prayer. Adoptions are not cheap and they are planning on receiving a sibling set from Ethiopia. Please join us all in praying for God's guidance, peace, and support through this process. We are all so excited to meet the new members of our family, and it is a true test of patience to wait!! If you feel led to help out with their adoption, there are super cute t-shirts and other items you can buy that will help go to their adoption fund. For more information on how you can help, check out their blog at: www.teamchase4andcounting.blogspot.com
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