New Beginnings
I remember almost exactly one year ago writing the text for this blog post. I was awake in the middle of the night with worry, but can remember having a rush of peace and gratefulness wash over me. I am so glad that I was able to document my feelings of that time in our lives. I will always look back on it with gratitude as I can now reference it anytime I need assurance that God will take care of us, he will always provide, and his love is more than I deserve.
At this time last year, we were waiting and worrying. Brooke was officially going to be a stay-at-home mom for Audrey’s first year, and I decided to return to teaching. However, after applying over six months previously and working my network and sending emails to almost every elementary and middle school principal in the area, school had started and I was without a job. Seven days of waiting in limbo without a clear path or future ahead of us, I was offered a job teaching Kindergarten at Flowery Branch Elementary. “Kindergarten?” I thought. I had never taught anything below fourth grade before and my spider-sense was tingling. Was I going to be able to survive? Would I be absolutely miserable? That didn’t matter – it was a job.
Brooke was able to be a great mom without the worry of being the bread-winner, and I was able to be a great teacher to fifteen precious five-year olds. In the end, Brooke and I found our roles to be the most rewarding of any we had previously filled in our lives. At the time, we considered this to be God exceeding our needs and showing us quail (Exodus 16:13). Despite our joy at that time and the faithfulness with which God has shown us in the past, I continue to be amazed by what He has in store for us. It’s amazing how much things can change in just twelve short months…
Since then, Brooke has returned to the classroom full-time as an English teacher at Lakeview Academy here in Gainesville. Her dedication to teaching could only remain idle for so long and after providing Audrey with a wonderful foundation it was time for Brooke to soar to new heights as an amazing educator and to give a different kind of foundation to scores of new students for years to come.
I have been presented with an amazing opportunity that fell in my lap without any sort of seeking and is absolutely a blessing. I am now employed as a contractor with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an IT specialist for the Environmental Public Health Tracking Branch. To my knowledge the contract position is only temporary until the federal position is available. Regardless, this is a complete change from teaching, but it harnesses my skill set I developed by working for Christian Pathway. In my few short weeks on the job, I have already found it to be rewarding and challenging.
Ella has just started her second week of Kindergarten. Brooke’s employment allows for Ella to attend Lakeview as well. What a treat to have Ella so close at hand. She has so much personality, I know she will continue to make new friends quickly. There is a possibility of Ella attending her first sleepover in a few short weeks. I love watching her grow, but I don’t want time to pass us by too fast.
Audrey is communicating so well. Sign language has eased our potential frustrations and now she is using more and more words every day to express her needs. Brooke was able to find a wonderful in-home caregiver from our church that has a wonderful track record of nurturing many wonderful kids. We are so blessed to have such wonderful children.
Looking back I have been able to see times and notice God’s guiding hand in each instance. Something that seemed insignificant or stand-alone back then now resounds with importance. I can see now those decisions have lead us to where we are today – and it is wonderful. I know that by continuing to have faith and to try and listen for God our future will just continue to be brighter. And that, is truly hard to imagine.
Preston @ August 17, 2010