Great News!

Apparently I need a job or something to do because I have posted way too much on the blog already.  But, apparently, that won't be the case in another month.  Why?  Because I have a JOB!  

It really is perfect for what we both need.  It's working with a non-profit, Neighbor 2 Neighbor in downtown Raleigh.  They have been running a great after school program and the public school system approached them about working with some students that have been suspended.  They accepted and were given a grant to pay a teacher, counselor, etc. for the program.  So, as the teacher, I will supervise up to 15 students during their academic lessons.  Their instruction will be coming from an online program, but I will supply any additional support and supervision.  I will have both middle school students and high school students, and hopefully work with them as two separate groups, allowing me only 8 students at one time.  I'll continue to keep a school schedule (YEAH) and have some hours of 10am - 3pm Monday - Thursday.  The only bummer is that I'm only guaranteed 15-20 hours each week.  I'd like something more around 25-30, but Mike and I are both extremely excited about this opportunity and position.  The ministry that N2N has is pretty incredible and I can't wait to be a part of it!  Thanks so much for all your prayers and support!  God has been so good to us and this is definitely an answer to prayer!

Spontaneity

Apparently, people actually read this!  We had no idea if this was even worth updating, but on our last minute trip, we talked to several people that were staying updated through the blog.  Thanks so much for reading!  Maybe one day I'll teach Mike how to post.

So, quite the unexpected weekend we thought it was going to be.  We were planning on a busy Saturday helping NC State students move in with people from the church.  Well, things didn't turn out as we wanted.  We also knew that we had a big meeting for the church on Sunday evening.  And as much as I love details, I was really not looking forward to a long meeting of them.  Well, things didn't go as planned.

As Friday we confirmed not helping on campus, we decided to make a surprise appearance at a friends wedding on St. Simon's Island.  Well, although it didn't turn out to be much of a surprise, we were able to see some of our dearest friends.  We're friends with both Rick and Christina and we were so sad to not be able to celebrate their new life together.  Although we were disappointed with things not working out at NCSU, we were extremely excited to be able to make it down to Georgia.  It was a very short lived trip, but worth every minute.  The bride was beautiful, the groom was hilarious, and the reception was a blast.  Then, just for kicks, we took a detour through Savannah and spent the afternoon with Bolton and Caroline.  I love them and had a great afternoon.  Even though I felt super sick on the way home, our 30 hour trip was well worth it to see some wonderful people that we may not get to see for awhile (much more than Bolton and Caroline too.)

So yes, pretty sick on the way home.  I'm not really sure what is going on, but something has been against me the past few days.  Oh yeah, and in case you're wondering, I - 95 is extremely boring!  Somehow, the 6 hour trip (5 hours from Savannah) would be much more enjoyable on any other highway.  NOTHING exists between Raleigh and Savannah...well, South of the Border,...NOTHING.  So at 1 am we pulled back in to the driveway and called it a night.

I woke up with a splitting headache and after some breakfast and logistics, I decided it was time for a nap.  I woke up with my headache gone, but my stomach was acting up again.  It didn't seem to get much better throughout the day, but I had to buckle up for the meeting at our place.  So, 5 pm and 20 people piled in.  KABOBS, sausage, steak, and chicken!  They were beautiful and then we had tons of sides and desserts to go with them.  I didn't eat any with my stomach, instead I enjoyed some applesauce and rice.  Not quite the same.

The meeting was GREAT!  Mike and Matt were concise, but casted a great vision for the city.  It was beyond efficient and I even enjoyed the fellowship despite not feeling very well.  It was so encouraging to see the excitement and enthusiasm of everyone and where the church is going.  We have a busy couple of weeks ahead, but are excited to see what the Lord will do.  

Please be praying with and for us during the next month.  You can pray specifically for the

• launch of the church
  
• college students and becoming a student organization
  
• the last $300/month of support we need
  
• my health (Sara's)
  

the job situation

So, I FINALLY heard back from that job I had an interview with 2 weeks ago and was hoping for...they're STILL hiring!  The guy that interviewed me has been out of town, but they won't be making a decision for another week or two.  Kind of frustrating ... but still waiting.

Had another interview on Monday with some homeschool support.  Things went really well and out of 17 resumes, only 4 of us were called in for an interview.  I would be the second woman in the office and things are pretty laid back.  It doesn't really pay the best and I would have some weeks with extra long hours.  Despite the lack of excitement and pay, I would love having such a low stress job!  They're going to take another week and call people back for second interviews.  Hopefully something works out between the two of these and I can be done with the job search.  It seems as though the people here are much more laid back and on a slow timeline for hiring.  I sure wish I had a paycheck over the last two months...

At least there are Olympics to keep me entertained...

A new favorite

I tried a new recipe of something similar to a Jane Armstrong's recipe.  It was delicious, easy, and even fulfilling for a soup!  Mike even liked it - A LOT!  I thought I'd share.

Taco Soup

1 lb ground beef (browned and drained)

1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)

1 can diced or stewed tomatoes (undrained)

1 can whole kernel corn (undrained)

1 can kidney beans (undrained)

1 packet taco seasoning

After the ground beef has been cooked and drained, combine and mix all ingredients together in skillet or crockpot.  If you have the time, I'd suggest 3-4 hours on low/med in the crockpot.  If not, you can cook everything together for just 10-15 minutes stovetop.  Serve with sour cream, cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, jalepenos, etc.

August Update

Here is our most recent update (click to enlarge)!  Please continue to pray with and for us!  We are so close to reaching our financial goal and Mike has already started working full-time.  We only need $350 more per month!  Sara has another interview on Monday and should hear back from a promising position this week.   As for now, we're enjoying the Olympics!

it's that time again...

I need a haircut.  I was inspired from our good friend Meredith and her adorable hair and haven't been able to stop thinking about it.  So, now for some ideas.  Thoughts are appreciated! 

the right of way

I just returned from a relaxing walk around the neighborhood. Mike is off at Men's Time and I enjoy the quiet home once in awhile (although I'm getting more than enough without a job). As much as my life is far from extraordinary right now, a strange thing happened on my walk.

I was always taught to walk against traffic. Call me a rebel, but I ignore the sidewalks and walk in the street (only in neighborhoods), but I enjoy it. Tonight was no different. I was enjoying my outdated music and time alone and what seemed natural, I did. I walked, in the street, against traffic, no with traffic,...no against,... I found myself very confused. Yes, in America cars drive on the right side of the road, so walking, you should do on the left. In England (and others), cars drive on the left, so I would picture myself walking on the right. Somehow, I was completely lost. I had no idea which was right and where I should be walking. Yes, I know I've been taught to walk on the left, but after living in England, even for just a year, you train yourself. It goes away, but I guess somehow it comes back. I'm really at a loss, but believe me, what seems natural can change.

Another example, Mike and I spent this last weekend in Boone with Matt and Kristin for a little staff and wives retreat. Again, something bazaar. Mike dreamed in Italian. No we did not talk about Italy or meet any Italians. We did eat at an Italian restaurant, but that's the extent of it. Somehow, things become natural that shouldn't, or what should be natural, isn't.

So, as I mentioned before, Mike and I went on a little adventure around the city. Here are some photos of our city...keep in mind most of this is just a mile or so down the road from us.