solitude

:::sigh:::

I'm home alone.  I can hear the fan for the refrigerator running.  The kids yelling and laughing outside. And when the AC kicks on or off.  I haven't really heard these sounds in quite awhile.  Something about it is peaceful.

Martha and MJ have been with us a few weeks now.  (They got the keys to their place today.)  Mike and I have been blessed with matching schedules.  The Waltons are coming to visit this weekend.  A breath of peace and quiet is a fun change of pace, especially after teaching teenagers all day.  And now, the moment is over...the boys are home.

So, work is busy..., no, who am I kidding.  We only have two students.  Things are going well, for one and not so much the other.  I mean, why do teenage girls always have to have an attitude?  The more I'm around them, the more respect I have for my dad.  I mean, why on earth would you raise three teenage girls on your own?  My dad has got to be the biggest hero!  Not only did he put up with me, but two others.  What was HE thinking?!

So, on another side note, FINANCES!  I feel like it's the big elephant.  With the stock market and all that, everyone is talking about.  We're still a few hundred dollars short of our support.  Plus, I'm still trying to find some supplemental income to make up the difference for out FL condo and attorney fees.  Tutoring isn't working out the best, so we're back to a few months ago:  I'm starting my own business!  So, for now, I'm looking for models.  Seriously!  I'm going to start a photography business.  I feel like my shots have gotten quite a bit better over the past year or two.  I do have a lot of growing to do, but I'm hoping to learn as I make some extra cash.  So, if you're around and interested, let me know.  Babies, maternity, couples, children, seniors, etc.  I'm starting to advertise for Christmas cards soon.  So, pass the word and give me a call.

One more thought, vacation.  I think I need one.  Not sure where or when, but somehow.  Maybe here:  Barcelo Maya Palace

oops!

So, I knew it had been awhile.  I was really excited to post our October update this morning before work.  Apparently, I need to do more than that, considering my last post was our September update!  I guess that's a sign of the fall - busyness.  So, I'll leave the update for now, but hope to be back with some more thoughts later.  There's a lot going on, so hopefully I pick something of interest to share.

long time...

sooooo, apparently I've been busy.  I'm not exactly sure with what and I don't have much to show for it.  However, I noticed it's been over two weeks since the last post.  That must mean something has been going on.

In ministry news, we LAUNCHED!  Things went really well and we had 60+ people join us.  I organized a lunch afterwards (thank you Moe's) and we even had a handful of kids!  Matt's message was great and everything seemed to run smoothly.  More details to come in our October update. (September update above.)

I started work yesterday.  Mainly, just meetings and administration, but at least I have a schedule and get a pay check for the first time in three months.  Things still look very messy, but we're getting more clarity each day.  I'm still looking for a second job or will supplement everything else with tutoring.  Please keep praying!

MJ has been staying with us the past  couple of weeks.  He's headed home this weekend to pick up Martha and we can't wait until they move!  We'll be neighbors (literally) and will have lots of euchre games to show for it.  :)  We've learned there are not many 3-player games, especially cards.  

As for everything else, I'm tired and trying to get used to going to bed at a decent hour while waking up and getting ready right away.  It's amazing how easy your body gets used to sleeping in.  I guess when works doesn't start until 10am, I can't complain about early mornings.

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.