Mission Trip and a lil more!

Many of you may know that William and I went on a mission trip last week to Lavonia, GA with his parents' church. We went to work at HEART Ministry, which is a women's rehab place. The men worked on fixing and building stuff, while the women led Bible studies and did crafts with the women there. I got to teach a cake decorating class to the women and it was really neat! I was extremely nervous about it and spent lots of time planning out what I was going to do and in what order. Some of the women seemed to really enjoy it and apparently, some said they wanted to take a class on it when they returned home. I hope that some, or even just one, of them might have found a new hobby or even a new career path.

Below are some pictures of our "home away from home"... please don't be jealous! We borrowed this pop-up from a friend of a friend and it was actually not to bad! (It had air condition, which made ALL the difference in the world!)

William and I honestly believe that Tucker loves for us to go away because then Mary, our neighbor, gets to take care of him. He loves some Mary! So today while working in the house, I happened to look outside and this is what I saw. We have titled it "Oh Great, They're Back from Vacation".

Lastly, I have to share my CVSing for the week. I went on Sunday and bought everything in the picture below. After ringing it up the total was a little over $32. Then I gave all my coupons and ECB's (extra cash back) and the grand total was $2.94... most of the was just tax! That would have been a steal for just the paper towels!! Even William was a bit excited about this one and he asked if I was going to take a picture! Duh! haha!

Where We Are

So I know this is way past due, but here it is! I wanted to take some time to tell you about what is going on in our lives right now, mainly my job (or lack of).

A few weeks ago I got "excessed" from my school, meaning that they had too many positions and I would have to go to another school. This got me to do a lot of thinking and a whole lot of praying. You see, William and I have always planned for me to stay at home when we have children but we aren't to that point yet. We do hope to be there in the next few years, but everything is in God's timing. With this being said, I just didn't want to start all over. To me, going to a new school with new coworkers/boss, and especially a new grade is practically starting over. The thought of it was stressing me out. Not to mention that this past year I really struggled with feeling like I wasn't meeting my wifely "duties" as a Christian woman.

So... I will hopefully doing a lot of subbing next year. We felt that this was the best option that gave me lots of flexibility and would help pay for my insurance cost. I also want to take time to figure out where God wants to use me at church and outside of church. Another thing that most of you already know is that William and I live off his salary already. We did this in preparation of me staying at home one day. We realize that me not working causes a bit of a "pay cut" b/c we'll be paying for my insurance whether with his company or another, but we know we can do it. I say this not to brag but for you to realize I won't be sitting around getting my nails done and going to the mall - I don't do that stuff now! lol.

In no way do I feel that quitting my job was going to be easier than starting a new one. We just gave up our "cushion" money and that does make me nervous. It really set in today as I was grocery shopping that I really do not have a job next year. And while it scares me, I know that this is the first time I have probably ever really, I mean really, depended on God. We have too. We trusted that this was His will for us at this time and we know that He will see us through.

I can honestly say that looking back at my "spiritual markers", this was where God was leading us. I didn't think it would be now or this soon, but God likes to remind us Who is really incharge sometimes. I am currently doing a bible study called "Experiencing God" through which I have come to a major realization: God is all-knowing and He knows the future. I know, you may think "Duh, we learn that in 5 yr old Sunday School... but I never really thought about it or put my trust into it. He KNOWS the future and His will is perfect and best. I have to trust that... I'm not sure I would have actually resigned if I hadn't come to that point of trust and surrender.

If you read all of that I appreciate it. I will be back with pictures of our "redneck" garden and projects around the house soon!