That answer came with mixed emotions- for me, I had been so excited to support and come alongside Tony in the military and also was looking forward to the idea of possibly living closer to my family and friends in Texas. The answer that we would not be in the military was to me a shock, surprise, and was disappointing. But, from the start, our hearts were that the Lord would lead us where HE would have us be and where HIS WILL leads. So, I know that the Lord has a plan and a story for Tony and I and I can't wait to see what that is.
Tony and I have been talking about lots of different ideas for Tony- Tony is thinking about applying to be an Alaska State Trooper (which would mean we may move to a different part of Alaska) or to the Coast Guard. It has been a frustrating process for Tony- he started applying to the Marines last November and we did not find out until the last week in July for sure. It has been hard to be in a place of waiting and waiting and waiting, but I know that the Lord teaches us and uses us in HUGE ways as we rely on him more and more for HIS answers and how he leads. Tony's heart is for the Lord and we continue to wait.
It is biblical to wait on the Lord with patience and hope.
"Wait on the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" Psalm 27:14
I once heard a good description of waiting on the Lord that I have never forgotten. A friend from the Christian Camp (Pine Cove) that I used to work at described the kind of waiting a believer should have to be much like waiting for presents at Christmas time. The Lord is the giver of good gifts, and we should wait with excitement about what is to come. This kind of waiting looks exciting and overflowing with joy and anticipation. This is compared to the kind of impatient, stomp your feet waiting that happens when, for example, you are waiting in the car for your spouse to finish what they are doing inside and come to the car. "Hurry up, you are taking forever!!" is what you are thinking. I don't want to be impatient with the Lord. I am glad for his answers when they come, and look forward to his leading. It has just been a hard year of waiting for us.
Another answer to prayers is starting my teaching job at Grace Christian School here! I can't wait to teach my 7th and 8th graders. I have had so much fun meeting the new teachers, staff and administration at Grace and feel it is SUCH a blessing to work in a Christian environment with other believers who are serving the Lord with me. What a blessing to be able to not only share your faith and pray with children, but to be ENCOURAGED to do so. I always for some reason pictured myself teaching in the public school environment but I feel so blessed that the Lord has led me to teaching at Grace. I will be meeting my students this Wednesday for the first time and I can't wait! I have been working hard on my classroom and will be sure to put up those pictures, along with lots of updates on teaching and how it's going.
Another blessing that has happened over the last few weeks is that my sister Emily and her husband Joe and their baby Brannon (my sweet nephew!) came to visit me!! It was such an incredible time of intentionality, love, and family and I am just so thankful to my sister for that time.
When we found out about the Marines, we decided that a wise financial next move was to look for a house in Anchorage. So, currently, Tony and I are house hunting! It is such a process. We have been at it for almost a month now with some definite ups and downs. We are so excited about finding a house that fits us and are trying to be prayerful, wise, and patient in our decision, waiting on what we know is right.
And so begins another chapter of life for Tony and I. I have said goodbye to working as a social worker at The Office of Children's Services and am now embracing this new season as a Middle School Science Teacher. And for Tony, I will walk alongside him as he embraces contentment in his current job and seeks the Lord for further leading. Alaska is our home for now and we are seeking ministry, community, and Jesus where we are at.
Lord, we lay our lives down to you to shape and mold as you will. It is all for YOUR glory in the first place. May your name be made known and declared boldly as the leader of our lives.
Goodbye, OCS.
Thank you, Lord, for your leading.
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