It is hard to believe that 2008 is almost over! This year was full of new things for us and it really flew by. We started the year by becoming homeowners for the first time. Although we only lived in that house for 7 months, we created a lot of great memories there and enjoyed that time. During that time, we also both adjusted to new jobs, got more involved in our church and were starting to feel established. Then everything changed with our move to Texas. We have had our ups and downs since August, but this experience has brought Jermale and I closer than ever and has shown us what having faith and trusting God really means. While we are still waiting for our house to sell or rent, we are extremely thankful to be settled into our apartment here and slowly Texas is starting to feel more like home (the winter temperatures in the 60s and 70s are helping with that transition!)
As far as updates, Jermale is in the process of applying for a teaching position at Lamar University in Family Studies (the area in which he has his master’s degree). There is still a possibility that he will pursue his teacher’s certification, but when he saw this job opening, he really wanted to go for it. We’ll see what happens… My job remains a blessing to have, but I am keeping my eyes open for another opportunity because it is a difficult work environment. I know I’m still there for a reason, so I am trusting God to use me there for His purpose.
Our first church service is around the corner- January 11th. Jermale is putting together final things like ordering offering envelopes, replacing light bulbs, hiring painters, etc. He even got an espresso machine so we can serve gourmet coffee drinks to our first visitors. I have been having a lot of fun getting the nursery ready. We will start out with 3 rooms – infants, toddlers and preschool. I have been able to pick out toys, order furniture and set up the rooms. It is a big task, but I’m enjoying it. It will be so good to have the church finally start!
It has been a little cold on and off (like low 40s), but I didn’t need a coat today and tomorrow it is supposed to be 75 degrees and stay in the 70s for the rest of the week. I love it! It actually snowed a few inches the other day and the whole area went crazy. All the TV stations had the snow fall as their top story. People let their kids stay up till 3am to play in the falling snow. Pretty much any kid younger than 15yrs had never seen snow in their lives. There were little snowmen and snow angels everywhere. All my co-workers came into work (late since they were scared to drive) with pictures of the snow and their kids in the snow. It was so funny. Jermale even got caught up and took pictures like he had never seen snow either (I posted the pictures). I thought it was hilarious when I saw the pictures on our camera, but I guess it was our first (and maybe only for a while) memory of snow in Texas. We fly to Chicago in the morning to spend time in Berrien Springs with Jermale’s family and then in Grand Rapids with my family. We are praying we don’t get stranded and that all our flights work out.
Have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year everyone! Stay tuned to the blog for 2009...
