You Give and Take Away

In August of 2009, I was about to move back to Pittsburgh, I had spent most of my savings living in Erie while still trying to find a job.  Nothing seemed to be happening.  Maybe one week before I called my landlord to let him know I'd be moving out, a family contacted me about a possible nanny position.  I was so thrilled.  I got an interview on a Thursday (or Friday, can't really remember).  When I pulled in the driveway, the truck had a WCTL sticker on the back.  A great sign to me that this might be God's leading (WCTL is the gospel music station in Erie (I don't say Christian because music can't be a "little Christ")).  I met with this wonderful family.  I found out Friday evening I got the job and started the following Monday.  What a huge praise that was.  I've watched the youngest girl grow from 5 months and not even rolling over yet, to become a talkative 2 year-old.  I enjoy having deep conversations with the 10 year old (or at least relatively so).  Oh middle child, you are God's way of teaching me patience, that doesn't mean I don't love you because I absolutely do, but I think God is using you to prepare me for kids of my own someday!  You are strong-willed, determined, incredibly intelligent, snuggly, sweet, and just very, whatever you are at a time you are very that adjective.  I will miss you.  That's right, I will miss them.

I love this family so much, but do to many difficulties, unfortunately my job will be ending in June.  I found out yesterday.  I cried, a lot.  Mostly because I don't want to miss out on the fun things that I get to do with the girls, the cute things they say, they do, the way they act, singing "the Haitian song" with them in the car, "playing shapes" with the 2 year old, dancing to Ga Guys, etc.  I will miss the fights over brushing hair, the snuggling up while watching movies, baking with the girls, the trip to Port Farms where we all had a fantastic day despite my losing my keys for a bit of time.  Mostly I've loved teaching them about Jesus.  The 2 year old will always remind me before lunch we need to "pay" (pray).

Aaron and I would appreciate prayer very much.  Right now we are living solely on my income as he's student teaching.  We're going to take a week to pray and see where God is leading us before rushing into anything.  We're not sure where He wants us.  I know He keeps putting orphans on my heart for a reason.  LORD, please show me!


Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.


The Lord gave me this job, and He has also now taken it away. I'm just praying He would show us where He wants us.  What He wants us to be doing.  Lord, if you want me to step out of my comfort zone and move I will, just show me!  I need your guidance everyday!

Thankful Thursday

I've decided I'm going to start a new series on my blog called "Thankful Thursday."  The only problem is that I decided that today, Friday.  So I'm doing a thankful Thursday for yesterday.

Things that I am thankful for this week:
1. God's mercies which are new every morning.
2. My dentist.  My tooth was bothering me sooooooooooooo badly recently that Wednesday night I was crying from 6pm to 4:30 am.  I finally passed out from exhaustion and got up at 6 am for work.  I had a dentist appointment yesterday at 3.  The dentist shot me up with some novocaine (my new best friend) and then drilled in my tooth to relieve pressure and put in a sedative filling to calm the nerves down so they can work on my tooth in a week and half.  Yesterday he said he wasn't going to talk about what we'll do with my tooth in the near future because I was too emotional, tired, and pain ridden to think clearly.  I can appreciate that.  Very thankful for my dentist.
3. My employers.  The dad came home yesterday early so I could make it to the dentist.  Then last night he told me he was taking the day off and I should stay home and get some rest.  Praise and thanks be to God.
4. The Go-Fish Guys.  These guys are fantastic.  They are great at amusing the 2 year-old that I watch which was sooooo important yesterday as I was just in agony all day until I got to the dentist.  This is one of my favorite songs of theirs.  They are great ministers of the Gospel to children.  If you have children check them out.



And for the fun side of the GoFish Guys.



5. The 2 year-old that I watch.  She is just turning into the sweetest little girl in the world.  Love her.  "Madda, why oo cying?" (Manda, why are you crying.) Me: My tooth hurts a lot M.  M: "Dat's sad.  Ov oo Madda"  (That's sad, love you Manda).
I handed her her milk, M: "Dank oo Madda" (Thank you Manda), Me: "You're welcome.  Nice Manners, M." M: "Dank oo Madda"
Gah, she's so cute.  Love her!
6. My husband, the guy pictured below.  I love him sooooo much!!! He takes good care of me.


7. That I get a day to clean. (and hopefully craft).  YAY.