Do you remember when your kids were little and they would look at the ocean and its enormity? They were scared because they probably could sense the power of the waves and knew it was smart to be cautious. I can remember like it was yesterday as Jerod, Alex and Annie would start with just there tiny feet being touched by the incoming tide, and then they would slowly inch forward. Then Greg (I was never a fan of playing in the ocean) would walk them out a bit further holding their hands as they went deeper. Their fear lessened as they went further because they were holding the hand of the one they trusted. However, sometimes a big wave would hit Greg and he would have to scoop them up in his arms and try to keep his balance while holding his children.
Lately, I feel like I am the one who is walking out into the ocean. I am walking, holding the hands of all three kids as we walk into the ocean together. Sometimes, we are all jumping up and are happy as we enjoy the fun feeling of riding the waves. Other times a wave might hit one of us and knock that person down, but the great part is that we are all holding hands so we can pull each other up. The hard part is when a large wave hits and we are all hit at the same time. That is when we lean heavily on our Heavenly Father. He seems to reach down from Heaven and pick us up just when we need Him to. He has been so good to us and has taken such good care of us and we are so grateful! It doesn't make it hurt any less when you 'hit the bottom of the ocean and the wind is knocked out of you' and you are fighting for your next breath, but it makes it bearable. Someone asked me if I would go back if I could and change things. That is a very difficult question. Selfishly, I would love to have my precious husband back her beside me to do life with. However, I would never want to have him leave Heaven to do so. I mean, he is in Heaven! He has no pain, he doesn't have to floss or go to the dentist, or take vitamins, or any medications, he doesn't have to worry, or pay bills or have any stress or gosh, anything that is annoying to us! So, although this road we are walking is hard, I wouldn't change it because Greg is perfect and I am growing closer to the Lord through this journey. I pray that others are as well.
This song has encouraged me.
https://youtu.be/teC0cmS_Y_o
Right now we are all riding the waves and everything is going well. However, grief never seems to let you know when it will raise its ugly head and knock you to the ground. Please keep all of us in your prayers as we continue to walk each day trying to figure out what the Lord would have us to do.
Right now, our biggest prayer concern is Annie's schooling. We are looking for someone, and not just anyone, to teach Annie this upcoming school year. Maybe a recent graduate from high school, or someone wanting to take a break from college for a year. I can not pay much, but I can offer room and board. Annie needs someone that will do 99% of the schooling hands on. Museums and field trips in the area, she learns best by seeing and doing. If you know of anyone that may be interested, please let me know. We will be picky, as this needs to be a good fit for me and Annie. But we are praying and trust God has a plan in place.
Please also pray for Jerod as he is leaving for China on Thursday with his fiance, Bri, and roommate, Josh. They will be there for 5 weeks teaching English. Alex is in New Mexico working with World Changers and Annie is at Camp Cheerio for 2 weeks. I am starting my clinicals this week and will be working in a nursing home. I am so very excited about this new chapter in my life and I do pray the Lord will open many doors for me in the future. I will be done with school in the middle of July and hopefully become a certified nurse's assistant the first week of August.
Thanks so much for continually walking this journey with us and praying for us as we ride the waves! Here are some of the photos of us riding the great ones!
Jerod proposed, and Bri accepted!
Jerod graduated!
Annie and I celebrated Mother's Day together
And Father's Day
And she went to Camp Cheerio!
