The Journey Continues

It's been a little while since I've posted. I've wanted to put this one together for awhile now, but just haven't - for many reasons. But, here it is - nothing great, nothing controversial, nothing powerful, just more about life's journey.

Hindsight is an amazing thing, I think. I often ask God "why?" Why is that one option which looked so perfect for us, just felt so wrong in the end, or why is it that a particular door was opened which we never expected? What is HIS plan for us? Jon and I try very hard to remain in God's will for us - going where He leads, and doing what He asks. We've kept ourselves open to moves and changes as we see Him leading, and so far He's been so faithful. I look back on all the decisions we've made in the past in our following after God, and while they didn't always make sense at the time, it is almost always completely clear why we were there, doing what we were doing.

Our journey has taken us down many unexpected roads recently. Since August, Jon has been unemployed - kind of looking for a new job, but also holding out in case the one he's been with works out in the spring. We've wondered when enough is enough and we should start looking outside of this area. But, for the moment, we do not feel like God is releasing us from this area. We haven't been here very long, and we feel like God has really put us to work here. So, we wait. Trust and obey. Each day is a challenge - especially for Jon who feels the natural need to be providing for his family. But, despite the challenge of his unemployment, we've truly seen God's faithfulness in so many ways - people helping out financially, gifts for the kids, free groceries through WIC, free insurance...

The free insurance is a huge one - especially now that we've found out that we will be having another baby. Yup, that's right, folks. In the midst of the insanity, life threw us a curve ball. Day one of knowing about this was particularly difficult. But, one of God's many provisions through all these changes has been an overwhelming sense of optimism...especially for Jon who often has a more difficult time seeing the good through the "storms". We might have called this pregnancy a storm at first, but truly our hearts have changed. We've already had the privilege of seeing this little 7 1/2 week old embryo twice by ultrasound, with it's little beating heart and tiny limbs forming. It is so miraculous. For about a week there was concern that everything was not okay. When we found out this past Wednesday that the baby was fine, Jon and I were incredibly relieved. It's amazing how quickly something can become a blessing - something can become a love in your life.

So, today as our journey changes in one way and stays the same in another, we celebrate this journey. You can all say, "I told ya so!" and you guys did call it! While we weren't expecting this new addition to life, it seems you were, and now we rejoice in it with you. It does feel crazy, and maybe it is, but I KNOW God will continue to use us, and I KNOW God has a plan for this baby!

(Baby will be born at the end of July by c-section...and I WILL be having my tubes tied the same day! Please pray with us that everything goes smoothly for the baby.)