Who knew when we were moving that we would step into the world of techni-color!
Our move here was long, 15 hours to be precise, and the adjustment isn't final, however, we have quickly grown comfortable with the diversity surrounding us. We have neighbors from South America, the Caribbeans, Puerto Rico, the Phillipines! I'm sure there's more, but that's just who we've met so far-man, how incredible is our God who made such beautiful, colorful people!
Adam just got a job with UPS, . Prayerfully, he will be able to endure this job of extreme heat and physical labor. He will be loading the trucks from 4am to 9am, so it will begin as a part-time job. This means there is still much to do in searching for supplemental income during the day. Please be in prayer that he will quickly move into a full-time position with the company, and something that will help substantially in the meantime.
I've been taking classes to fullfill my licensure requirements here. Let me just share how cool God's timing is. I received a phone call for an appointment my first week here, but had to decline because my affairs are not yet in order to work. I had made multiple phone calls to therapist here, but was only able to connect with one. She was so helpful, and asked if I had already submitted my paperwork to the state. I told her I was pretty confused on all of it and still wasn't sure where to begin. She said she had the name and number of a friend that helped people get those things in order, wahoo! So I called her the following day, and by golly, she was able to tell me exactly what I needed. Not only that, but she had a course starting that coming Monday, and I was welcome to join! So you better believe, I signed up, and am on my way to obtaining my license in Florida!
THANK YOU, GOD, FOR YOUR PERFECT TIMING!
Jayde started school and is loving her teacher! She started riding the bus , which has been a great way for us to meet the kids in the neighborhood. We walked down to the bus stop with the baby and dog, and man, talk about a great ice-breaker. If some didn't flock to the baby, they flocked to the dog. I probably met 15 children, learning each of their names, and developing the first of family relationships..now, if we can just meet the parents. Jayde has made friends with a neighbor named Amber, and we have befriended the parents. I am excited to see this friendship grow..the father, Carlous, cut our grass for us, without offering or asking- just did it..again, thank you, Father, for such sweet gifts!
Current prayer needs:
We have found our church in a crucial stage of seeking a "parent" who will offer us guidance, support and assistance as needed. Space is tricky here, and unfortunately, the plants without space don't survive. We will be visiting 2 churches here to see if there visions, passions and energies match ours. They have offered to adopt us, so we'll see. In order to grow, we need more space. Between the 3 core team families, there are already 11 children, and their space is imperative!
Willow is teething and now crawling. She's started saying "mama", and dad's pressin' hard for "dadda", or as we refer to him, "poppy". Please pray for her health, as well as whom the Lord would have to keep her when I begin work. My prayer is someone close to stay in our home, or else a neighbor whom she could stay with.
Jayde, as she continues to nestle into her school and creates relationships with neighborhood children. Our relationship has grown, as she continues to hunger for her father and asks questions as to how we "hear" God. Adam, as he begins this new job, again, developing relationships with new men and women in the warehouse as he works.
Me..for sanity! It's hard without my community- yoga and massage. I had an outlet for work and ministry, and now I am adjusting and learning new ones. In the meantime, my house still doesn't have order, and we continue to live out of boxes. So order, sanity, and an outlet in the community. I've also got to pass zoning regulations and communtiy OK's to even work out of our home, so only by His grace will that pass.
Our material/financial needs:
We have reached a point of critical need. Although some money was given to our move, it has quickly gone. IF YOU CAN HELP IN ANY WAY, please see your email for our mailing address.
God has provided for this first months expenses, however, the next one is quickly approaching.
Specifics:
House rent, $1400 (believe it or not, this is cheap)
Utilities, aprx. $350 (we've not yet seen all of these bills collectively, so I can't give an exact)
Car payments, $520
Insurance, $300
Groceries, aprx. $250
Gas, ???- we've spent a small fortune between me going to school and Adam's job hunt.
I know there are so many more things I wish to share, but unfortunately, my limit here at the library is up. I will end with this.. I never knew I could find a place that I barely cared for so beautiful...not from a landscape's perspective, but a people one. I adore our new community- being the minority is refreshing and exciting to me! I can not wait to learn how to cook with these women, learn about their lives and how they live..where they have come from. And I can not wait to see my family embraced by this culture of wonder and color!
Many blessings to you and yours!
