A Season of Crazy

Wow... What a a winter it has been and spring is flying right by.  We arrived home from our mission to the Dominican Republic in time for the 3 day Polar Vortex (a 80 or more degree difference in temperatures).  Our weather has been as crazy as our lives have been, record highs and lows (sometimes within the same week).

On Jan 31 I returned to work and learned that my current role with my company is being transitioned into a new role in which those of us in that position would need to take assessments, apply, and interview for.  This new role will replace both positions in my office and it is not a closed selection process so it is open to all that are interested including external applicants.  The soonest we will possibly know if we are selected in July 10.  Does this sound a little stretched out and unnerving?  It is, if selected you may be offered your current store, a choice of stores, or you may be offered a position that  will be responsible for 2 or 3 stores.  In the meantime, we are preparing our offices for the person who will be selected and learning/implementing some of those responsibilities now.  I am praying that I will be selected for the new position for my current store, but am learning to be flexible.

The past months have found us cleaning and redoing home improvements in preparation for Matthew's graduation party.  We have torn out the last of our carpeting, stained the subfloor and steps, decluttered a good portion of the home, and burn the excessive papers.  It looks nice and has been more relaxing not seeing piles everywhere.

The party was a success in many ways,  Matthew enjoyed his "Antisocial Lounge" while still mingling with friends and family that came to celebrate with him.  We were able to have a large bonfire and cookout as the weather was perfect for his day.

Youngest  to Oldest cousins
Evan, Andrew, Matthew, TJ, Alex

Katie, Kaila, and Lizzie

Missing Sammie and Emma

Time to relax

God is good and faithful, He has blessed us with many who have provided prayer and/or financial support to our mission trips and some have said that they will continue to do so.  It is so amazing how much we learn and grow while serving others to reach and love them to Christ.   I have been touched by those I teach and continue to learn more about God and His will for us each year and lesson.  Life is a journey of learning.  In Sunday school, we are reading through the book, The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus. This book clearly explains the major Bible themes in chronological order in a way that is easy to understand.  The kids and I are enjoying the experience together.  My personal journey has taken me through several books of the Bible this year, both in the Old and New Testament, more on that that next time around.