When you Want to Be Daniel but you are really Jonah

I really dont have time to sit here and blog, but if I dont then this hectic, crazy, wild chapter of our lives will not be documented.... and what a shame that would be.

I love Daniel.  His utter trust in God's plan.  He didnt go around telling God "no" or "wait".  Daniel just obeyed.  I, however, relate to good ol' Jonah.  Jonah who was given a job to do and not only said "no" but ran away.  God gave Jonah a second chance... how many times has God given me that second chance as well...

Lets back up to this past Thanksgiving.  Chad, casually, mentions Pickens High School calling him to see if he is interested in applying for the head coaching job at PHS.  After a very successful season in Clover, moving wasnt really on either one of radar screens... but, apparently, when your home high school calls, then you think about it.  After some thought and prayer, Chad decided to apply and was offered the job.

Though I knew I was probably heading back to work this next school year, the move back to Pickens County confirmed it as it is a pretty big pay cut for Chad.  But, he has wanted to get back to Pickens County, so it was worth the cut (I think... haha).

The principal mentioned to Chad that he had a position that he wished I could apply for but the application process had already closed (this was in December.).  I didnt know much about the job so just dismissed it to bad timing.  A week later I got a letter for the SC Department of Education saying that they would not accept my PRAXIS scores and I would need to re-take the test (a test I took over ten years ago).  In addition, I would have to go through PACE all over again.  I was feeling a bit discouraged by this feeling like teaching might be a closed door.

Thankfully, God is a God of second chances as he proved back in 2004 when I turned down a teaching job to conquer the business world (didnt happen) only to realize that my heart was with high school kids... God opened up the exact same job just a few short months later and I jumped at the chance as it turned out, I didnt like the business world.

God, again, showed this Jonah girl that he creates second chances by opening up the exact same job that the principal said I would be a good fit for. I guess they offered it to someone who turned it down. I applied, interviewed, and accepted the job in a couple week window.  I start Monday... yes, this Monday.  I had my new employee orientation yesterday and I am now back in the work world.  I am slightly apprehensive but mostly excited.  The boys and I leave Chad in Clover this Thursday. My parents, ever gracious, have opened up their home to us yet again.  Thankfully, the basement is finished this time so we can get out of their hair.

My job title is a Career Development Facilitator (CDF).  Each of the four Pickens County high schools have been allotted one CDF.  We work together as a team and individually with  middle and high school students to help them map out a career path (at least I think that is what I do... it is kind of vague... haha).

Official... Mom said I look like a martian.  haha

The boys have been enrolled in school.  We toured it yesterday and I felt such a peace about it.  It is convenient to my parents house as they have stepped in to help us adjust.  Mom volunteered to take the boys to school most mornings on her way to work (yay!).  And, my precious dad is going to keep Bennett during the day and pick the older three up from school.  I feel so blessed by them.  Chad's parents are less than 40 minutes away (as is his aunt) and his cousin is in Clemson- they have all offered to pitch in and help when I need them.

Outside of their new school.

So, lots of changes.  The boys last day at Larne Elementary was today.  Hunter has been quiet.  As the oldest and most mature, it is finally hitting him that this is real and it is happening fast.

Last day at Larne

Leaving Clover is bittersweet.  Everyone says, "oh, you get to be closer to your family." And though, that is true... it is also true that we are now going to be further away from some family.  The past four years I have gotten to hang out with one of my very favorite people.  My GrandmaDean.  I know she will only be two hours up the road, but I will so miss our weekly Tuesday hang out sessions.  She has definitely become my best friend while living in Clover.  She came over today and helped me pack my kitchen up.  GrandmaDean, I have LOVED hanging out with you and we will be visiting this summer!!! So get ready!  I also am moving further away from my brother and Riggs.  Again, I have been able to spend precious time with Nolan these past four years as we have worked on his house/ yard and he has helped me tote kids to games when schedules collided.  I have been able to dogsit my dog nephew (and hope to be able to still do this once we buy a house.)  I have made some fun friends along the way as well (Youngs, Smiths, the sisters)

EDIT- Thank you to the Clover ARP girls and the youth group who threw me (our family) a Surprise (though I knew about it) Going Away Party.  It was a great time to fellowship with people that we have grown to love over the years!  Thanks again friends.

:)  love her.

... I hope to keep in touch and remember Clemson football games can always bring us back together!

We are all just holding on tight and letting God pull us along.  He has crafted this amazing plan and all the pieces are falling together so well.  From my parents finishing their basement last spring, to dad being retired this year, to even the great weather that has allowed me to pack, God truly has it all worked out.  I dont know why I waste time with worry and doubt.  He has proven His great love for my family time and time again.  I saw a great quote by Elisabeth Elliot recently... "Fear arises when we imagine that everything depends on us."

Say a prayer for us over the next couple weeks/ months.  So many changes but so much to look forward to.

As I tell myself and the boys... Joshua 1:9 "Be Brave."