Changes and Blessings
I’m still here! But, for those of you who are keeping up with this blog you know that it has been a long time since I updated things. This has been due to several factors, which for sake of time, I will try to highlight below in my list of “changes and blessings”. Guess this is kind of a random “update” blog and hopefully I will get going with more regular posts as things settle down.
- After my diagnosis Kevin and I felt it best for him to resign as academy boy’s dean so that he would be more available at home. So as of this month he is only working “1/2 time”, continuing his responsibilities teaching in the college and being religion department chairmen.
- Over Christmas break we moved from the boys dean’s apartment to a 3 bedroom brick home across campus. It’s lovely, quiet and “off the beaten path.” After 8 1/2 years of living in “the hub” of the dorm these changes are welcome.
- Because this change happened in the middle of the school year, it was hard to find another boy’s dean so quickly. Mrs. Clark asked our 23 year old son, Nathan, to fill in as dean. So, he still lives in “our” apartment and is doing a marvelous job of filling his dad’s shoes. He runs over for meals and it’s great having him close by. Because he has our previous 3 bedroom apartment to himself he has plenty of room for company if any of you would like to come visit. He’ll be graduating with Biblical Studies with a business minor in May so we’ll see how the Lord leads him from there.
- Hannah (26) moved home before Christmas and she’s once again sharing a room with her “bestie” Bethany (19). What a joy to have her home and helping with home duties. When she moved to work as a nurse in TN over a year ago I didn’t dream that we would one day have all our kids living close by or at home again. She will probably be getting a part time nursing job in the area. It brings me such joy to have all six of us around the meal table.
- Because of Kevin’s lighter load and not having evening responsibilities in the dorm he is free to have evening worships with the family and go to bed early with me.
- Early to bed, early to rise! I love our new schedule of getting up early and having exercise and extra time with the Lord. It is rejuvenating and such a blessing to have a more relaxed schedule and more time together.
- We had such an enjoyable Christmas together with our family and several “adopted” kids who were on campus over the holidays.
- So much more... but I will sum it up by saying obviously God is still in control! He is tenderly taking care of us, drawing us closer as a family and closer to Him in our extreme need. Amidst the move and busy holiday we did take one fun-day and went biking as a family to a scenic trail up in Little Rock. Fun memories!
I'm glad you send out these periodic updates, Shelly--it's good to hear how you're doing. How great that all of your kids are close by you! I hope you had a lovely time with Carol. :) Any time with her is lovely, of course! Prayers, Ann Thrash-Trumbo
ReplyDeleteSo blessed by my supportive family!!
DeleteHi! This is Amy Austin. I check in here periodically to see how you are doing and am blessed by your PMA. :) Even amidst the trials God is so gracious. How wonderful to have a more relaxed schedule and all your children close by! I pray for you constantly and will continue to do so. We remember your family with such fondness! God bless you!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Amy! I'm not super techy so just recently thought I should respond to these comments! We rememeber your family with fondness as well! Thanks for the prayers and support!!
DeleteHi Shelley. This is Nadine Schultz. Daniel just shared your diagnosis with me and I have just read all the posted information. God is amazing. He does give us strength and peace and hope (sometimes it seems more clear in retrospect). I am so glad you are surrounded by supportive and positive family and friends. I met your sister at Albion a few months ago and was so blessed. I will keep you in my prayers. Love to you, Nadine
ReplyDeleteThank you Nadine! I appreciate your encouraging words. We need to reconnect! Remembering those LCA days!!
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