Six States in Six Months!

Six states in six months. I'd say that's a pretty good record for Josiah. He has now been to Indiana (where he was born) Kentucky, South Dakota, and on our way to visit Chris and Michaela, we drove through Tennessee, a tiny portion of North Carolina, and landed in South Carolina

It is our last evening in South Carolina and we are nice and cozy under our warm blankets on this cold, rainy day.

 

It really wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. We stayed in Lexington with friends on Thursday night to catch up with them and to get a bit of a head start on our drive.
 

We covered a lot of ground on this too short mini-vacation, but not before enduring our very long drive here. Our trip took us right past my college, so we stopped for a break and visited a few people in the admissions office, my place of work study.
We were thankful we didn't have to stay somewhere over night and were able to make it all the way to Charleston!

Saturday was a full day of activities. We drove around downtown Charleston and took a short tour of College of Charleston, Michaela's Alma Mater before visiting Battery Park. Its situated right by the water and is full of beautiful, large Oak trees. I don't think I could get tired of admiring the way the branches twist and bend into unique lines. Our next stop was Sullivan's Island where we visited fort Moultrie, a revolutionary war fort and then we headed to the beach. The last time we visited the beach was in Florida, and we were bundled up to keep warm in the near-freezing temperatures. This time was no different. But we couldn't be less than 30 minutes from the beach and not go, especially when we had Josiah with us.

 It's so different experiencing things with your children, it just can't be explained. It brought great joy watching Josiah soak in his surroundings; the waves coming to shore, the salty air blowing on his face. We sat him in the sand and he played with it for a few minutes before shoving a fistful in his mouth. We walked up and down the beach before heading back to the car. For dinner that night, we headed to a local restaurant called Sesame where everything is made in house, even the ketchup and pickles. Josiah chowed down on some avocado, and we enjoyed yummy burgers. I tried three different sliders, one with peanut butter and bananas.

 

On Sunday, both Michaela and I were walking around the house with tissues at an arms reach. We weren't sure if it was a cold ,allergies, or the symptoms from the sudden change in weather. It was rainy and cold, but I was still determined we were going to explore Magnolia Plantation. We headed that way to see if the weather would be in our favor. Thankfully, when we arrived, it was only drizzling. We skipped the walking tours and opted for the "train" ride that went around the property. We bundled Josiah up in the concoction we came up with the day before : Josiah in the ergo carrier with his hat and small jacket on, me with a jacket zipped around both of us, and Michaela's e/tea fleece jacket tied around my waist and Josiah's feet tucked up inside. Even though it was wet and cold, it was sooo worth it to see the swamp and the rest of the property.  

 

 

 

The day we left, the weather was much warmer. We decided to pack up our things a little earlier than planned, and head the beach one last time before we started our drive home. This time, we headed to Isle of Palms. There beach and streets were empty, other than a few locals scattered throughout either running on the sand for their morning work out or taking their dogs for a walk. It was nice and quiet. I think about that morning everyday. It was nice to do something with just the three of us and to not have to worry about anyone else's schedule as we strolled up and down the beach. Josiah also had a great time playing in the sand and was covered in no time.





Our drive home took much longer. We stayed the night in Gatlinburg, TN and had a wonderful BBQ dinner before relaxing in the hotel. I'd have to say our first family trip to the beach was a success!

Not a typical job

Productive days are hard to get going, but feel great at the end of the day. Even if I don't get everything checked off my list, when I know I made the best effort I could to finish them, that's enough for me. Although I don't have a "normal" full time job, I'm constantly working at home keeping the house in decent shape. I want our home to be a welcoming home. As I heard one friend say, my part is to keep it looking nice. That way, when we do have last minute visitors over, I don’t have to scurry around, throwing things in closets. And I no longer have a dishwasher to hide dirty dishes in, which means I have to stay on top of that (annoying) task. I also make an effort to do things to save money. For example, instead of buying granola bars, I make my own. I also take the time to freeze fruit. This week, strawberries were on sale for $.99 a container. Frozen strawberries normally cost $3-$4. I bought 4 containers then cut, washed, and froze all of them to use for homemade smoothies (another way to save several dollars). I once heard a mom say that while her husband was out working making money, it was her job to save money and to stretch his paycheck.

 homemade smoothie. Yumm!!!

 

I do bring in some money, but very little. I watch kids for two different families. It is something that I enjoy, feel confident about, and the hours allow me to get the other things done at home that needs doing. I am so thankful to have a husband who understands my needs and is fine with me not working a full time job. Many people do not understand why I wouldn’t have a typical job, especially after going to college and earning a degree. Honestly, a career is not something that is important to me. I feel most used and content spending half the week with babies and kids caring for them, and the other half around the house completing tasks and running errands. One thing I have been able to do with the extra time is to dry our clothes on the line outside. I don’t have to rush to get things done because I only have a short amount of time. Instead, I’m able to save money on our electric bill by hanging the clothes to dry. There is also something very soothing about hanging the laundry and watching it sway in the summer breeze.

 

Staying home is something that isn’t always fun. Because I am home more than Joel is, I am expected to do more around the house, even things that aren’t so fun. Bathroom cleaning day is one thing I dislike doing, but I do strive to bring glory to God in everything, and to not do anything half-way. Who knew that cleaning a toilet could glorify God? It’s just the same with caring for a baby and changing their diapers. I’ve learned it’s not the task we’re doing, but our attitude while doing it. Colossians 3:1-17 shows us just as we are to live our lives as Christians and give us many instructions and ways to do so. Verse 17 sticks out to me and relates to this post, saying “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Reminding myself of this when cleaning the bathrooms or mopping the floors doesn’t change the fact that it needs to be done, but it changes my mindset and I am able to do it joyfully rather than resenting the task.

Moving

Earlier this week I put my Christmas decorations back in their boxes to sit until next year. What’s different is that the artificial Christmas tree, nicely put away ornaments and snowmen are still sitting in my living room rather than stacked in the hall closest. Why? You ask: well that is because….we’re moving! Yes, again, moving. This is will only be our 4^th move in 2 ½ years of marriage. At least we are only moving out of the city and not out of the state or region. Let me say, moving across country is not fun; it was so not fun, we did it twice! This time, we will be moving from Louisville to Radcliff, KY.

Joel and will be living in the basement of my grandfather’s home. We will be helping with meals, laundry, house work, yard work, and most importantly, giving him someone to talk with in the evenings and to help him feel safe at night. I never imagined I would be doing something like this, but it is for the benefit of everyone. We will be able to put our money towards other things other than a monthly rent bill, and will be able to enjoy the perks of living in a single family home with a beautiful back yard and of course…a grill. A grill! Yay! Our apartment doesn’t allow us to store grills in or near the apartment so we have been with one for about 16 months. Our dog will have a nice big yard to run in along with two of my grandfather’s dog who will give him great company. And my parent’s will not have to take a long drive after a work day every other day to check on Poppa Seay and help out.

Joel and I are staying out at his house tonight just because we can and it makes him feel better. I heard one of many interesting stories to come. He shared with me how he and my grandmother were at dinner late one night when they decided to have a smoke break before they left the restaurant. My grandfather was then held at knife point and was told, “this is a robbery, do as you’re told.” Him and my grandmother were then escorted to the kitchen where they were tied up and their wallets were picked through. There was a small amount in my grandfather’s wallet, and several hundred dollars in my grandmothers, but luckily, she was smart and had it in a hidden spot. The robber only found one dollar bill in her wallet. They were both safe, thankfully, and he gained some advice to share with me tonight. “Don’t stay in a restaurant when it’s about to close. If there’s a big crowd, it’s okay, but if it’s just one or two people, get outta there.” I look forward to hearing many other exciting stories he’s experienced. I hope that this will help us to become closer, and maybe I’ll even learn a few things.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

 

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Ezekiel 36. We read today in church verses 25-27. It was about having a kingdom heart.

At least since I have been at UC, all I have heard about is missions. It seems like everything is about that this year. I can’t get away from it! Focus was all about the Great Awakening and missions. (focus is a 3-day conference for college kids offering many ways to serve others) Many convo sessions and Celebration days have been spent talking about missions. (convo is something we were required to go to as a student at UC that usually included different speakers, something that many students resented because of how ridiculously boring it was. Celebration days happened once a week on campus and were a time for worship and usually a student speaker from the school) I went home and went to church on Wednesday – missions. On Sunday morning, a guest preacher came, and he talked about missions. Not only did he, but the entire service was about. (I believe that Sunday a couple people from the church shared their own stories of mission trips they had recently been on) Is it coincidence?

My family group spent an entire section on missions. (family groups were a group of on-campus small groups that met on different days of the week where different Bible studies were held) I know it’s on purpose this is happening. It’s so crazy how it keeps coming and keeps coming, never going away.

Today at church I went to the alter. I asked God to send me where he wants me to go, when he wants to. I told him to be in control, to take over. To send me wherever it may be according to his will.

Over the next several months, I started a process with North American Mission Board that included interviews, application forms and meetings. I had to choose 3 different locations, out of several hundred, where I would be a summer missionary that following summer. I ended up at not my first choice of places, but the second. Rapid City, South Dakota. I had to look the city up on the map because I had no clue where it was located in the state or any idea what it looked like. 

When my plane took off, it was surrounded by expressways, hotels, other buildings, and many many planes on the ground. When I saw where I was landing, I was surrounded by grass, dirt, and more grass and dirt. I was sure I was in the middle of nowhere, wondering what I had got myself into going out west for the summer. There was a lot of culture shock and things I had to get used to, but it was the best experience I could have hoped for. I instantly became friends with a girl from Oklahoma who would be working with me with the church’s children’s ministry. We literally spent every day together, whether if we were working or not. Shawna eventually would be a bridesmaid in my wedding as a married a wonderful man from the church I was working at. He always reminds me that I don’t remember meeting him on that first Sunday as he introduced himself as Joel MacDonald, the pastor’s son. That is because, for once, my heart was not focused on finding my future boyfriend or husband, but was focused on serving God and that church, city, and state. 

I cannot wait to one day share the story of how Joel and I met with our children, and the many many stories and memories I gained that particular summer of 2007 spent  in Rapid City, South Dakota. What if I wouldn’t have listened to God? Or not noticed the signs he was throwing at me over, and over, and over again? What if I wouldn’t have prayed to let God be in control of where I go, rather than me choosing the city I wanted to be? My life would be so different than it is this day. I wouldn’t trade my current life for anything, even with the trials and struggles it contains.

What's Really Important

Being in debt, I believe, is one of the most stressful things a person can go through. Always knowing in the back of your mind that you owe someone is a constant reminder that you are not truly free. You will always have to answer to that person when it comes to the particular item you still owe, not own as the world wants you to think of it. The bible even describes it as being a slave. 

Proverbs 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. 

Oh, how true this statement feels when the constant reminder of bills come through the mail, or the occasional phone that reminds us of yet another payment we must make. To be debt free would be one of the most freeing feelings to have. I constantly wish that I could go back in time and do things differently. Go to a cheaper college, buy a less expensive car, not have such a large engagement ring, go on a lower-scale honeymoon. So many things I want to change. Unfortunately, it is impossible for us to go back in time and do things over again. What we must do now is to change what our future will look like. To change it now, and not wait another 20 years. Yes, we could sit around and constantly mope about the the debt we are in, or we can do something about it. That's just what we plan on doing. 

Joel and I are going to attempt, again, to sell my car that we just bought 1 1/2 years ago. We had to ask ourselves what's more important, having the comfort and luxury of 2 cars, or sacrificing for a short time and learning to work together to only have one car. Not only will that take away a car payment, but also a very expensive insurance payment. It's one less car we have to buy tags for every year and will probably save us money in gas. Some people couldn't even handle the thought of only having one car in their family, while others dream about owning some sort of transportation that is their own.

Our goal is to one day own enough land to build a camp as our ministry for several different things and as our source of income. The land is not just going to plop in our lap and be given to us, (although that would be an awesome blessing) but unless that happens, we will have to work hard towards that goal. Selling a car moves us in the right direction. We will be able to work on paying off the other car and other debt and save up money to eventually be able to have that land. Our goal is not to have the best things or the perfect house. As a Christian, I feel like my ambition should be set to a higher level than just owning certain things, but should be about finding ways to share God's love. To share it with my family by both parents being home to invest in our future children's lives and by spending time with my husband. We also want to be able to share God's love with those in need. To give parents a special place to spend time with their children, or to give parents some time alone in order to keep their relationship strong. To allow inner-city kids a chance to be kids for a few days, worrying about if they want to go hiking or canoeing, rather than worrying about gun shots way too close to their homes. To allow others in ministry a chance to get away and to remember the basics of life and for family to come together for a reunion. We want to help with all of this and so much more, but we have to work for it.

 This may not be what the world sees as important, and that's okay. We don't want to be like the world. Just think how different it would be if everyone, including other countries, were living debt free. I cannot wait for the day when I can say we are debt free.