He knows the Plan he has for me

If you would have told me I would be living in the upper middle-class suburbs of Chicago, I would have laughed and called you crazy. Not me! Yet here I am, ten years after high school, five after college, working and living…and planning my wedding…outside Chicago. God brought me here. God brought me many places. He brought me to Brazil years ago, showing me a new culture, love and friendship and fellowship among believers hundreds of miles away. After laying on my knees through college, God sent me to Tanzania, where once again he showed me love and fellowship. After returning home, I found myself at God’s will. He had plans for me, gave me hope and held me in His arms. A clear path brought me here to Wheaton, Illinois, where I’m working, studying and building relationships. I know God continues to have plans for me.
I used to need to know everything that was ahead of me; plan out my future. But God has taught me that under all circumstances He is taking care of me, knowing better than I what my life should hold.
As part of my graduate studies, I decided to do an independent study, focusing on English Language Learners with Special Needs. The study has allowed me to engage in conversations with those who work with such students, and learn best how to teach the students. My prayer now turns to God guiding me in my career as a teacher.
As Wes and I prepare to begin our marriage, I praise the Lord, who knew the plans he had for my life. Many blessing God continues to give me in my life. My hope rests in Him.

in laws

The word in-law often carries with it scary thoughts. Standards, expectations, the endless "suggestions". But as we move closer to our wedding I'm excited to become a part of Wes' family. We've been praying for his brother and sister-in-law for a while. Yesterday, we found out (ok I found out because Wes knew for a while, but wanted to keep it a surprise) that they will be moving to Chicago!!! We couldn't be more excited. Now when the boys are playing video games, or chatting on-line, Linds and I can go shopping or do other girly things. Maybe we'll even go on some motorcyle rides! We're excited to have family coming soon! Yeah!!! Now if only we can find a place to live in order to host them.

pregnant ceilings and a spectrum of colors

Two weeks ago, Wes and I sat with our realtor for the first time, the same day that interest rates were slashed. So for the past two weekends, we've been spending out time invading homes, opening cupboards, walking into closets and checking out the view from multiple windows. White continues to be the popular color of choice for homes that have been deserted, though the faux paint (a really bad attempt at partially covering a wall) and five layered sponge paint (give it up people) made it easy for us to scream paint. Orange, Red, Yellow, and a smokey house with a very poofy cat, just turned us off. It's hard to decide. At first I thought, ok we need to find a house and settle (with it, then in it). However, seeing more and more homes has caused us to realize we do in fact have choices... or realistically stressful decisions to make. Finding a house you like let alone love is not always easy, especially in the rich suburbs of Illinios, a place where my grandmother's Michigan house would go for well over $325,000!!! But in the end we praise God for the fact that we do and will have shelter, whatever that may look like.

One's perspective on what a house needs changes when your roommate calls with distressing news, the ceiling is pregnant and leaking! Yes the shower, which has always been backwards (hot is cold and cold is hot, despite the indications on the nossle) was leaking! So, after much inspection, banging and tearing apart, we were left with a completely gutted bathroom, floors, mirrors, toilet, sink...you name it and it's gone! So I've been playing the musical showers game, "visiting" friends in order to bathe. And as we stare at the new bathroom decor sitting so obnoixoiusly in our living room, I'm reminded that finding a place with two full bathrooms is not at all a bad idea.