Monday, April 18, 2011
Just to catch up...
The girls are huge. I can't believe Stella will be turning 4 in just 2 months. I'm trying really hard to cherish every single day I have with the girls since clearly time flies. Naya is talking so much now too...I guess this is the point where they go from saying a handful of words to full on conversations about everything you could think of {that sometimes just doesn't end!} :) Stella and Naya are just such sweet hearts...I mean it...they are coming into their own little personalities and they are showing such sweetness and love...I guess this is the fruit of our prayers for them! Thank God for His faithfulness to hear our prayers! Olivia is almost 6 months old already. I could cry. I purposely took in every part of her life b/c I knew it would pass so quickly, but this is just beyond what I expected. I feel like she should still only be 3 months old. She sits up alone {occassionally falling over}, eats her baby food {the best of the 3 so far}, and has begun crawling.....backwards. :) She'll get her directions straightened out soon enough. But I just am enjoying motherhood like never before. I feel incredibly blessed and am so grateful for my family. We've been really enjoying our home fellowship group that meets here at our house on Sundays for church. Honestly, it was a big group of strangers at first....people of all ages and stages in life...none of whom I knew. Well maybe 1 or 2 tops. But this group that has been meeting here for 9 months now as become so tight knit and bonded together! I truly have such a love for them. It's amazing how people start to feel like family {closer than family in some cases!}, then to read how God will bless us with a spiritual famliy as we seek His kingdom and righteousness. That's just awesome! We are blessed and not alone. So as you know from past posts, Theo is working at the Harbour Church still and has also been pursuing other opportunities that have not led to a single thing. The fire academy: out. City of Ft.Lauderdale lifeguard: out {he's hired but can't get anyone to call him about starting work!}. So besides working the facilities dept at the Harbour, he does work landscaping jobs when it's available to make up for our lack of income. We thought we were on our way out of the support raising thing, especially b/c 2 of our supporters were cutting their support this month {if you only knew what our income was, haha!} but I guess the lord has other plans. Another couple just came to us and said that the Lord told them to support us. SO....we're so grateful....and waiting to see whats next and apparently still fully raising support! I told Theo I like to be an 'open book' on pretty much every front, so I'll spill the beans about what I think is next. :) MEXICO! Yes, Mexico. In the summer of 2008 we travelled to Ensenada, Mexico with some friends who were connected with a ministry there called YUGO {Youth Unlimited Gospel Outreach}. You can learn about it at www.yugo.org While there, God did alot in changing our mentality about missions as we knew it, and we were impacted powerfully by being there. And after that trip we knew we would always have a willingness to be part of that ministry if God ever made an opportunity for us there. And so it SEEMS that there may be an opportunity! :) Nothing at all is set in stone, but we are in contact with the director and planning on another more detailed meeting right after Easter. The friends I mentioned who we went down to YUGO a few years ago are now living there full time, so we'd be super excited to be with them again and just so let the Lord do His thing through us there in Ensenada. :) The other interesting thing about this is that we would have to begin our support raising efforts again! Oh that's just so bittersweet. Bitter, well b/c it's just bitter raising your support sometimes and sweet b/c the Lord is our ultimately our provider and it teaches us to truly trust and rely on Him. :) There are a bunch of details that we don't know yet, which will hopefully get cleared up in our next meeting with the director. Please pray for us as we seek God's will and plan for our family. He has proven to be a very kind and gentle leader.....and incredibly patient. :) Thank you Jesus for your goodness. Theo recently had a powerful encounter with the Lord. If you didn't know, Theo is almost ALWAYS full of joy and laughter. But lately he was just feeling that 'dry and weariness' that we all experience at times. During his Harbour staff meeting, God came like a flood to the group after Theo shared his feelings and there was a mini revival! Praise God, who knows the details of our lives and is faithful to bring peace and joy and love even in a season of drought. :)
Friday, March 18, 2011
Funny words...
So this is just a quick post that I wanted to add which is some funny words that my girls say...
1. pacuter = computer {Stella}
2. spitachio = pistachio {Stella}
3. ha god= hot dog {Naya}
4. sticker pots = potstickers {Stella}...don't know why she gets that one backwards!
I'll add more as they come...just don't want to forget the cuteness that is in my daughters. :)
1. pacuter = computer {Stella}
2. spitachio = pistachio {Stella}
3. ha god= hot dog {Naya}
4. sticker pots = potstickers {Stella}...don't know why she gets that one backwards!
I'll add more as they come...just don't want to forget the cuteness that is in my daughters. :)
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Life...
So I just wanted to write a little update about where things are in life b/c I feel like things are about to change pretty soon. I don't know what will happen, but the ball is about to start rolling.
As of today we are finding ourselves with several avenues that our life may or may not go down...
Theo may begin working with the City of Ft. Lauderdale as a lifeguard soon! He's actually been 'hired' for 2 months now but there was a little issue on the admin side of processing his application. This is where I could put a little frown face, b/c we've just been waiting so long....and hello?! We need to pay bills around here...and the once in a blue moon pedicure! :) But I won't b/c we trust in God's sovergnty over things and the timing of things in our life. Thank you Jesus. Anyways, we'll see what happens with that.
Theo's 'boss' for the city called him last week to talk to him about this guy who wants to meet with him who is into manufacturing SUP {Stand Up Paddle} boards, and apparently is interested in doing something with lifeguards, SUP, and Haiti. It sounds like an interesting combo, and it's definitly up Theo's ally. Theo and the guy are meeting this Tuesday to talk about it. We don't actually have any idea at all what it could be about but it's kinda exciting! Keep ya posted.
On July 23, the next Fire Academy class begins. I've been going back and forth with Theo about whether he should go for it again or not. It's hard to know. It was clearly the Lord's will for Theo to be in the class last August, but his heart has changed a little bit regarding his desire for it so it's just unclear what to do now. I can't tell if Theo is afraid to do it again {b/c it was so stinkin' hard} or if he's just too worn out to do it {b/c it was so stinkin' hard} or if truly the desire is just gone...{b/c is was so stinkin' hard....just kiddin}. Really though, what's hard for me, is to think back on how great he was and to look in the corner and see all of his bunker gear, firefighting books, etc just sitting there and think we just need to give it all back and nothing comes of it. That just messes with me. Who knows...it's a matter of time either way. That's all the way in July and we don't even know what tomorrow holds for us.
Speaking of not knowing what tomorrow holds for us...a few days ago a massive earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. I'm talking out of control horrible flooding. I've never seen flood waters completely consume a place as fast as it did in those areas in Japan. The same morning, someone posted on facebook that 'they just lost their favorite cute water bottle.' If there is anything that would remind me to seek God with all my heart, mind, and strength.....and to NOT store up my treasures here on earth, but in heaven....it was that. We all know its fine to have a cute water bottle, but the timing of her loss of it just made me think...who cares?! I mean, lets just have our priorities in check. Everything on this earth is going to be burned up. Everything. How is your heart before the Creator? In 5 minutes from now some crazy natural disaster, or an accident could happen and we could be face to face....think about that....FACE to FACE with God. If that doesn't make to tremble then something is wrong. Even if we DO have our priorities in check, we should tremble at the thought of being face to face with God.
I'm reading a book by Fancis Chan called 'Crazy Love.' I can't remember the last time I was so moved by a book. {Probably b/c I don't read books that often, haha!...Don't judge me, I've got 3 babies in my house! } Anyways, this book is challenging me to the core. Here's the specific incerpt that I'm talking about...actually, it's an icerpt from an incerpt...you'll see.
"In his book God Is the Gospel, John Piper essentially asks whether we are in love with God:
The critical question for our generation - and for every generation- is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?"
So whats challenging me is this....do I "love" Jesus for who He is, or am I pursuing Him because of what He offers? {Safety, peace, health, nice-ness} Now, I'm definitly not saying that we should ignore His benefits or write them off....but to make sure that I'm loving this Jesus because of how wonderful and faithful and loving He is. That kind of love that can't be held back, like when you fall in love with your spouse. It just happens and you can't help it. It would be so weird and completely wrong for me to marry someone just because he can offer me financial security, or a good name, or any other superficial thing. Again, I'm not saying that we need to completely forget those things {things have their time and place} but to cultivate a relationship with someone that you spend quality time with...you get to know them...you love their voice...everything you discover about them, you just love. That is what I want with Him. I want to slow down all the prayers for my protection, my wisdom, my needs, my this, my that.....and I want to direct my attention to just loving on Him for a change. I want to tell him {and remind myself!} how great, and merciful, and kind He is to me and my family. I want Him to KNOW that I love Him, not because I've thought it in my mind a few times, or b/c of a few PDA's, or even b/c I've accepted His gift of salvation. But b/c I've come to Him on a daily basis to tell Him, 'I truly LOVE YOU, God.' My husband likes me to tell him I love him every day, and vise versa...I know he loves me but it's good for my heart to hear it often and it strengthens our relationship. How much more the very ONE who created us and is completely in love with us?
Ok, there was my mini sermon. I just can't help it sometimes. I get excited about things and like to share with whoever would listen {or read in this case}.
That's about it on the Steinhauer News page... I hope to write more often about all kinds of things, but you know I just get to this when I can...i.e. nap times! :)
Love to you all.
As of today we are finding ourselves with several avenues that our life may or may not go down...
Theo may begin working with the City of Ft. Lauderdale as a lifeguard soon! He's actually been 'hired' for 2 months now but there was a little issue on the admin side of processing his application. This is where I could put a little frown face, b/c we've just been waiting so long....and hello?! We need to pay bills around here...and the once in a blue moon pedicure! :) But I won't b/c we trust in God's sovergnty over things and the timing of things in our life. Thank you Jesus. Anyways, we'll see what happens with that.
Theo's 'boss' for the city called him last week to talk to him about this guy who wants to meet with him who is into manufacturing SUP {Stand Up Paddle} boards, and apparently is interested in doing something with lifeguards, SUP, and Haiti. It sounds like an interesting combo, and it's definitly up Theo's ally. Theo and the guy are meeting this Tuesday to talk about it. We don't actually have any idea at all what it could be about but it's kinda exciting! Keep ya posted.
On July 23, the next Fire Academy class begins. I've been going back and forth with Theo about whether he should go for it again or not. It's hard to know. It was clearly the Lord's will for Theo to be in the class last August, but his heart has changed a little bit regarding his desire for it so it's just unclear what to do now. I can't tell if Theo is afraid to do it again {b/c it was so stinkin' hard} or if he's just too worn out to do it {b/c it was so stinkin' hard} or if truly the desire is just gone...{b/c is was so stinkin' hard....just kiddin}. Really though, what's hard for me, is to think back on how great he was and to look in the corner and see all of his bunker gear, firefighting books, etc just sitting there and think we just need to give it all back and nothing comes of it. That just messes with me. Who knows...it's a matter of time either way. That's all the way in July and we don't even know what tomorrow holds for us.
Speaking of not knowing what tomorrow holds for us...a few days ago a massive earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. I'm talking out of control horrible flooding. I've never seen flood waters completely consume a place as fast as it did in those areas in Japan. The same morning, someone posted on facebook that 'they just lost their favorite cute water bottle.' If there is anything that would remind me to seek God with all my heart, mind, and strength.....and to NOT store up my treasures here on earth, but in heaven....it was that. We all know its fine to have a cute water bottle, but the timing of her loss of it just made me think...who cares?! I mean, lets just have our priorities in check. Everything on this earth is going to be burned up. Everything. How is your heart before the Creator? In 5 minutes from now some crazy natural disaster, or an accident could happen and we could be face to face....think about that....FACE to FACE with God. If that doesn't make to tremble then something is wrong. Even if we DO have our priorities in check, we should tremble at the thought of being face to face with God.
I'm reading a book by Fancis Chan called 'Crazy Love.' I can't remember the last time I was so moved by a book. {Probably b/c I don't read books that often, haha!...Don't judge me, I've got 3 babies in my house! } Anyways, this book is challenging me to the core. Here's the specific incerpt that I'm talking about...actually, it's an icerpt from an incerpt...you'll see.
"In his book God Is the Gospel, John Piper essentially asks whether we are in love with God:
The critical question for our generation - and for every generation- is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?"
So whats challenging me is this....do I "love" Jesus for who He is, or am I pursuing Him because of what He offers? {Safety, peace, health, nice-ness} Now, I'm definitly not saying that we should ignore His benefits or write them off....but to make sure that I'm loving this Jesus because of how wonderful and faithful and loving He is. That kind of love that can't be held back, like when you fall in love with your spouse. It just happens and you can't help it. It would be so weird and completely wrong for me to marry someone just because he can offer me financial security, or a good name, or any other superficial thing. Again, I'm not saying that we need to completely forget those things {things have their time and place} but to cultivate a relationship with someone that you spend quality time with...you get to know them...you love their voice...everything you discover about them, you just love. That is what I want with Him. I want to slow down all the prayers for my protection, my wisdom, my needs, my this, my that.....and I want to direct my attention to just loving on Him for a change. I want to tell him {and remind myself!} how great, and merciful, and kind He is to me and my family. I want Him to KNOW that I love Him, not because I've thought it in my mind a few times, or b/c of a few PDA's, or even b/c I've accepted His gift of salvation. But b/c I've come to Him on a daily basis to tell Him, 'I truly LOVE YOU, God.' My husband likes me to tell him I love him every day, and vise versa...I know he loves me but it's good for my heart to hear it often and it strengthens our relationship. How much more the very ONE who created us and is completely in love with us?
Ok, there was my mini sermon. I just can't help it sometimes. I get excited about things and like to share with whoever would listen {or read in this case}.
That's about it on the Steinhauer News page... I hope to write more often about all kinds of things, but you know I just get to this when I can...i.e. nap times! :)
Love to you all.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Superbowl Sunday!
So you think I'm about to write about the Superbowl??? Wrong. Ha! I'm not a huge football kinda girl....unless I'm actually at the game! Then it's a blast!
I'm writing b/c I met my loving and wonderful husband 8 years ago today, at a Superbowl party! Oh yeah!
As Theo and I talked about it, I was thinking back on the day we met....I was completely unsuspecting that I would be meeting my future husband that day. And who knew that 8 quick years later, I would be married to that funny and charming man and have 3 amazing daughters with him?? Who knew that marrying him would give me a back bone and draw me SO much closer to my first love, Jesus? What a miracle it is! Really, I can look at Jeremiah 29:11 and say, wow God, that is truth! You're plans for me are for good...for my well being! Not for harm or bad things. The last 8 years of my life have been absolutly incredible. I'm blessed beyond words can describe. I'm thankful for the thousands upon thousands of blessings you've given me and my family. Who am I that you would chose me to carry these blessings?? I'm but a speck on this earth, but I love you. I love that you love me and chose me first.
As much as I want to hold on SO incredibly tight to these people I call my husband and kids, I give them to you. I trust you. Even as today we 'dedicated' the girls to you at church, I sit here and dedicate every part of this life to you. My whole being and every part of my life. I find it to be safe and wise to let you be God... in control. And to remember that you are so amazingly good and kind. Your ways are beyond our ways. You are faithful and true. Lord, your perfect love casts out all fear. What truth that is! What freedom you give!
So Lord, again....we are yours. I thank you for my life....specifically these last 8 years and I give you the rest of our lives to have your way.
I love you Jesus.
I'm writing b/c I met my loving and wonderful husband 8 years ago today, at a Superbowl party! Oh yeah!
As Theo and I talked about it, I was thinking back on the day we met....I was completely unsuspecting that I would be meeting my future husband that day. And who knew that 8 quick years later, I would be married to that funny and charming man and have 3 amazing daughters with him?? Who knew that marrying him would give me a back bone and draw me SO much closer to my first love, Jesus? What a miracle it is! Really, I can look at Jeremiah 29:11 and say, wow God, that is truth! You're plans for me are for good...for my well being! Not for harm or bad things. The last 8 years of my life have been absolutly incredible. I'm blessed beyond words can describe. I'm thankful for the thousands upon thousands of blessings you've given me and my family. Who am I that you would chose me to carry these blessings?? I'm but a speck on this earth, but I love you. I love that you love me and chose me first.
As much as I want to hold on SO incredibly tight to these people I call my husband and kids, I give them to you. I trust you. Even as today we 'dedicated' the girls to you at church, I sit here and dedicate every part of this life to you. My whole being and every part of my life. I find it to be safe and wise to let you be God... in control. And to remember that you are so amazingly good and kind. Your ways are beyond our ways. You are faithful and true. Lord, your perfect love casts out all fear. What truth that is! What freedom you give!
So Lord, again....we are yours. I thank you for my life....specifically these last 8 years and I give you the rest of our lives to have your way.
I love you Jesus.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
January 12, 2010
We are remembering today thousands...300,000... people that lost their lives exactly one year ago today in Haiti's earthquake.
I remember exactly where I was and what we were doing.
We moved to Melbourne, Florida b/c we knew that God's plan was not for us to go to Egypt. Egypt was the next step for us in the missions school we were in while in KC but as we prayed, there just wasn't peace in our hearts about going. Not fear or dread...just a lack of peace. After a while of waiting , praying...and more waiting to know what God's plan was for us suddenly in 30 seconds, we knew. Not the whole picture, but we knew it was time to go to Haiti.
On Tuesday, January 12, 2010 a 7.0 earthquake shook a nation. A nation where our family was. My mother in law and father in law as well as my sister in law and her family were all there. They were spared their lives without even a scratch. By the grace of God, my mother in law and father in law were driving in a car away from Port-au-Prince, and the Lord's hand kept my sister in law's house from caving in on her and the kids.
We were in sheer shock as we watched the news of this devastation and not being able to contact anyone in our family made this one of the most scary and difficult things to experience. Were they dead? Injured? Were they together at least or was anyone of them alone somewhere? How bad could it really be?
That Friday, Theo left to do crisis relief with CRI (Crisis Relief International) as an emergency responder, but truly it was an easy ticket into the country immediately to find his family. Incredibly, the christian school that Theo grew up going to became a place of refuge. Not a single crack in the walls, or stone removed right in the middle of PAP. And my father in law, Ted, became the head of what immediatley became 'Quisqueya Crisis Relief". Theo was now connected to CRI, IHOP, the Harbour Church and QCS (Quisqueya), so had several legit ways into the country.
The next several weeks are a blur...at some point in there we found out I was pregnant with our #3 sweet baby girl Olivia. We also decided to move to Haiti since we believed that Haiti would be needing long term crisis care and we believed that we were supposed to be part of that. {In some what of a rush, we didn't pray thoroughly about this full on move there rather than doing trips back and forth.} So we moved down with our bffs LEO...let's just say thank God they were there with me, b/c it was horrible timing {first trimester pregnancy} to be in the thick of the destruction. {3rd world country going on 5th world since the earthquake!} I was grateful to have my friend there with me.
Anyways, about 7 weeks later we moved back to Florida. Quisquesya was transitioning back to school and our work was ending and we didn't exactly have a plan B. {Not that I was upset in the least to move back to FL!} It was such a difficult time for us, but the Lord promises to work all things out for the good of those who love Him....and He did! Theo met some amazing people and discovered his passion of working in the emergency rescue field!
Since then, Theo went to New Hampshire and became a nationally certified EMT as well as a Wilderness EMT...and is also now certified as a lifeguard planning to do Ocean Rescue when the door opens for him. Amazing...
So back to today...
I am just remembering how intense of an experience this was for us last year. And we were all safe and unharmed! I can't {and don't want to} imagine how the general Haitian population is feeling...Maybe that's what is so incredibly humbling and sobering. Alot of people died...but we were spared. Thank you Jesus. You are merciful and kind. Even when you allow things that we don't understand....you are good. Bring peace and comfort to those who lost their loved ones. Draw them near to you. Reveal your love to them. I stand today thankful and alive and I Love you.
I remember exactly where I was and what we were doing.
We moved to Melbourne, Florida b/c we knew that God's plan was not for us to go to Egypt. Egypt was the next step for us in the missions school we were in while in KC but as we prayed, there just wasn't peace in our hearts about going. Not fear or dread...just a lack of peace. After a while of waiting , praying...and more waiting to know what God's plan was for us suddenly in 30 seconds, we knew. Not the whole picture, but we knew it was time to go to Haiti.
On Tuesday, January 12, 2010 a 7.0 earthquake shook a nation. A nation where our family was. My mother in law and father in law as well as my sister in law and her family were all there. They were spared their lives without even a scratch. By the grace of God, my mother in law and father in law were driving in a car away from Port-au-Prince, and the Lord's hand kept my sister in law's house from caving in on her and the kids.
We were in sheer shock as we watched the news of this devastation and not being able to contact anyone in our family made this one of the most scary and difficult things to experience. Were they dead? Injured? Were they together at least or was anyone of them alone somewhere? How bad could it really be?
That Friday, Theo left to do crisis relief with CRI (Crisis Relief International) as an emergency responder, but truly it was an easy ticket into the country immediately to find his family. Incredibly, the christian school that Theo grew up going to became a place of refuge. Not a single crack in the walls, or stone removed right in the middle of PAP. And my father in law, Ted, became the head of what immediatley became 'Quisqueya Crisis Relief". Theo was now connected to CRI, IHOP, the Harbour Church and QCS (Quisqueya), so had several legit ways into the country.
The next several weeks are a blur...at some point in there we found out I was pregnant with our #3 sweet baby girl Olivia. We also decided to move to Haiti since we believed that Haiti would be needing long term crisis care and we believed that we were supposed to be part of that. {In some what of a rush, we didn't pray thoroughly about this full on move there rather than doing trips back and forth.} So we moved down with our bffs LEO...let's just say thank God they were there with me, b/c it was horrible timing {first trimester pregnancy} to be in the thick of the destruction. {3rd world country going on 5th world since the earthquake!} I was grateful to have my friend there with me.
Anyways, about 7 weeks later we moved back to Florida. Quisquesya was transitioning back to school and our work was ending and we didn't exactly have a plan B. {Not that I was upset in the least to move back to FL!} It was such a difficult time for us, but the Lord promises to work all things out for the good of those who love Him....and He did! Theo met some amazing people and discovered his passion of working in the emergency rescue field!
Since then, Theo went to New Hampshire and became a nationally certified EMT as well as a Wilderness EMT...and is also now certified as a lifeguard planning to do Ocean Rescue when the door opens for him. Amazing...
So back to today...
I am just remembering how intense of an experience this was for us last year. And we were all safe and unharmed! I can't {and don't want to} imagine how the general Haitian population is feeling...Maybe that's what is so incredibly humbling and sobering. Alot of people died...but we were spared. Thank you Jesus. You are merciful and kind. Even when you allow things that we don't understand....you are good. Bring peace and comfort to those who lost their loved ones. Draw them near to you. Reveal your love to them. I stand today thankful and alive and I Love you.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
I just have to write this...
So I was just reading back on some older posts and I saw the one about my studdly husband being in the fire academy. Well my very last comment of that post was 'Lord, your will be done, not ours.' {Or something of the sorts} Well...He did have his way, and it wasn't at all the way we thought we were heading in. Funny how that happens. Anyways, I guess I should actually explain the situation rather than just stating he's not in the academy anymore....for those who want to hear it.
Well, Theo was doing a-maz-ing in the academy....I'm talking squad leader, class leader, btwn 90-100% on all tests...the works. You'd think {we thought} he was on his way to being top firefighter of the year at the rate he was going! HA! {j/k!..........kinda} Anyways, part of the class is to do these 'PO's' or 'performance objectives' where they have to do the practial, hands on stuff with the "aparatus" or tools or whatever. Well, he had to redo this specific PO dealing with knots and tools and when we redid the knot, he did it perfectly but at the wrong end of the tool. And he failed. And that was all it took to put him out of the program.
Please tell me that someone else out there thinks this is ridiculous. Because I do.
Especially since the point of tying the specific knot was to hoist the tool up the side of a building and it was done correctly. Where the knot is, doesn't affect getting the tool up the building. {I checked}. So there it is. B/c of something so ridiculous, he was out! When he called to let me know he was on his way home, it didn't even register to me that he was actually OUT of the academy...fully. He would have to start over from scratch, including tuition and all. When it did finally hit us, we just sat and cried. Yep, it was a sad day. If you could've witnessed the work and dedication it took for him to get to the top of his class how he did....the studying...sacrificing so much family time...hanging out with friends, etc...then to just be cut from the program like that....it was one of the most heart breaking things I've experienced. {And yes, I do go into 'defend my husband, get a little mad, go down with a fight mode over this situation. And yes, I even called the chief to 'talk to him' about the matter. Hahaha! Yes this made me a crazy lady for a brief time.}
I still have a hard time when I think about it, but we still fully believe that God led us and provided all we need for that time in the academy. To have it end so abruptly was/is just a shock to our system. But we choose to believe that God is sovereign over our lives {every single part of it} and that He allowed it to go down like that for a reason. We obviously don't know why yet, but one day we will and we'll be thankful.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
What a promise. These are the things that give us peace when life gets crazy. And it seems crazy often times in our world. Thank you God for your goodness to us.
Well, Theo was doing a-maz-ing in the academy....I'm talking squad leader, class leader, btwn 90-100% on all tests...the works. You'd think {we thought} he was on his way to being top firefighter of the year at the rate he was going! HA! {j/k!..........kinda} Anyways, part of the class is to do these 'PO's' or 'performance objectives' where they have to do the practial, hands on stuff with the "aparatus" or tools or whatever. Well, he had to redo this specific PO dealing with knots and tools and when we redid the knot, he did it perfectly but at the wrong end of the tool. And he failed. And that was all it took to put him out of the program.
Please tell me that someone else out there thinks this is ridiculous. Because I do.
Especially since the point of tying the specific knot was to hoist the tool up the side of a building and it was done correctly. Where the knot is, doesn't affect getting the tool up the building. {I checked}. So there it is. B/c of something so ridiculous, he was out! When he called to let me know he was on his way home, it didn't even register to me that he was actually OUT of the academy...fully. He would have to start over from scratch, including tuition and all. When it did finally hit us, we just sat and cried. Yep, it was a sad day. If you could've witnessed the work and dedication it took for him to get to the top of his class how he did....the studying...sacrificing so much family time...hanging out with friends, etc...then to just be cut from the program like that....it was one of the most heart breaking things I've experienced. {And yes, I do go into 'defend my husband, get a little mad, go down with a fight mode over this situation. And yes, I even called the chief to 'talk to him' about the matter. Hahaha! Yes this made me a crazy lady for a brief time.}
I still have a hard time when I think about it, but we still fully believe that God led us and provided all we need for that time in the academy. To have it end so abruptly was/is just a shock to our system. But we choose to believe that God is sovereign over our lives {every single part of it} and that He allowed it to go down like that for a reason. We obviously don't know why yet, but one day we will and we'll be thankful.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
What a promise. These are the things that give us peace when life gets crazy. And it seems crazy often times in our world. Thank you God for your goodness to us.
Waiting...
I can't believe how quickly 2010 passed. Theo and I call it the year of the fog. But we're excited to begin a new year...a new season...fresh fire in our hearts. We're trying to find the balance between seeking the will of God for every moment of our lives and pursuing our hearts desires, which we know He put there in the first place. I'm wanting to ooze love...to God and to our neighbors. I'm praying for ideas on how to love on the neighbors that God has brought into our lives...some of which are kinda intense, but seem ripe for a nice overhaul from the Lord. We'll see what happens.
So, Theo isn't in the fire academy anymore...that door shut abruptly...and we're ok with it. Not thrilled about it, but it's ok. We'll see if God has any other plans with us regarding that in the future. But for now we're waiting to hear back from Ted {Theo's dad} about a project manager position in Port-de-Paix, in the north of the country. He'd be teaching the people basic hygiene and bringing in medical supplies and medical missions teams from around the world. {Who woulda thought?} It would be a 5 month project, and get a little salary...some other fun benefits too supposedly. Interestingly, I was actually really excited about the possibility of us going, which is pretty much a miracle since our time there in January traumatized me for the whole year. I didn't even want to think about visiting let alone moving there again. But with a new perspective and a different set up, I think it would be an awesome experience. Haiti is going through their second round of presidential elections right now so we're still waiting to see if the grant goes through to MTI so we can go or not. The first round of elections were crazy...causing riots, road blocks and burning tires in the streets. Hopefully this time it's more civil. {probably not, though} So since we've been waiting for about a month now, Theo went ahead and did his lifeguard training and got hired with the city of Ft. Lauderdale as a lifeguard! We're excited and hoping he gets stationed at a fun pool with a little water park. I'd take the girls every day! Hello South Florida! :) The guy who trained him is this super nice guy who apparently loves Theo and loves Jesus {good combo for us!}...and told Theo that if he has to leave and do his thing in Haiti, not to worry that he would have work for him whenever he gets back! Saweeet! Talk about job security! Theo's hopes to do Ocean Rescue and the new boss is apparently the guy to talk to for that as well. He was the chief for Pompano Beach Ocean Rescue until he retired. Then he came back to work and moved on to take over Ft. Lauderdale lifeguard training and hiring. So like the title says...we're waiting...again...to see if we're going to Haiti or not. And if not, I've got a hot lifeguard hubby who loves Jesus. Oh- and he's still working at the Harbour church part time....doing his 'churchy opportunities.' :) {Nacho Libre, anyone?}
My girls are growing at lightening speed and it's freaking me out. Stella {who acts like she's 15} will be 4 this year. How does that even happen? I'm talking 1 or 2 blinks here and she's not a baby anymore. Same with my nounouse {ittle bear}. Well, not so little anymore. She weighs more than Stella and they share clothes and shoes now! hmmm?!!! Crazy. And Olivia is already 2 1/2 months old. Didn't I just give birth to her, like yesterday??? No actually, didn't I just find out I was pregnant with her??! All this is happening way to fast for me. I can't keep up. My little ladybugs are going to be little women before I know it. God, help me to remember all of the sweet moments and milestones for these precious ones. {Hence, the blogs for them and abundance of pictures I take of them. Definitly trying not to forget.}
As for me...well I'm in pursuit of knowing God more intimately this year. Already, I'm desperately longing to see Him...literally...I want to see His face. I know I can't, but somehow I'm feeling desperate to just get a glimpse. I've been pretty consumed with having babies and learning to be a mom so I'm trying to give a bit more attention to my need of reading the Bible and spending alone time with Jesus. {Yes, still almost impossible at this point, but given any opportunity I will take it.} I'm also trying to remember my passions and desires before motherhood came around for me. Singing, making jewelry and other creative things...I plan {hope} to make time for those things this year.
For now, chao!
So, Theo isn't in the fire academy anymore...that door shut abruptly...and we're ok with it. Not thrilled about it, but it's ok. We'll see if God has any other plans with us regarding that in the future. But for now we're waiting to hear back from Ted {Theo's dad} about a project manager position in Port-de-Paix, in the north of the country. He'd be teaching the people basic hygiene and bringing in medical supplies and medical missions teams from around the world. {Who woulda thought?} It would be a 5 month project, and get a little salary...some other fun benefits too supposedly. Interestingly, I was actually really excited about the possibility of us going, which is pretty much a miracle since our time there in January traumatized me for the whole year. I didn't even want to think about visiting let alone moving there again. But with a new perspective and a different set up, I think it would be an awesome experience. Haiti is going through their second round of presidential elections right now so we're still waiting to see if the grant goes through to MTI so we can go or not. The first round of elections were crazy...causing riots, road blocks and burning tires in the streets. Hopefully this time it's more civil. {probably not, though} So since we've been waiting for about a month now, Theo went ahead and did his lifeguard training and got hired with the city of Ft. Lauderdale as a lifeguard! We're excited and hoping he gets stationed at a fun pool with a little water park. I'd take the girls every day! Hello South Florida! :) The guy who trained him is this super nice guy who apparently loves Theo and loves Jesus {good combo for us!}...and told Theo that if he has to leave and do his thing in Haiti, not to worry that he would have work for him whenever he gets back! Saweeet! Talk about job security! Theo's hopes to do Ocean Rescue and the new boss is apparently the guy to talk to for that as well. He was the chief for Pompano Beach Ocean Rescue until he retired. Then he came back to work and moved on to take over Ft. Lauderdale lifeguard training and hiring. So like the title says...we're waiting...again...to see if we're going to Haiti or not. And if not, I've got a hot lifeguard hubby who loves Jesus. Oh- and he's still working at the Harbour church part time....doing his 'churchy opportunities.' :) {Nacho Libre, anyone?}
My girls are growing at lightening speed and it's freaking me out. Stella {who acts like she's 15} will be 4 this year. How does that even happen? I'm talking 1 or 2 blinks here and she's not a baby anymore. Same with my nounouse {ittle bear}. Well, not so little anymore. She weighs more than Stella and they share clothes and shoes now! hmmm?!!! Crazy. And Olivia is already 2 1/2 months old. Didn't I just give birth to her, like yesterday??? No actually, didn't I just find out I was pregnant with her??! All this is happening way to fast for me. I can't keep up. My little ladybugs are going to be little women before I know it. God, help me to remember all of the sweet moments and milestones for these precious ones. {Hence, the blogs for them and abundance of pictures I take of them. Definitly trying not to forget.}
As for me...well I'm in pursuit of knowing God more intimately this year. Already, I'm desperately longing to see Him...literally...I want to see His face. I know I can't, but somehow I'm feeling desperate to just get a glimpse. I've been pretty consumed with having babies and learning to be a mom so I'm trying to give a bit more attention to my need of reading the Bible and spending alone time with Jesus. {Yes, still almost impossible at this point, but given any opportunity I will take it.} I'm also trying to remember my passions and desires before motherhood came around for me. Singing, making jewelry and other creative things...I plan {hope} to make time for those things this year.
For now, chao!
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