A Quick Happy Update

Over the last two months you have all shared in our financial struggle and heart ache it brought with it and I am so happy today to write and let you know that the struggle is over!!

I had thought that the situation we found ourselves in just before Belle was born was going to be the toughest of our lives, but through this move we learned that God had other plans. There was quite a lot of stress last week as our bank account was in overdraft and there appeared to be no light for paying the bills for October. Stressed would be an understatement actually. I found myself dealing with the same feelings, wondering why God would call us to his service and then make it so hard. I begged him to remove the sign I must be wearing, the one that said "Give me another trial, I'm tougher than I think I am!". But I begged him when it was just the two of us, (or the three of us when Nick was home). He taught us so much last time around. It's okay to share your struggles and ask that people pray for you. But once you've asked just leave it there and go on. We learned to leave our stress at home and go out and live life. Although I don't think I would ever wish to repeat August and September 2006, I can say I enjoyed them and grew threw them.

As of last night my EI benefits have been processed and I did fill out the form right to be retro paid the 8 weeks pre baby!! What a relief. I did however forget to fill in the direct deposit part and so there is a cheque on it's way, instead of it going into the bank. It's so nice to know that it's coming. Also, today was Nick's first day at his second job!! He called them and when they said "um, maybe we'll get around to it next week..." he stood up and said "actually I need to start right away." and start he did. We figured out his schedule for October and November, (he can change his availability or the number of hours he wants each month). And for the next two months he'll be working 52 hours on weeks one and three and 60 hours on weeks two and four-between the two jobs. He is doing it to provide for us and help us move financially forward, but we don't serve money and if he is too worn out we'll figure out another plan in December. We both think he's up for the challenge physically and mentally, but it is going to severely limit his "daddy time" and he's not sure how much of that he's willing to sacrifice. So, we continue on but are so thankful for the opportunities God has given us to provide for us.

The sacrifices we're making to be here and to follow God's will for our lives will continue to be tough, but if we learned one thing it's that God honors our realness with him. I don't have to put on a happy face, and I don't have to pretend I'm all good.

Thank you so much for honoring my request for prayer and for all you said for strength for me! I feel like the weight on my shoulders could have been so much more, and it's because of you that it wasn't.

I wonder, now that I don't feel stressed maybe my body will relax enough and I'll FINALLY HAVE THIS BABY!!!! October 14th is just too far away!!