Waiving the White Flag

We were in Michigan, applying for a 4th grade job opening at Ada Christian. After an initial meet and greet with the principal, the official interview was set two days later with the full board.

Both of our families live in the area, so the weekend was spent relaxing, visiting, and preparing for the firing squad of questions.

Early evening, a phone call came in from a board member at Dutton. They also had a 4th grade position open. Someone had recommended Josh, and they were wondering if he could come for an interview the same afternoon as the Ada appointment.

Most of you know how difficult it is to get a teaching job here in Michigan. For Josh to land an interview with a school in which he never sent his resume during the very same weekend we happened to already be here... we knew it was a God thing.

We snuck on each campus and peeked through windows to try and get a feel for the schools.

Josh interviewed at Dutton first, and immediately fell in love with the faculty.

Before he even arrived to the Ada interview, the treasurer had called to offer Josh the job. He met us at the airport with the contract.

We returned to Redlands to get things packed and a plan figured out. Wanting to move directly from one house to another, Kayden and I flew back to MI one month later to find our home.

Six or seven were considered; many pictures were sent to Josh so we could figure out the best fit.

Only after we moved did I realized there is a huge problem with this home.

Josh is too tall.

Three ceiling spots hang low due to vents, leading Josh to hit his head about once every other week.

It is completely my fault, and I feel horrible about it. With the housing market the way it is, we cannot easily sell this home and move without losing money.

Josh has every reason to rail me for it, but he doesn't.

He simply doesn't complain.

It is not his nature.

So when he started grumbling this morning, I could tell he is about to hit the boiling point.

Both boys have some illness we cannot get rid of. Between Kayden throwing up all night last night, Bryce going to the bathroom 13 times this morning (thank God we still buy diapers for overnight!), and Josh being sick for the past two weeks, we all are getting frazzled.

Kayden has had 14 days of throwing up since November. Six of those have been in the last month since our baby's diagnosis. We are currently working with the pediatrician to figure out the cause; I have to admit that both of us are ready for a break from illness.

Grandma came this morning to help with the kids, and I could tell Josh sighed in relief as he hopped in his truck for a day away.

There is one lesson I have learned in abundance through this journey.

It no longer matters that the layer of dust on my picture frames leaves a trail if you touch them.

Housework comes last.

Things that really bothered me before- a counter full of school papers or shoes cluttered in the entryway, just do not matter in the grand scheme of this season.


Please pray for Josh and my mom. Unfortunately, they pick up the brunt of the load when the boys are ill. My mom tends to get sick right along with the boys, as she did this morning.

I am not sure what having the flu would do to my fluid levels/placental separation, but we do not want to find out.

Please pray for health. We are weary of fighting the never ending battle of throw-up around here. I can take it once or twice a winter...fourteen times in light of all else that is going on is a bit much.

Please pray the next three weeks go quickly. Normally, I hate to see the end of the school year. This year, it cannot come soon enough!