Life Updates

 I thought today would be a good day to catch you up on a few work-related things in our world! 

Last week, one of my Facebook friends sent me a message to say she was so confused about what was happening in our lives. We were in Kokomo, and then we left there for ministry and now we're where? Doing what? 

It IS confusing, I'm sure, on the outside looking in. Like I shared here a few weeks ago in a post, we feel a little like Abraham right now. We're following the Lord where He leads, and yes, in the last couple of years, the leading has involved a lot of transition. Transition in work, in homes, and even towns. None of it has been a mistake. None of it has been in vain. All of it has been purposeful. But we do acknowledge that from the outside, it can appear chaotic and confusing. 

When we moved to our current home and city, we didn't know for sure where we would be working. We had some leads, but nothing was for sure. None of the leads we had panned out, and then we learned about the job at Love INC. We went together to talk to the retiring director, and both of us felt completely drawn to the ministry. Ultimately, Ryan was the one who applied for the job, and as you know, they offered it to him. 

Meanwhile, I kept looking and applying. In truth, I was surprised to be turned down so often. I don't say that because I think I'm anything amazing, but when there are jobs everywhere, and I do have a decent level of marketable skills, I didn't think it would be that hard to find a job.

Wrong!

I was turned down for every single job I applied for, and that brought a whole series of conversations with God about what in the world was happening! I had some rocky days of questioning pretty much everything about my personality and skill set, but the Lord surrounded me with encouraging people and filled me with HIS truth about who I am, and for the most part, I think I have worked through the hurts brought on by all the closed doors. 

As Ryan began his work at Love INC, went through trainings with the national office, and began to see the day-to-day operations, he told me he needed me. There are many changes and refinements required to grow and effectively meet the needs around us, and it's more than one person can shoulder. (He does have an office manager, too, but the work is more than even two people can shoulder, honestly.)

So after a few weeks of praying, crunching numbers, figuring out a long-term plan, and seeking counsel, we have arrived at a decision - at least until/unless God leads differently!

I am going to serve with Ryan at Love INC. At this time, my work will be volunteer, until the local affiliate can grow and support more staff members. I have already been working behind the scenes on several social media/design/writing-related tasks, and that will continue, but I'll be adding some other responsibilities along the way. (I would love to tell you what they are. I know my title, but I can't confidently explain to you what it means yet, so I'll save that for another post at a later time.)

For the time being, this work will allow me to serve some from home, so I can also continue to be a homemaker, which is really important to both of us. As we go along, I will probably start keeping at least part-time office hours, so I can be present and involved in the day-to-day operations at Love INC. 

I'm really excited about this. No, it's not a paying job right now, but we both feel confident that this is where the Lord wants me. And Ryan is adamant that my skills are necessary and helpful in this role, which really helps after all the closed doors on jobs. 

We are living in a state of trust that the Lord will provide for our needs, as He has already been doing in really tangible and faith-boosting ways that have blessed us tremendously.

So that's our update! Once I know how to explain specifically what I'll be doing, I'll come back and tell you all about it. (I have some upcoming trainings to attend myself, so that will help me learn!)

I know some of you have been praying for us in this time of transition, and we are really thankful for your support in that way. We have devoted a lot of prayer to this, seeking God's face and will for our lives in this season. We are at peace with how He is leading!