It's been another rollercoaster week for the Pratts. I received a call last Friday for an interview for a Middle School Spanish position in Shallotte about 45 minutes away. On Monday we drove down to check things out and Tuesday was the interview. I walked out confident that I had the job...so much so that they had me filling out employment paperwork, confirming reference phone numbers, and actually stating to me that I was their first choice. I was sure I would hear something the following day...but nothing, just more waiting :) Yesterday (still waiting) I called and they indicated they were making the reference calls and would let me know by the end of the day. Still nothing...oh, and by the way school starts Monday! So after all the waiting and mental planning, talking about "what if"s, I finally received a call today (Friday). The principal apologized and stated that he is required to hire to someone who applied at the last minute who was already in the district. He felt bad, perhaps frustrated, and gave me another name of a school who may be hiring an elementary Spanish teachr. All that to say it was clearly a closed door...which is what we have been praying for...clarity. (For those of you who know me well, you know I am NOT a morning person, and this job would have required a 5:30 start to my day...not a good fit!)
So, here we are, still waiting. Ironically, last week in my quiet time I was reading a devotional that said to ME: "Waiting is much more difficult than walking...we enjoy knowing that God builds hedges around His people, when we look at the hedge from the aspect of protection. But when we see it growing higher and higher until we can no longer see over it, we wonder if we will ever get out of our little sphere of influence where we feel trapped....God has a purpose is all His delays..."the steps (and stops) of a good man are ordered by the Lord" (Ps. 37:23)" It goes on to say "It requires much more courage to stand and wait and still not lose heart or lose hope, to submit to the will of God, to give up opportunities and to leave honors to others, and to be quiet, confident, and rejoicing while the busy multitude goes happily along their way." Streams in the Desert
So this is what I've been learning, difficult as it is...I am confident and hopeful in the Goodness, Trustworthiness, and Omniscience of my Lord, Almighty. Thank you for your prayers, encouraging emails and phone calls that help us in this journey.
On the home front, we attended the open house for Rachel Freeman School last night and met John and Lizzie's teachers. We feel very comfortable and are excited for the year ahead. I think they are both ready to get into routine...Lizzie asked me the other day "Mommy, when will this feel normal?" So I think we're all wanting normalcy, whatever that will look like.
Mark began his Liberty online coursework last week...taking a Philosophy and a Theology class. Probably not the most interesting of classes, but required classes nonetheless. These 2 classes last for 8 weeks and then he'll take 2 more...hopefully ones that would be more interesting? He is really missing the people interaction.
On the church front, we have someone from the church planting part of the denomination coming this week to help our team sort through demographics and to narrow our target group so that we can choose a location for the church. We want to be specific and focused so that we are not spread too thin throughout the whole city, but rather focused on one part that is growing with young families like us who would be attracted to a church like Crosswinds. As much as this is a faith endeavor, there is actually a "science" or method to it. We need to make smart choices while at the same time being in tune to God's direction.
Finally, we want to recommend a book that we just finished reading. "The Shack" by William Young is an amazing, faith-reforming, tool. In it God has revealed to us SO MUCH about who He is and who He is not. I am amazed at the variety of ways God chooses to teach us (uniquely) more about Himself. He is not confined by our ways or expectations...for that I am thankful because His ways and purposes are SO MUCH HIGHER than my ways.
Thank you again for your ongoing prayers on our behalf. Jot us a line when you get a minute to keep us in touch! Know that our home is always open and that we love to have guests. Wilmington is a great vacation spot! Here are some recent photos take on an afternoon outing to Greenfield Lake where we got to feed an alligator!
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