It's Here!!

Well, moving week is finally here!! But before I get to that, let me catch you up on a few things.

 

1. I GOT A JOB!! Praise the Lord! I accepted a position at Luling Elementary, about 30 minutes away from the seminary. I was originally supposed to be the fourth and fifth grade interventionist, working with students who have already been retained a grade or are in jeopardy of failing. It was not my ideal position, but I accepted the job. The principal called me early last week and informed me that a 2nd grade regular classroom position opened up, and he wanted to move me into it. He asked me if this was good news, and I replied, "Yes, that's great news!" It is a public school with a very high poverty rate and sounds like it could be a challenging environment. I know that working in Macon schools has prepared me as much as I can be coming from Georgia. I'm full of the usual excitement/nerves that come with a new job. This is my first year in the regular classroom, and first year for teachers is always the hardest. Please be praying for my students and me.

That reminds me. I joined a website specifically to help teachers stock their classroom with supplies. Because of our current financial restraints, I am very limited in how much I can spend to get my classroom ready for students. Having all of the necessary resources for an entire class is much different (and more expensive!) than working with small groups.  If you or any businesses you know might be interested in giving a tax deductible donation, you can see my "Wishlist" at http://www.iloveschools.com/teacher/sbcookwishlist/view/1. The total cost of the supplies I need is around $315. If y'all could spread the word, I'd REALLY appreciate it!

2. We bought a car! We bought a 2001, silver Acura 3.2 TL from a lady here in Macon. It was fully loaded when it was new, and while that was a few years ago, it's actually the newest vehicle I've ever driven. :) It's strange to be back in a car since I love our Jeeps, but it's a comfortable drive and gets much better gas mileage! We'd originally planned on selling the green Jeep back to my dad, but that will have to wait a little while until we get moved and settled and save up a little bit more for the next vehicle. For now, I'm glad to have a car to drive to school and back.

 

3. I move TOMORROW! I'm packing like crazy today and heading out early in the morning. When I accepted my job offer, it made our move a little more complicated, because new teacher orientation starts Wednesday, the 27th, and we weren't even moving until Saturday, the 30th! My mom is once again making the road trip with me so that I can be there in time. Josh will finish working this week and head over on Saturday with the moving van and the rest of my family as planned on Saturday. The Cooks are coming down this week to help him finish packing up. Our families have been a big help! Yesterday was our last Sunday at Ingleside Baptist after five year of attending, and Josh working there for three and a half. Such a strange thought. Time flies. We will miss our friends there so much.

Finishing up work, packing, moving, and starting a new job all in one week has been slightly stressful (for me, at least). I'd been lying if I didn't admit that. I've been reading Charles Spurgeon's devotional Morning and Evening, and one morning this past week I read, "Thou shalt yet, amidst the splendours of eternity, forget the trials of time, or only remember them to bless the God who led thee through them, and wrought thy lasting good by them. Come, sing in the midst of tribulation. Rejoice even while passing through the furnace." No, this is not a great time of tribulation in our lives, but it is a little crazy. It was a good reminder that we will look back on this "to bless the God" who led us through it. I know this is what we're supposed to be doing. He will continue to provide and help us work out all the details. Please pray for a smooth move, and that we'll trust in God as we go through this big change in life.

We love you all and will let you know how life in NOLA is going soon!

~Sarah (and Josh)

 

The Countdown Is On. . .

Hi everyone,

 

We’re staying busy, and the summer is flying by! As I mentioned in my last post, Josh and I are both working at Ingleside Baptist, our church in Macon, over the summer. Josh has been on staff for over three years, and he’s working with the high school ministry. I’m the Children’s Ministry Intern over the summer. It’s fun, but it’s definitely confirmed that I’m not meant to be in an office from 9:00-5:00 everyday. I miss teaching, and while this upcoming year will definitely be different than any before, I’m ready to get back in the classroom.

It’s hard to believe it’s already July. Saturday, July 30^th is our official move date, and it’ll be here before we know it!

A few praises and prayer requests to catch you up on life . . .

1.       We found out that we got a 2 bedroom apartment instead of the 535 sq. ft. dorm-style one we thought we’d be assigned. We applied for student housing and knew that the “shoebox apartment” (as I’d come to call it) was the only option for married couples without children.  If they have left over two bedroom apartments after all the married couples with a baby move in, they pass them on down the line. I said I’d put a pillow under my stomach or play the sound of a crying baby all night if I had to in order to get the bigger apartment. :) Just kidding! They definitely know we do not have children! The Lord provided, and moved us up! The news definitely came at a time when we needed a boost to our spirits.

2.       Josh is helping lead a high school mission trip in Peru this week. He left July 4^th and will be gone until next Monday, the 11^th. I’ve talked to him, and he’s doing well. Please pray that they will have a good trip and really be able to minister to the people in the village outside of Lima where they are working.

3.       I’m heading to New Orleans tomorrow (Thursday) with my mom in order to follow up on some phone interviews as well as have a few new interviews for teaching positions. I’m trying to not stress as we are moving in a few weeks, and I still do not have a job. I’ve interviewed with public and private schools in the area, and I know there’s a job out there for me. Pray that I will trust in the Lord’s plan and timing . . . and that I’ll come away from this trip with a job!

4.       We sold the red Jeep this past weekend. I think it was harder for me than Josh, even though it was technically “his” car. Watching the new owner drive away in it was the first moment that it hit me, “We’re really doing this. We’re moving.” We need a more efficient vehicle to take us back and forth to New Orleans, and as much as we love our two Jeeps, they just don’t make the cut. My dad is buying my green Jeep from us for Philip, my younger brother, to drive. I’m glad it’s not leaving the family. :) We’re going to buy a car for me to drive, and we’re still not sure what Josh is going to get. We had to sell both vehicles in an effort to combine our financial resources. I’m really hoping and praying that God will provide the right cars for us. If you know of anyone who is willing to donate/sell for less a car to a couple moving to seminary, please let us know!

I think those are the major things for now. Thanks to everyone for all of your prayers and encouragement. It's wonderful to have such a big group of family and friends who are supporting us as we go through this big change in life. We'll keep you updated over the next few weeks!