WE ARE MOVING!!!!

So the Lord has opened a door for us to move, and we are on October 1st! We are so blessed and excited, and maybe a little nervous, but we have faith that the Lord will bring us through! Here is a little video of a replica of our place! I will post pictures of us all moved in in a couple of weeks!




Also: I had the pleasure of viewing this cute little baby in one of my speech classes today at school. This stage is called variagated babbling: where most mothers are sure their child is verbally asking to "pull the car around front" or "open the refrigerator please" when really they are just experimenting with their sounds and phonemes. But isn't it just so cute to assume they really are making speeches? Here's the video:

Opening the Right Door

Good news all! I have a new, self-made job! Pete and I were brainstorming the other night, trying to figure out why I couldn't find a job, and what kind of job I would want, if I could have any one I dreamed of. Well, thoughts turned to action when I thought of sign language. I have such a passion for sign language, as noted in previous blogs... and then the wheels started to turn. How can I be involved in the community with sign language, to raise Deaf awareness? I could do story time at the library, free tutoring... no no no. That won't pay the bills. Then it dawned on me, TEACHING SIGN LANGUAGE! But to who? I have no "actual" credentials as a teacher, but as far as I am aware, four years of solid instruction have taught me well. Who could I teach, and be paid for, who would be interested in what I have to offer them? HOMESCHOOLERS! I began to think, "I am more than equip to teach sign language from elementary school through highschool. I have lots of experience with all of these ages from my involvement with youth ministry and children's ministry, I love to teach and see those little light bulbs go on, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE sign language!" So, all this to make a long story short, that's what I will be doing this fall. So what can you do to help? Pray for me and if you want to, spread the word to homeschooling families! Mostly, I am just thankful that the Lord had this for me all along. I was not looking forward to working at a blockbuster or someother "interesting" job. I wanted to make some sort of difference with my work now and not have to wait for a diploma for "them" to trust me to make a difference in the world. Now that's not to say I am done with school. I am still finishing my degree this year, and am still going for the two year certification after that, but now I have a job that applies to everything I have learned from 2005 and on! So pray for God's movement. So far He has already worked out a facility for me to work in, just pray that if He builds this opportunity, they will come! Thank you everyone for all your support through my unemployment, and pray that that is no more! PRAISE JESUS!

Sittin' Waitin' Wishin'

For those of you who are wondering what else is happening in our lives, we are currently living with Pete's family still. I am unable to find work after 7 months of searching, and feel that maybe the Lord has shut that door. Perhaps with my rigorous last year of school coming to a head, the Lord is concerned with my time, as am I. Although I need a job, and the income would help greatly, I think the Lord is preparing Pete and I at this time. Not that he wants to hurt us, but I do think he wants us humble, as we have learned to be. In this, it has been tough, I'm not going to lie. It hasn't been all rose buds, but in a different sense, it has been so good for our marriage. Now I'm sure you're wondering how living with the "in-laws" could be good for one's marriage. But it really has, for us we needed to depend on one another. We needed to learn to communicate better, and nothing encourages that more than rough waters. So, we will be living here, unless the Lord moves us elsewhere. I can hear God saying "Well duh. How else were you planning to move?" Haha. Also, we have become very involved with church, and enjoy serving so much. We wouldn't want to cut back on that for reasons of financial gain, when our gain is in heaven! The Lord knows our hearts, He knows what we need. So all to say, I am putting it in His hands! The creator of the earth knows much better than Pete or I. His will is far greater than our dreams could imagine. So in this waiting period we ask for your prayers, we covet them! Although I am encouraged today, I could be feeling rock bottom tomorrow. I ask you to pray for perserverance, and mostly patience. It's a hard road, but as is the road less taken. Thank you to those of you that have already been praying for us, we greatly appreciate it.

Love,
The Wife

a short thought.

So this week Pete's family has been out of town in Iowa. We so wish we could have joined them for Pete's Aunt's wedding, but summer school did not permit. Anyways, as anytime they are out of town, it feels like we have our own place again. It is so nice to just do as you please and just be together alone. We really enjoy the solitude and dinners for two. Not to say that don't miss the company, it's just nice to be reminded of our marriage and that we are still newlyweds.

Change Major Change Mind

So this week I have had an epiphany.
I mean, a real epiphany, not just an exciting moment.
I have discovered, what I am humanly made to do.
Drum Roll.
Sign.
I have discovered this from my current summer course of Sign Language 1. Back in highschool, I took 3 years of sign language and it was like water running through a faucet, easy and meant to be.
Apparently I am a visual person.
Since highschool, I have revolved around several speech pathology environments and have enjoyed the concept of helping other better express themselves through the freedom of speech, that so many of us take for granted. I have always had a heart for helping others and wanting to better other's lives. However, I never really thought through if it were what the Lord wanted for me. Through a few hands on experiences with speech pathology, not to mention a gruelling course load at USF, I have decided that (because I would have to get my masters in Speech Path), I will not only pursue my bachelor's degree in Speech, but I also plan to get (yet another) associates degree in Sign Language Interpreting. This will allow me to pursue a career in interpreting, rather than being forced to get my masters in speech.
Why you ask.
Why go to MORE school, when I will already be able to work in a field I enjoy?
Because I am PASSIONATE about Sign Language and Deaf Culture.
I enjoy the visual language of ASL and the people that I encounter through such knowledge of the language. Deaf people are really a different breed, a group of people I really love. They are passionate in communication because they have no tone of voice to otherwise express themselves. To them, the world is simpler, not that they are simple minded by any means. Let me expain it to you through this recent quote I heard from the movie titled 'Love is Never Silent.'
"I heard silence for the first time Bill. I saw it. The way the sun came through the window, the grain in the wood of the pews, it wasn't silent at all."
Being an artist at heart, I am passionate about the world and its beauty. Hence my connection with the most visual people on the planet, the Deaf.
So, sigh. Lots of typing.
I am going to get my bachelors in Speech and graduate in the Spring, and then get another degree in Sign Lang. Interpreting, in hopes of being nationally certified by 2012.

Vegas or Bust

And so the summer festivities begin. This week has been V.B.S. for our church and it is always awesome to see the glee on such little faces, so excited about Jesus and so excited just to be kids. On a bittersweet note, I took Pete to the airport today for a wedding that he is in this weekend in Las Vegas. It was hard to see him go! I haven't been away from him for more than two nights since we have been married, so give me a break! Anyways, the reason I'm not joining him is because I am, quite unfortunately, still in summer school. I am hoping to visit some family while he is gone to pass the time. Come July 6 ot 7th I am visiting some long-lost family moving to the states from Belize, and can't wait to catch up with them and spend time together while they drive up the coast. As for summer school, I will be finished July 16th and can't wait to seize the day. At the beginning of August we will be joining our highschool group in counseling them for their summer camp, then a wonderfully FREE Phil Wickham concert August 9th (In Clearwater, LOOK IT UP!), and then off to California from the 10th-24th for a much needed vacation (on my part). The summer so far hasn't been a whole lot of fun, and has been blazing hot, but what else is new. Enjoy your barbeques and pools while you can folks!
Signing off,
The Lonesome Blogger Wife

Still Waiting for The Lord's Timing

This past couple of days have been rough. I (Kendra) have had a 102 fever and have had lots of time to think. Upon couch potato-ing it, I have had a chance to just do nothing and try to sweat out my fever, but have had time to meditate upon the Lord during this time. I've been able to pray more, and just dwell with the Lord and sit at His feet. We learned yesterday, that we will not be moving into the townhouse that we thought we were going to, due to a change in price. Such news was a little upsetting for the already weak and sickly wife, but I have come to accept it with grace, and am at peace with our decision. I know the Lord has a place for us, and although it's hard to comprehend his will, I am confident in His perfect timing. So to those of us out there today who are discouraged, let the Lord guide and He will provide. That's my prayer today.
Sincerely,
Kendra