May Our Efforts Be Worthwhile

So far my classes have been really interesting and fun, and I have been learning a lot. I am extremely overwhelmed on a day to day basis, so I would appreciate your prayers. I've been trying to get enough hours in at work so that my co-workers know that I still work there, and so that I can get enough money to pay the bills. I find that I look forward to Sabbath more and more because the true meaning of a day of rest has really come to hit home with me recently. I get discouraged with my life at the moment because sometimes it's hard to remember why I'm doing this in the first place. Even though I may say that it is so that I can get out of my current job situation, it has to be more than that. It is because I am trying to do what I feel God has called me to do for my life. It is becuase I want to do something that actually matters.

I have had a lot of doubts about this whole going back to school process. For example, my first two assignments didn't go that great, and it is discouraging to me. A lot of you who know me know that I am a perfectionist, if not an over-achiever, so not doing my perceived best is damaging to my fragile ego. :) This is also a lot of work, probably more than I envisioned it would be, and I hope that it is worth it in the end. In a prayer at the beginning of class this week my teacher prayed for "our efforts be worthwhile." I couldn't have said it better myself.

Another update...

I guess that's what this blog is turning into--an update on my life. Things tend to go at warp speed sometimes, so it's hard to remember what I should blog about, but here goes...

I'm back to school! And unfortunately, I don't mean as a teacher (yet). Through the help and coaxing of one of my favorite SAU teachers, I am now enrolled again and working toward elementary certification. I have tried for over 4 years to get a high school history job (as most of you know, it hasn't been an earnest search for 4 straight years, as hiring is done only at certain times of the year). Someone once said that a good definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting different results. I've decided to stop that pattern, and that's why I'm back to school. The job openings will be greatly increased, and I think it will be a fun and exiciting venture.. so think of me... please. :)

Greencard is still not on the way yet.. and we are becoming more and more frustrated. (another prayer request, please!) It's not that it's taking so long, but that they are supposedly processing applications from March of this year, and ours was December of last year. Also, that they keep transfering our applications back and forth between Missouri and California for "speedier processing"--what the notification letter says (HAHAHAHAHAHAHA that's so hilarious.. arent they funny?!?). Another frustrating thing is that each time we receive one of those notices A) I get excited because I think that it's our summons to interview for the greencard, and B) it says we can not contact them regarding our application status until 60 days after the notice is sent. Is that not crazy? It seems that they make it hard for the people who want to be here legally!! Anyway.. just pray for us, please.

We're still working on the house (and the slow progress is a test of my patience.. but it's still coming along). I'm tired of summer. This has been the most frying hot and draught-filled summer I can remember, and I'm ready for it to be over. I'm tired of fleas, flies, spiders, ticks, mosquitos, and yes, even the simple cricket I am finished with. All of the abovementioned creatures have made me their food, save for the crickets and flies, though they no less as pesky. They found some West Nile mosquitos not too far from our house, so I am extra-through with mosquitos. I wish them all a long and happy dormant winter.

Here's some pics for your viewing pleasure...


This is my friend Priscilia from church. We went on a picnic Sabbath with her and her husband Bob. They're having a baby in January and just found out it's a boy! :) Yay! Priscilia for Brasil tomorrow to see her family, so I wish her happy travels!


We had a birthday party for Heather last night. Much fun was had by all. :)


Kristen came up for the holiday weekend, so here's a picture of the three of us.


And finally, another picture of Halie, since she is the cutest dog in the world. Hahahahahaha