Big Girl Decisions.

Over the past few weeks I have felt the most "grown up" that I have felt since we've been married. Getting married, moving in together, and having my first real full time job in 2010 was definitely a grown up year. And being here last year without my mom or family near was also another step in growing up. Even as grown up as those years/moments made me feel I have especially felt like a real grown up this past week.

On Thursday, Erik and I sat down over coffee and had what seemed like a business meeting to talk about what we were feeling about our future (having kids, moving back to America, staying here, etc.) We had both been praying individually and together about what God wanted and thought it was a good idea to sit down and talk intentionally about what God was showing us. As we talked and as I listened to Erik's wise thoughts and feelings about our marriage and someday family, I was a little overwhelmed  and emotional thinking about all the decisions we were making and talking about. Getting married was the biggest and easiest decision I have ever made thus far, and then getting a job in South Dakota for a year and moving here to Jakarta seemed like more natural, not stressful or overwhelming decisions. But talking about when to have a baby and whether or not we will be renewing our contract in December to stay here for another year hit me in a different way. I thought - "Man! We really are growing up!". I usually have no problem making decisions because I know what I want and if people ask for my opinion, I will usually gladly give it to them. But, when your married things work a little differently :) So, after about 2 hours of chatting, we left the conversation feeling like God was showing us the same things. Right now, God is not showing us a big yes or a big no, but I really can't explain the peace that I felt walking back home after we talked it all out even if we didn't have it all "planned" out. God is working in amazing ways and I can feel it. Some of you may think this blog is a little vague and you may be wondering what our plans for the future are. I can honestly tell you that as of right now, we really do not know. We believe God is leading us a certain way, but there is still a long time until "final" decisions need to be made. Please be praying for Erik and I as we continue to seek God's will. Specifically pray that God would continue to make his will clear to us and that we would seek His wisdom when making these big boy and girl decisions. Please pray that our emotions and feelings (mine especially) don't wrongly get in the way of what God wants for us. Like I mentioned, if we decide to stay for another year after this year, we have to sign the contract in December. Seems far qway, but at the same time very close. Please pray that these decisions would not overtake our thoughts so much that we don't live in the moment now. We are both SO enjoying our second year of teaching here and I hope and pray that thinking about next year won't take away from that in anyway... If you have a desire to know more details or have specific questions about things you can be praying for, please feel free to message me or Erik on Facebook :)

This song by Chris Tomlin has been one that has really encouraged me over the last few weeks. It is a great reminder about how Faithful our God is, no matter what situation you find yourself in. {the last verse is my favorite} ..

Faithful, forever You are faithful

Father to the fatherless

You uphold the one who feels forsaken

You are faithful, God

Faithful, forever You are faithful

Lover of the wounded heart

You defend the poor and the forgotten

You are faithful, God

And I will sing to the maker of Heaven and Earth

God, You reign forever and Your love will endure

Faithful and true is the name of the Lord

You are faithful, God

Faithful, forever You are faithful

Shelter for the fragile soul

You lift us up, You hold us all together

You are faithful, God

You are there in every season of my soul

You are there, You're the anchor that will hold

You are there, in the valley of the shadows

You are faithful, God

Thanks again, as always, for all the thoughts, prayers, and encouragement. We love you all. 

Bye for now :) 

A quick {or not so quick} update

Hello from our home in Kemang Villiage, Jakarta, Indonesia :) Well as most of you know, we are back in Indonesia and already into the school year here. The first day of school was on Tuesday July the 24th (so we're 2 weeks in already). It's kind of hard to know how to start off this blog since I haven't written since we left in June for the summer, but instead of catching you up on the wonderful, restful, memorable summer we had in the States, I will just pick up with what's going in life here.

We moved into our new apartment in Kemang Village right when we got here. Thankfully, the boxes had already been moved from our old place to here and all we had to do was unpack boxes. It has taken about 3 weeks, but I am finally feeling like I have the place looking the way I want. Today Erik and I went out and bought a carpet for the floor in the front room which has made the biggest difference and made the place look more "homey". It is definitely my favorite home purchase I have ever made! And we got a great deal! :) We are also loving the fact that instead of 20 minute, sweaty, walk to work, we now have a 30 second hop over to the school! We feel very blessed to be in the place we are this  year and are very thankful ... Here is a pic of part of our front room with the new carpet {you can check out my Facebook page for more apartment pics}

 

On the school side of things, we are loving it! It definitely an adjustment coming back from 5 weeks off of now work and all fun, to almost 10 hours days, 5 days a week. We LOVE our jobs, but we (especially Erik) work hard! :) I got to say hello to 20 new and old (from my K1 class last year - now K2) beautiful, precious 3 and 4 year old's and Erik is loving being able to devote all his time into the sports and PE program. The exciting thing about working at a new school is that we almost doubled in our staff this year. We have already made great new friends, and we are super excited about the new relationships to be had and also thrilled about coming back to our friends from last year :). That's pretty much all from the school side of things for now. Here are a couple pictures of my classroom and my sweet kiddos ..

 Me and Miss Mia with the K2's on Batik day last week

We got our own class set of kids Bibles this year, and the kids are loving it! We were checking out the story of creation here :)

Welcome to K1 :) I only have 5 little guys right now (will get more as the year goes on most likely) This is what we do after we play on the playground :) Definitely my favorite part of the day ;) 

Well, that's all from me :) Thanks again for your prayers and love. I will update again soon with specific prayer requests as we get deeper into the year. We love you all.

Bye for now.