God is at work

Blessings abound although it doesn't always feel like it.

We've had a bit of trouble lately with money due to our new car, Christmas, and the car's window getting smashed out last Saturday. This event was bittersweet: we'd just attended a really wonderful Christmas party with really wonderful people, great food, live music, etc; had a wonderful day with friends; and we were feeling good because we finally had some money in our bank account; plus it was J's birthday. We'd just left the party and I was walking around the outside of the car holding A's hand telling her to watch out for the glass on the ground, and I looked up and realized the glass was from our car. We called 911 (2nd night in a row...that's another story about blessings) and our friend/host taped up our window. Because of the sliding doors, the taped window means we can't open A's door so she's been getting in Dukes of Hazard style. Anyway, we found out we were going to have to pay our $200 deductible (which we'd just changed from $50) to get it fixed, so bye bye Christmas. J has been tutoring crazy overtime so we'd have some $ for gifts, but this expense has made it quite difficult, and I've been forced to figure out what small gift to get people versus which bills absolutely have to get paid this week. Needless to say it's been a struggle.

Well, today J asked if he could pick up his tutoring check early this week so we could have it before Christmas, and the owner agreed; so I went to get it today and she'd taped a note to it with an extra $80 inside. Truly amazing. This gift (with J's birthday $ check) almost covers the $ we'd lost because of the window and I can think of no other explanation except that we are truly blessed.

Another "yes"

J has his 1st meeting Thursday with the Commission on Ministry. They will give him the official "yes" after meeting him and approving the "yes" from the discernment group leaders. I'm a little nervous about him leaving school again for this, I'm wondering if people are getting curious about where he is going. He's missed a few days or partial days for these meetings and I know his co-workers are gossiping about it. Should I care?
I've been thinking a lot lately about the telling of our workplace and I wonder and worry what will happen. I want to remain on good terms in case we are nearby again one day and want to send A and H there. I want people to understand his call, but I know most won't and will be resentful for whatever reason. I particularly worry about the kids and families. We have such a relationship with so many of these people and some are there just because of him. I hate that we will be the cause of a shake-up, but I guess that's what happens when you are liked and deeply involved and invested in a place. I have faith that it will all turn out to be o.k., but I know it will be hard. It will be stressful and it will hurt some people. *sigh*
But it's good too. Great in fact for us. How can we balance the excitement and sense of adventure we feel and still be sensitive to those we are leaving behind? Our families are supportive to a certain extent, some more than others, but they are still a little upset that we might be leaving the state for a few years. It's such a paradox to be bubbling over with excitement for us, while feeling sad for how our choices will affect others.