Remember when...

Three years ago, Rebekah entered the "real world" of professionals. With a BA in hand, I set out on a very long job search that led me to NY. Needing moral support and a driving buddy, my friend Sung Ae and I hit the road in the hottest part of the summer, in a car that lacked not only cruise control, but also air conditioning.

I remember not sleeping well the night before my interview because of all the stresses of driving and getting lost, and from the normal pre-interview stress. What's more is that we got lost to the interview, even though we left 20 minutes early... It was not a good start to that day. I remember calling the secretary, trying to still sound friendly and professional... then freaking out with my friend as soon as I hung up!! We finally made it to the school. Here's me right before entering what would become the best community of students and educators I could ask for, especially as a new teacher.


One month later, I set out (this time, alone) for NY. I packed my little car to the max! See?





Most nights that first year, this is what my livingroom looked like as I scrambled to get the next day's lesson prepared: (TV is playing soothing music, naturally)


Now that I've been here for 3 years, I get all nostalgic... I know I've come a long way, but I know also that it wasn't my by own doing. Many of you will remember my pleas for prayer and my incessant phone calls with the same old, same old fears and anxieties. I remember that it was only through reading the Word and praying that my heart beat would finally slow down and my thoughts directed away from the fear of the unknown. I couldn't have made it without all of my friends, all of my family, but most of all, the Lord Jesus Christ.

We're moving again, but this time I have those milestones to look back on and draw encouragement and strength from. The Lord will still be with us. He is with us now during these last few days in our current apartment. His provisions have really been obvious to us. A few examples:
--He put it in my head to start early on the sorting and packing. We're doing this all stress-free (a first!).
--Thanks to the early-bird work, it has given us 2 full days to clean our appartment: more than enough time, so we aren't completely exhausted and frantic!
--He directed us to a great & affordable storage unit!
--He provided helping hands to move our boxes & furniture and it all fits!
--He gave us our hearts desire: a two bedroom apartment in NJ where that second one will function as a work place for M and a guest room!
--He cares about even the little things: we're told we can paint the walls (yipee!) and we found a great little futon on sale! Here's a picture of what you'll be sleeping on:

--Most of all, He's allowed us the time and the opportunities to visit with friends and church family during this last month in NY. Through your words, hugs and gifts, encouragement and prayers, He has blessed us.

We will miss all of you dearly.
Thank you for being a part of our lives.