Well, if you haven't heard, Joel & I are going to Granada this summer. We'll be gone from July 9th to the 21st. Our goal is to support workers in Granada as they host an English camp for local kids and teenagers. Since we love teens and kids, Joel and I are pretty pumped.
I wanted to write a little bit of the back story, mostly just for myself, but also as a testimony for others to see God's goodness to us in this season.
Last June I lost my job. In July Joel went to an amazing educational leadership conference in Washington and came home with a passion for change- in his schedule, in his opportunity to support kids & families, in his teaching responsibilities, in his relationships with colleagues, in Christian education overall. We had a wonderful summer traveling, working a little, seeing our families, and preparing for the school year ahead. I applied for at least 10 classroom teacher jobs and didn't get any of them. I ended up with three really great part-time gigs this year. Joel didn't receive any opportunities for real change in his school situation and his heavy work load continued. We have both been plugging through the season, not really enjoying it at all.
We have been asking & asking & asking God to give us the good things our hearts desire. And he's been saying "No." He's been closing doors. We have been grateful for that because our prayer was for the Lord to open and close doors and give us wisdom to obey. But truthfully, it's been awful. It's terrible to see dreams die. It's devastating to be rejected. It's confusing to not receive the things we desire.
Basically, Granada is the only door that's opened for us in a long time.
It's the only "YES!" we've received from the Lord.
As heartbreaking as that fact is to consider, it's also incredibly hopeful. We have no doubts in our minds that God has given us the precious gift of ten days in Spain. We know we'll be encouraged and challenged in our faith. We know our passions and gifts will be a blessing to those we meet. We know this will be wonderful for our marriage.
We are excited that, this time, God's will lined up with our hearts' desires. We are excited to hear a resounding "Yes!"
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