Michael and I have been official New Orleans residents for two weeks now! I can honestly say that I never thought that I would be living in New Orleans! This chapter in our story started about a year ago when we moved to Augusta. We had been living in Michael's childhood home while his parents were living in Florida. Last August we were called to serve at a church on the outskirts of Augusta Georgia. We were SO completely excited and had a vision for our ministry at this church. We bought the cutest little house that I turned into our home.
We had been at the church six months when Michael's birthday rolled around, and we were also celebrating his mom's 50th birthday the day after his. We took a weekend vacation to go Michael's home town to celebrate his and his mom's birthdays. When he returned to work that next Monday he was asked to resign from his position at the church. That morning God impressed on me that something was wrong. Michael called me, as soon as I answered I said, "were you fired?" He took a quivering breath and said, "yes!" I told him that I loved him and that I was so proud of him. I told him that I was proud of him because he had done exactly what God had called him to do. I will be proud of my husband if he loses every job he has from this point on, if he is being faithful to what God has called him to do. Galatians 1:10 says, "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? If I am still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." I immediately contacted Michael's brother, sister-in-law, my mom, and my brother and sister. I knew we needed people lifting us up in prayer.
Michael made his way home, walked in the door and fell into my arms. He told me that he was sorry. I stopped him and said, "please don't ever say that!" Michael, me, and our dog, who had come running in because he was excited that Michael was home, sat in the kitchen floor holding each other. It amazes me that our crazy dog knew at this moment to snuggle up to Michael. God gave me such an amazing peace! I know that the Lord equips us for each step in life, He completely equipped me to minister to my hurting husband. Later that day I received a call from a private school in the area, they wanted to hire me to finish the school year teaching first grade! God provides!!!!!
We spent all of April praying about what we needed to do. We had enough money to make it through July, and my new job was not enough to cover our bills after that point. I have a wonderful mentor who was encouraging me and praying for us during this time. Michael and I met with her and her husband, who is my home pastor. He encouraged us to visit New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. We took his advice because we trust his guidance and wisdom. We made the trip, and knew that God wanted us in New Orleans to go to seminary. We put the house up for sale knowing that the market is horrible. The house sold in four weeks!!! (as you are reading this go ahead and praise God!) We were out of there June 30th, yes that is right before we were going to run out of money! (go ahead praise Him again!!!) Now, I needed a job in New Orleans! We couldn't move without either of us having a job! I applied for two jobs, and was brought on as a teacher at Calvary Baptist School. I absolutely LOVE working there! We also needed a place to live. We couldn't live on campus because we have a dog. We were able to get a cheap apartment that would take our big dog! And... guess what... we didn't even know that it was a mile away from where I am working!!! God is good! A few days ago Michael got a job at a school supply store and is working as I am typing this.
God has provided us with everything that we need! We have been so blessed by people who have given us money, taken us out to eat, prayed for us, and loved on us. We would not have made it without these people!!! They all say the same thing, "God put it on my heart to do this for you." They have all impacted our lives more than they know!
Lastly, in what is most likely the longest blog entry ever, Michael starts his Masters of Divinity in two weeks! I will be taking ministers' wives classes, free of charge!!!!! I'm so excited!!!! God has taught us so much during this journey, but that's another long blog away!
