Poster Child

Life has an interesting way of unfolding sometimes. I never expected that after nearly a year in the States that Bryan (or I) would not be fully employed. This has been one of the biggest times of testing in my life. “God are you really going to provide?” I’m struggling with feeling like our family is “damaged goods”. “Jesus, I am trying to keep in focus your sacrifice and love for me.”    Rejection hurts, the real and imagined ones. “Holy Spirt, fill me with your fruits so that I can see the blessings instead of the negatives.”

Then, this week Bryan was contacted by Lipscomb’s media relations department.  A reporter from the Tennessean had contacted them asking if they knew of anyone who had a master’s degree and was working retail during these tough economic times.   Bryan’s name was suggested and the next thing he knew the reporter interviewed him by phone.  Tonight, he’s working at Home Depot and  a photographer from the newspaper is coming by to take photos of him on the job.   See what I mean about poster child?

A Little Work

Last Friday and today I substituted in an 8th grade classroom. It was an easy first experience due to the fact that there was a student teacher actually doing the teaching. I simply monitored the students doing their work. I hope that this is the beginning of more calls to sub until I can find something full-time next year.

It was fun to listening in and watching the students’ interactions. It took me back to my own 8th grade year at Emerald Jr. High in El Cajon, CA. The kids are even starting to wear the 80s style clothing and neon colors. I secretly want to beg them to pleeeaasse stop the fashion insanity! Fortunately I didn’t see any big bangs. My fondest memory from 8th grade is performing in the talent show. Three friends and I choreographed a routine to a 1950s medley. Do you remember your 8th grade year? Share a memory. I’d love to hear all about it.

Little Minds

Here’s a recent dialogue between my 5 year old and myself.

Owen: (Holding a brightly colored candy) Mom, can I have this lollipop?
Me: No, honey you’ve already had enough Easter candy for today.
Owen: OK, then can I have a, uh, sucker?
Me: No, like I said, enough candy.
Owen: (Thoughtfully) Well, then can I have a round piece of candy with a stick in it?
Me: Sweetie, no matter you call it, you can’t have it. Sorry kid.
Owen: Oh man!!!

Surprise, surprise…

I’ve learned this week that more people read my facebook status than my blog! I’ve had more concern from friends over “Tracey McCormick Ries is having a low day” than I’ve had in a long time. The sad fact is that probably 50% of my days lately could have that status. I’ve just chosen to overlook it and put something “happier” in that blank space.

Anyway, I appreciate the interest from everyone, but it’s hard for me to talk about some of the feelings I’ve been having. It’s easier for me write them out. So, here it goes…another way I’m having a hard time with reentry.

Do any of you watch the TV show Lost? During last week’s episode I turned to Bryan and said, “That’s us!” The original Oceanic passengers are on the island with the original Dharma Initiative and they are just not fitting in. The Dharma folks are taking some things so seriously and the Oceanic guys just don’t get it. You can see by the expressions on their faces that they are thinking, “Why is that a big deal?” And yet, the consequence for one wrong move is death! That’s how I feel under it all these days. (Maybe not death, but you get the point.)

Jumble

I’m planning to cover Together 4 Togo, Spring Break, job stuff and kid stuff.

Let’s me start with Together 4 Togo…for those of you who don’t know what it is, it’s a biannual conference for supporters of the works in Togo. Family, friends, sponsoring church members, missions committees and missionaries all get together to report/dream/lift-up the amazing work God is doing among His people in Togo. This year was the first T4T that I’ve attended since 1999 due to living on the mission field. Boy was I missing out! It was retroactively (and presently) encouraged by the show of love and support.

On the way down to the conference, Bryan and I were talking about how much we dreaded going! It was as if we didn’t want to reopen that part of our life. Because, honestly up to that point not too many people had taken the time to really care about what we’ve been doing over in Africa. About mid-way through Saturday, I commented to him that I actually felt “normal” again.

Spring Break was a whirlwind of activity with a trip to the movies, the zoo, visitors (my cousins), dyeing Easter eggs, decorating cookies and Easter. I thoroughly enjoyed spending more time with the boys. They are at the ages now that dyeing eggs and decorating cookies isn’t a hair raising experience.

I had a meeting yesterday at G’s school with 7 education professionals. Seven! Talk about intimidating, especially given my previous posts about social situations. Thankfully, all of them were very kind and I could tell they truly cared about Graham’s learning. Anyway, the bottom line is that they recommended that he repeat 3rd grade and that I pursue having him thoroughly tested for dyslexia. There is a Center for Dyslexia at MTSU in Murfresboro that I’ve already been in contact with and hope to get him in there. None of this came as a shock to us, but, as you can imagine, there a many prayer requests involved with this situation. Most of all, please pray for sweet Graham has he deals with all of this.

Please continue to pray for Bryan and I to find full-time employment. Bryan did have a strong job lead, but it’s cooled due to some other company priorities. We are trying to decide what course to take in job searching. Currently, he is working at the Home Depot in their garden department. Our family routine has changed drastically because of his work hours. He’s also working part-time at two other places.

I’m enrolled in a May week-long course at Lipscomb in order to get my teaching license renewed. I also found out today that I passed my Praxis exam to become highly qualified to teach middle school social studies. I am very excited about the possibilities that it could lead to! I’ve applied to 3 districts in the Nashville area, so now I’m just waiting to get calls for interviews.

Waiting…waiting…waiting…

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27 :14

A Reminder

Just wanted to remind those of you who leave comments that I typically leave a response to your comment in the same box. So, go check!