Settled

Today I realized: we really live here. The boxes are not only unpacked, but we have left behind the nearly constant conversation that begins, "Where is the...?" or "Have you seen...?" or "Where do you keep...?" We know where things live in our house, and somewhere along the way, it began to feel very, very normal that we live here, too. Actually, it is THRILLING to live here, as we have central airconditioning (David's favorite part) and a garbage disposal (my favorite part). Seriously- those are two very unglamorous components to this place, but when you have lived without them, you get it. I am really grateful for God's provision with this place. A month and a half ago I was facing a choice between moving into an apartment that had cigarette butts all over the floor (to disguise the stains, I think) or the one with the stinky carpet, and the Lord straightened it all out in lovely fashion. Praise God!

While I was getting ready for the move, I was completely focused on the move. Right after, I began to really focus on employment after the move...particularly the part where the master's student goes to work at Applebee's or Walmart or some other job that bears exactly zero relationship to all this studying I've been doing. Since that realization, when CareerBuilder turned up exactly two jobs in social work in my area...neither of which I am remotely qualified to do (think executive director), I have started praying for employment that makes the last two years seem worth it. Thankfully, a door seems to be opening there, as well. This fall, I've decided to do contracted work for whatever nonprofits will hire me while I finish my degree. Also, I'm researching, reading, and sharpening my grant-writing skills so that after GRADUATING in December (obviously, that word is very exciting to me), I can hopefully establish myself in some good old-fashioned self-employment as a grant-writer. This is basically research and writing, from home, about social issues and programs, to help people in need. Aka, my dream job. I'm really hoping this works out. Even if it doesn't work out, I have hope in the meantime, which is certainly worth something!