Provision

We have received amazing support from our families, friends, and supporting churches since returning home from Peru. I have definitely been absent from blogging. A lot has happened in our time with my parents, and we have now made our move across the country to the beautiful state of California. Before this move, many prayers were lifted for some specific items of God’s provision. We believe that God is faithful and that he provides. Sometimes our impatience gets the best of us or we allow our worries to blur our steps of faith. Transitions in life are hard, especially if you are a planner (like me), and you don’t function well when not knowing what’s ahead. I write this post to reference God’s faithfulness to us in our reentry journey. He has been so good, and I still live by this biblical principle: to the one that much is given, much is expected (Lk 12:48). I know that he has given us so much.

We got to stop and see the majesty of the Grand Canyon on our trip out to CA.

1. Greg’s school

Greg submitted applications to three different PHD programs. It came down to Boston and Fuller. Fuller was his first choice, and Fuller was also the first option to fall into place. We are so thankful for the opportunity Greg has to study something he loves so much over the next three years with many respected experts in his field.

My sister-in-law gave me a great idea to take a pic of the kids in front of the Fuller sign this year, and then one our final month here.

2. Housing

CA is expensive. To make a long story short, we were approved for Fuller campus housing. We found out that we would have a two-bedroom apartment. We arrived to our new home, and we absolutely love it. The apartment is a great lay-out for our family. There is plenty of space for the things that we brought. We live close to the campus and walking-distance from many shops. We couldn’t be happier regarding our housing situation.

our new street. We love the palm trees!

3. A job

I am the main bread winner for the years we are here. It’s hard to be out of one’s profession for 8 years and expect to land a job in teaching in a state where one isn’t certified. I had some high-stress days back in the spring when I was getting my license renewed (that could be a whole other post by itself), but I renewed my license and am still waiting on my CA credentials to come through. Many LA schools require an English Learner’s Authorization (which I do not have). To be honest, I was a little nervous about finding a job without the correct credentials.

I signed my contract this week for a 6th grade math/science position! The school is a public charter school working to alleviate poverty in a gateway community of Los Angeles. The four hallmarks of the school are service learning, technology integration, projects-based learning, and parental involvement. After meeting with staff, seeing the school location, and waiting for other options, I am positive this is the place for me to be. I am receiving a good first-year salary, and they additionally provide an insurance benefit package for our family (a huge blessing!).***

4. Our kids

The move has been hard. We are surrounded by other Fuller families with kids close to our kids’ ages. They are enjoying the playdates, and they seem to really like our new apartment. We are almost certain about an arts-based public school that the two oldest will attend this fall. We are located very closely to a large hispanic grocery store that carries many foods we love, including Inca Kola!!! That made the kids happy. We are still unsure of our PreK situation for Cohen, but we trust that something will work out soon.

Inside Out was the perfect movie to see our first week here.

and for a great price!

So… how’s that for an update? We are so thankful for his provision. For any of you that pray for us, thank you. We are excited to be starting our Seminary (take 2) journey here in Pasadena, CA.

 

***I met with my HR department today. During that meeting, I got to meet the two executive heads of the charter school. One is Peruvian (his parents are from Lima and Cusco). The other is a graduate from Fuller! She called my hire a divine appointment. It doesn’t get more obvious than that for me. I shared with them that I have always dreamed of connecting Living Libraries to a school in the states. They are very interested in seeing what we can do for a future partnership. I have prayed that God would use me in a school setting that promotes parental involvement. This school has a 96% parent participation rate. I am so excited to work in my new school family and to learn and grow with those around me.