Things have been busy, but when are they not? About 2 weeks ago Kiera finally got an interview for a housekeeping position at a hotel she saw on our daily drive into work. Who is so thoughtful to look for something that isn't out of the way... especially when you live in the middle of nowhere and the choices are minimal? Anyways, she was offered the position and she took it. She gets paid minimum wage and started working 30 hours a week. It was an unexpected, answered prayer for Kiera! Yesterday she actually got a little boost and now works as a cleaner and at the front desk for 40 hours a week. I take Kiera to work every day (an hour early) and someone gets her when her shift is over. It's been a bit of an adjustment with time and driving. A lot of adjustment really. I guess taking care of another person does that to you. I take her to work every day (an hour every morning) and someone picks her up when her shift is over. It's been a huge adjustment driving another person to and from work. We are starting to get a hang of it, though.
Over dinner one night Jeremy and I were talking about the situation. Jeremy mentioned how impressed he is with Kiera because she wasn't above any job. Although it's not the job she dreamed about having after college she was willing to take anything to help out. I felt it was important for her to know how he felt, especially since I knew it would encourage her. He is very much like the father figure she never had.
Although it's not an ideal job, we are thankful that she has a source of income. She is continuing the search for a "big girl" job and still trusting that God will show her direction for her life. Grad school? work? All of that has been discussed. We shall see! And I've started slowly been teaching her about being frugal. Hopefully she'll be able to save lots of money for her future... It's a lesson for her, but it's also teaching us how to parent. She doesn't need a lot of parenting, but we get to practice communicating, setting chores, setting standards, etc.
Another answered prayer is a car. This little blessing is coming from my 'rents! There is a lady in their church who had an extra car. It's a 1997 Ford Taurus... a little clunker, but it's better than no wheels at all. Kiera is super excited. She called our friend Gretchen yesterday and told her about it. The cost is 37 dollars for tags and Kiera gets to pay that. She'll get to buy her first car! I wanted her to be able to take ownership in this huge responsibility. We still haven't tackled the drivers license issue, but we set a goal of the end of June to try the first test.
Valerie has been a HUGE, HUGE, HUGE help to us all. After graduation she hasn't had much to do, aside from caring for her family, applying for jobs, taking care of her household, etc. She has selflessly volunteered her time to helping Kiera learn to drive and even lets her drive her car. I let Kiera drive once and it was a little too scary for me... no offense Kiera! :) We have leaned on Valerie and Jason for support and we are learning every day what it means to "Take a village" to raise a child. We are so thankful to have Valerie and Jason so close by. They are a huge support for all of us! And Kiera loves baby O a lot, so she doesn't mind getting to hang out with them. We even let her babysit while we went to the Carolina game.
It's still surreal to me that Kiera's family did what they did. She continues to grow spiritually from this situation. I'm sad that I can't offer her the kind of freedom she was used to in college. Hopefully when she gets her drivers license she will be able to enjoy more time with friends and do her own thing.
Other than that, we are happy campers. We have family game nights, cleaning parties and the take turns washing dishes. We are like a normal family I guess. We have fun! :)
God is continuing to teach me and Jeremy in our marriage. Yesterday we joked about how to answer the question, "So, how's married life?" because we get that a lot. We have some good laughs. But married life is great. This past Sunday I got to hear Jeremy preach at church for the first time. He's so smart. It was such an encouragement to my heart... another awesome, answered prayer. I still struggle with this whole being a "pastors wife one day" thing, but God has definitely been showing me why he called Jeremy into that kind of ministry.
We are beyond thankful for all of the support you have given us in our lives and in Kiera's life. Thank you for praying! God continues to bless us and show us where he's at work. I'll continue to keep you posted on our little happenings. I'll end with this scripture that encouraged my heart this morning from Psalm 71, verses 14-16."But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone."
