Dear Friends,
As most of you know I have been out of work for almost two months now, since I was cut loose from my Customer Service Manager position at L.E. Smith. Since that time God has blessed Monica and I with immense peace and increased faith in His providence as we seek His will for our lives. I have been reaffirmed that I am not defined by the job I hold, but by the life I live as a man of Christ and my willingness to follow Him.
With this time away from work I have really focused on finding the things that I'm passionate about and pursuing them.
I was blessed with the opportunity to spend a weekend in Steubenville with fellow graduated members of the Lion of Judah household (Christian fraternity), along with the many guys currently there (see profile pic for most of the attendees). I was able to have coffee with a fellow LOJ graduate who had previously pursued other career paths before deciding to go back to school and get a degree in something that he really loves and is passionate about. His story and passion really inspired me to consider giving up my pursuit of a traditional office job and find what my calling really is. Around the time of the reunion I received a call asking whether I was interested in doing home health care for an elderly gentleman who needs overnight care and assistance. I was initially skeptical to leave my family three or four nights per week, but agreed to take the work.
Almost immediately after beginning I realized that God was using my work in home health care to give me a much deeper appreciation for the need for compassionate care. It wasn't until this time that I have really felt a deep sense of union with Christ through helping another person, as I literally help this old gentleman struggle into bed, hold his hand as he cried for his deceased wife, and helped him with basic needs needs like getting into and out of the tub that his elderly body are struggling with. He has used this experience along with my job loss, conversations with friends, etc to give me a clear realization that I am fulfilled and joyful helping others. I spent almost six years in customer service, desiring to help others but constantly baffled by those who take advantage of the typical "customer-supplier" relationship. I now see that my skills are better suited to caring for individuals with needs different than those in the business world...and have decided to pursue my degree in nursing.
Throughout my life I have struggled to trust Christ implicitly. Even those times when I felt like He was leading me in one direction or another I still felt like I had to question His direction, give it my feelings before trusting Him. I mean, a 28 year old married guy with a fourth baby on the way would naturally seem like he lost his good sense for deciding to go back to school for two years. However, since I've begun to see the signs that Christ has put in my life lately I have not been afraid. I'm excited to follow Him wherever He leads me. I am excited to experience the new paths that He is laying out before me. It's no coincidence that everything is coming together to let me pursue this track into nursing. God is opening doors and I will pass through them without second-guessing His desires.
Fortunately for people like me who already have a bachelor's degree in a different field, schools like Kent State offer Accelerated BSN programs to allow "second degree" students obtain their nursing bachelor's degree in four consecutive semesters, or approximately 15 months. I have a few prerequisite courses to take over the spring and summer, but will apply for acceptance into the program at Kent State for next fall. If all goes well I'll have my nursing degree by December of 2012.
We just listed our home with the realtor who has helped us purchase both our homes. However, if our house does not sell before January I may end up having to commute to and from Canton to work on my pre-req's. If you know of anyone with an older or high-miles car they've been looking to sell cheap or donate to my cause please let me know!! Please continue to join us in prayer to St. Joseph, asking his intercession to our Lord with the intention of the sale of our home. As plans become more clear we are realizing how much easier life will be with our house sold and being close to school. We are also praying that the Lord will provide affordable housing for us once we make the move to the Kent area while I pursue the nursing coursework.
Please pray for me, Monica, and the four little ones as we begin this next phase of our journey. God willing we will have only minimal bumps in the road and a happier, more peaceful life with a career change that serves God thru His intended plan for me. Know that I will be praying for all of you!
