Recent Happenings

Lots of things have happened since I posted last. From getting a job, to taking another weekend trip, to having another big storm (or two; I can’t remember), and other miscellaneous things. Things that I’m not sure even I remember anymore! It’s been quite a while. I have thought about writing many times, but never sat down to write and update here.

I like to think of this blog as a bit of a journal of my life to go back and read later, but sadly that hasn’t been the reality—especially since the new year. I would like to get back to regular blogging (“regular” as in at least once a week), but at the moment that doesn’t look like it’s very likely to happen. So I’ll give an update now and hopefully I’ll be able to share some pictures from our trip north some day!

A bit of a sneak preview of our trip. :) This is at Kaiteriteri.

As far as school is concerned, I’m very happy with my progress there. It’s definitely full-on, but I’m enjoying it. This year I am studying church history (which is fascinating!), old classics (Oliver Twist, Robinson Crusoe, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, The Screwtape Letters, etc.), and Exploring Creation with Physical Science by Apologia (I’m really loving Apologia science!). All of that is laid out in a 5-day week format for each week of the school year, but along with other responsibilities I have I figured out about a month ago that I can get those 5 days fit into 3 (still working on cutting that number down to 2—I’m sure I can do it!). Cramming 5 days into 3 means that I’m basically doing school all day for those 3 days, but at least I get 2 days at the end of the week to work on other things. Monday through Wednesday are school days, then Thursday is math day (I’m trying to finish up the math I didn’t finish last year)—I generally work on math all morning and try to get some done in the afternoon as well, and Friday is editing day—which is another all-day project.

I think my favorite day of the week is Friday. For some reason, its relaxing to work on my book. Currently, I’m working on getting a timeline of the events that happen in the book and the historical events lined up, so I can actually see how things fit together! I’m getting there, slowly but surely. It’s taking a bit of work, but I’m almost to the end of that. After that, I’ll work on making a to-do checklist for all the things that need changed in the book, and then I can really work on cutting the book up and stitching it back together! :) I’m looking forward to that. Right now, it’s a bunch of creaky disjointed bones, but it will have flesh…one of these days.

Also at Kaiteriteri. The children loved playing in the golden sand!

Besides having school, I’m now working part-time at the same place Dad is, cleaning the offices, smoko/break room, and locker rooms. Thankfully, that only happens twice a week—generally Monday and Thursday afternoons for 2 ½ hours each day—so I don’t have that to worry about 3 days of the week. It does take a chunk out of the time I have, though. I’m very thankful to have this job—for quite a while I was praying for one because I would really like to put some money aside in a savings account for the future, and then God brought this opportunity along. So I am thankful, even if it means 5 hours more used in my schedule!

Back when I was praying for a job, I had the idea of getting some goats. Then I could (possibly) make cheese and sell just a little, and possibly build a small home business. About two months ago, I got in contact with a woman who had a couple goats she was willing to sell. We went to look at them, agreed on a price, and I bought two goats. She offered to keep them and breed them for me, and I was very grateful for that because I don’t have a buck nearby who will do the job.

We were planning to go pick them up next Friday, and last evening I picked up some supplies in preparation for getting them. One of the places I got something from just happened to be where our landlady works, and Mom mentioned to her that I’ll be getting a couple goats soon.

Another sneak peek: This was at Maruia Falls, on the way home.

Last night, we got a phone call. Our landlord told Dad that he does not want us to have goats here. That was a disappointment to me, but at the same time it was a relief. Two months ago, I didn’t realize how busy my life would be now, and the last week or two I’ve been wondering how everything would go with one more responsibility like that. So I considered that an act of God—“That’s enough.” I’m sad I can’t get them—I do like goats, after all—but right now is not the right time to get some and anyway I’ll most likely not have much time to take care of them in the coming months and years! So I count it as a blessing that that turned out the way it has.

The other part of the phone call was something none of us wanted to hear—we have to move within three months! That was quite a shock. We just moved here on February 15, and now barely 4 months later we need to move again. Our landlord wants to sell the place because of a new business opportunity. We are now in the first stages of looking for another house.

Generally, when something like this happens I get very worried about what will happen next. I like having everything settled and certain, knowing what will happen next and in what order. But this time, I’m feeling very peaceful and willing to wait and see what God has in store next. I know He has directed us this far, and I know He will show us what to do and where to go next. And I also know that it will work out perfectly in the end.

 

God is good. I’m singing “God Will Make a Way” right now, and I know He will. He has in the past, and He is still active and working in the present and will be in the future as well. I’m content to remember that right now.

Keep praising Him!
Esther

P.S. If you think about it, please pray for us—and Dad and Mom especially. Due to some things I’m not going to mention at the moment, the next few months will be very stressful for them—and Mom especially. I don’t think any of us are really looking forward to shifting houses again, but I know God will support us. Your prayers are greatly appreciated!