I will apologize in advance as this may be a long read as I have not written in a long time.
I chose this title as this has been one of the most difficult times in our lives, I will say harder than I could have ever imagined. Started to learn two new languages, which was a huge struggle with my dyslexia. Started to get extra help with a tutor, and even reducing class schedules to accommodate learning the new language. As time progressed I came to realize that my talents were not in languages. As a result, I have switched tracks which will still allow me to serve in the ministry. I still hold on to what I have learned from those languages as there is wisdom to share with others so they can understand more.
During this process I received the dreaded, for me but not her, call that she had passed away. While I grieve for our loss, I rejoice that she is in heaven. I miss mom more than words will ever be able to describe, and it is finally starting to hit me that she is gone. No longer will I hear her words of encouragement, I love you, or just a simple conversation. It HURTS! Yet I know she is enjoying the heavenly feast which we look forward to one day. I have come to realize the pain I felt will be able to be used in the ministry, Lord willing, one day when a member loses a loved one. As we were preparing to go to Wisconsin for the funeral it also meant homework for Jane fell behind.
While Jane did fall behind her professor was understanding and allowed her to continue in the class, and she is now caught up. She also has had to deal with catching a cold from her students as the cold season starts here sooner. What she did not know is one of the students had come to class with strep throat. As the result, she was out for two days, and I am happy to say she is back feeling better and being her mischievous self. I managed to stay on track but had various projects which needed to be completed around the same time. It is not uncommon to have all project work come due around the same time, then have a lull in school, and then one final push at exam time. We have also started to stay at the library for a few hours to get more homework done. We both like the lack of distractions it provides so we can concentrate on what we need to do.
Through all this, we continue to grow in our knowledge that God will not give us more than we can handle and that every situation prepares us for something down the road. He is our rock and refuge in everything we do. I make sure to remind Jane that from a human point of view I would not want to be on this journey without God and her by my side. Together through our learning, we have a better understanding what our lives will look like, Lord willing, when we become called workers.
As we start the end of the semester process, we plan for next semester with classes which we will both take. Jane will be on campus next semester for her class, which means we will need to get used to a new work schedule or possibly a small loss in income. I will have three classes and then be able to work in the afternoon, but only part-time. I have been told to plan on being here on campus for spring break as I will need to be taking some coursework related to me EFE and IFE requirements.So as you can see this has been a rough few months, yet we are surviving with God’s help.
In closing, I would encourage everyone who reads this to make sure to pray not only for us but for those who continue to prepare for the ministry, those in the ministry, and those who are responsible for teaching the next generation of called workers.