New chapter

In April, DJ and 2 others went to L.A. for a meeting with some people who had contacted us about CRTEC and the trainings we do. Just before leaving I had a dream that we were packing up our things in the attic and that we were moving. Nothing too impressionable, so I set it aside. I mentioned it to DJ, but he was busy getting ready, so we just chalked up as a "good one" and left it at that. He returned a couple days later. I was excited to hear all about it and of course to receive my usual L.A. Airport gift shop trinket! I let him settle in and he started to tell me about all his conversations, more specifically one. He told me that the people he met were really interested in starting a CRC, a facility to house rescued victims of human trafficking. My mouth hit the floor. This is an amazing step for CRTEC.

He told me that Ric asked him if he thought we'd be interested in moving out to L.A. to staff and facilitate the CRC. He also said he told Ric about my dream and that Ric was serious...so there we were...and our lives were about to change!

We've accepted the positions and are praying about it. We've had peace about moving and look forward to seeing what's next. The group in L.A. are in the process of a task force and will be until the middle of September. We've told our employers and look to move around the end of Sept/beginning of Oct.

Winds of change might be a little scary, but I have breezes that come and go that fill my heart with excitement and great expectation! Thank you Lord!

Matriarchs and Patriarchs

We have received bad news about DJ's grandma, Peggy. About two weeks ago, she went into the hospital feeling sick and after doing some tests, they told her she had a form of aggressive leukemia and would only have 4-6 weeks to live (best case scenario). She's been at home, not receiving treatment for the leukemia, by choice, for a week now. After hearing from a couple family members that she's being moved to hospice so that she can receive 24 hour care, it's starting to become more real....

I can't believe that DJ and I are losing our 3rd grandparent in a year, 2 of which were caused from cancer. I'm struggling to believe and keep hope. The world would tell me my fate, but I know Jesus and His ultimate plan is what I'm strongly urged to keep after. My Nana and Grandpa French knew Jesus and are walking with Him today, completely healed. Grandma Steen knows Jesus and is peaceful about what comes next. Knowing that we'll see them someday helps ease the pain, but it's the memories that haven't been created yet and stories we won't hear for the 30th time and just being able to call them up for advice that I'll miss most.

Like DJ said at Nana's funeral, "[She] was a true matriarch of the family and of her faith and it was a priveledge to have known her." They have gone before us, but we will reunite one day...

And I asked the Lord...

This morning on my way out to meet Dani to pray, I asked the Lord,"Why have you called us to pray in the morning?" Partly out of frustration having to get up so early and partly because every time he's called me to pray, it's in the morning (early morning!). I finish my drive and settle in to pray (still waking up), and a song starts...my attitude fades away when the musician sings, " his mercy is new every day, his mercy is new every day, every morning, every morning..." Feeling a little ashamed that I even had to ask the Lord "why" to begin with, I repeat that over and over..."His mercy is new every day, His mercy is new every day, every morning, every morning" Today is a new day and I WILL start it off with prayer...Thank you Lord for reminding me :)

2010 Begins...

I can't believe 2010 has already come...I remember when 2000 was around the corner and the world was in a state of fear, not knowing what to expect and stocking up on everything they could...ya know, just in case. I remember wondering what my future would hold, being 16, my immediate needs had to be fulfilled...a driver's license, boyfriend, and plenty of time with my friends. Typical I suppose, but not necessarily anything that would keep me alive if the world were to end when the ball dropped! I looked forward to knowing how all would pan out...

So here I am, in 2010. As the profile says, DJ and I have been married for a little over 2 years now. We were married October 6, 2007 at the Midwest Prayer Center in Marion, IA. Long story made short, it was a bumpy ride, but it was all worth it! We love being married and have really enjoyed getting to know eachother. Just to bring you up to speed and a little recap of our beginning:

A month before we got married, we became homeowners. It was a divine appointment in finding it, so we felt very blessed to be in the position to purchase it! It worked out with our living arrangements for DJ to live there up until the wedding. We had some time to get all moved in before the wedding, so that afterwards it wouldn't be so crazy. It's a cute house and I've loved decorating- it's been a lot of fun finding my own style!

We've had some unexpected visitors---bats! Yeeuuck! I got adventuresome one day while up in the attic and figured out where they were living, so we've kept that portion of the attic closed off. We haven't seen much of them since, but still hear them from time to time. For as much as I love this house, some days I can't wait to live somewhere I know they WILL NOT be.

My sister, Jenny, moved in with us in August. A page had turned in her book and she felt like a new chapter was starting. It has been a priviledge to be her "roomie" and a lot of fun having her around!

DJ is employed by his father's painting company. Also on the side he's been working part time for Target. Mainly it's helping out when the budget stretches thin, but we've chosen to look at it as an oppurtunity to become debt free a little quicker. I (Nicole) am nannying for a great family with 2 children. There was a small break in between April and November that I shifted my profession to Office Manager, realizing it wasn't something I wanted to do, perfect timing and what I believe to be God's plan, pulled me back into child care. It was a great switch and I love them!

It's almost been a year since Nana (Nicole's grandma) went to be with the Lord. Some family members took it pretty hard and we're all coping in our own ways! We've all come together for Popsie (Nicole's grandpa) and still hang out as much as possible! I miss Nana mostly every day and still dream about her quite often! Can't wait to see her again!

Looking forward to all 2010 holds and am challenged to write about all of it!