The End of the Path

The most recent path we have been on found me spend weekday evenings "tossing" boxes (carefully stacking, for those who ship overnight packages). That path came to an end Friday night as I finished my time at FedEx Express. I really did enjoy the time there and the job was greatly used by God to meet the needs of the family throughout the summer. It was supposed to be 20ish hours per week; throughout the summer I have been over 30 hours every week. I tried to figure out how I could teach and keep the evening job, allowing us to prepare for a house purchase at whatever time God allows and, looking ahead, Justin's college in just a couple of years. I could have done both jobs, but I was leaning (85%+) to dropping the evening work when I was asked if I could coach volleyball at EBCA this year. I enjoy volleyball and I have coached before, but I gave that up probably 12 years ago and the game has changed significantly since then. Since I can only be in one place at a time, at least until cloning is perfected, I needed to relinquish my position at FedEx.

Back to volleyball. There is a missionary on deputation in the church and he just happens to be a volleyball coach. He is coming in to assist with practices, teaching the girls and me at the same time. We should have a pretty good varsity team this year; the junior high team will be a work in progress as they are young and inexperienced. The best part of coaching is, obviously, McDonald's after away games.

Now for the day job. I will be teaching a potpourri of classes this year -- two mid-level science classes, one junior high math class, yearbook, elementary computer, and Rosetta Stone (no teaching, just supervising). I will be stretched for sure; I have taught most of these classes before, but it has been a while. None of them are in my primary fields, but I am looking forward to it.

So, one path comes to and end and a new road lies before us. I am thankful for the opportunity and relish the challenge to serve our great God and seek to have a Godly impact on the lives of the students. Oh, by the way, we are still waiting for guests. Come visit sometime.

one Year Later

My, what a year it has been. One year ago the Walkers left the Rio Grande Valley and headed to points unknown. Hebrews 11:8 was sort of the theme for the trek: "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." We moved to PA so that we might await the leading of God as He directed to the next place of service. With Bec's folks living in Hershey, we had a place to stay that was near a major airport (BWI) and major interstates so that we could travel to look at schools, if need be. One year later, we are still here in the Harrisburg area, specifically Mechanicsburg, looking ahead to the privilege and opportunity to serve here at Emmanuel. God has shown what we could not know -- whither we went." Not only did God know where we were going, why we were going, and for what were we going, He has shown His provision along the way.

As we were preparing to leave Texas, a large number of folks from Faith helped load the moving trucks. Their generosity and strong backs are still appreciated. Loading would not have been possible with their help. Another great blessing was Nikki Irvin taking her time to help drive up to PA. She was a great help.

Since we arrived in PA, we have had two Texas friends "come" to visit (actually, they were in the region) and we were able to visit with the FCA seniors for a while when they were on their Senior Trip. Being so far from the RGV, we know we will not be able to see those friends often, so every visit is special.

Over the last year, there have been many times when I have wondered how we got to the point where we are. Prior to last June, there were know plans to leave Texas; we had every intention of continuing at Faith for another seventeen years. Yet, as we look back, it is obvious that God was directing every step of the way. It was similar to the bird learning to fly. It may not be convenient, but it is necessary. God accomplished His purposes in whatever means He chooses. We simply need to submit to His leading and obey His will.

The last year has truly been an adventure, but it has been a time of growth and promise. God has been faithful and has shown Himself to be in control of every situation. We have 17 years worth of friends in Texas and are making new friends after 1 year in PA. Thank you to all who have been a part of our lives over the years.