Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Okay, I seriously need to have my brain checked to take on one more thing in my life! I work full-time for Buena Vista University (BVU) as an enrollment coach, I'm a full-time online student majoring in Organizational Leadership, but my most important job is being a mom and wife. I have two amazing daughters and a husband, who is a work in progress! But, I feel like a have a lot of things to say or at least get off my chest from time to time. 

One of the biggest changes in my recent history is that Jeff, my husband, just completed a year in Teen Challenge. It is an amazing program that works with men who have addiction issues. He dealt with prescription drug addiction for about 4 years prior to entering into treatment.  We have been married for 19 years in December. I wasn't about to give up on him but knew that our lives were unmanageable and the girls were suffering right along with us. So, in November 2007, I drove him 3 hours away to Colfax, Iowa to start an amazing journey, both emotional and spiritual for all of us. TC gave us the chance to heal our family as well as dealing with some deep stuff Jeff had suppressed with medication. He spent 7 months in Colfax and then moved into the re-entry phase in Omaha. While living in the house, picture a half-way house with Jesus : ), he got an amazing job at a funeral home, John A. Gentleman. Jeff had been a police officer for 15 years, retired due to injuries, but had always had a heart for the funeral business. The job has gone so well, we made the decision for him to stay down there full time, even though he's done with the TC program.  The ultimate goal is for him to get his funeral directors license.  

Okay, check out the website to find out more. It's an amazing program and saved our family & marriage. All praise and glory to my Lord, Jesus Christ! My relationship with Jesus is what saved me this last year. I learned that while I may not be able to trust Jeff, I can trust in God. I learned to listen to Him. I've seen my girls grow in their relationships too. We attend an amazing church, Summit Evangelical Free in Alta, Iowa. 

In a week and a half, my oldest daughter, Alexandrea and I will be heading down to New Orleans, LA to help with Hurricane Katrina recovery. I'm so excited to share this experience with her. I've been down there the past two years and have had amazing times working for Katrina survivors. Stay tuned for more details and photos...

Okay, I've probably put you to sleep but felt some background was a good way to start. Peace and Love to all who may read this in the future. Even if no one reads this, it's a good exercise for me.