The year 2011 brought many changes our way. Our previous editor decided it was time to retire. As we began to transition to another phase in life we decided to take our blog a different direction. The Lord has shown us new things to be explored and old things to be conquered.
The year 2011 began with a dramatic shift as to how our final running of the race of life would proceed. Those shifts are not always easy or pleasant but God has a plan.
We went on a journey exploring where God would use us in ministry, His service in 2010. At first we had no clue where we were headed or why. We knew that the first stop was only temporary. After that we were trying to discern what was next. That journey took about 3 months and we got a direction. Charles Stanley had to push us out the back door but out we went. We were very comfortable to sip tea and listen to Charles on Sunday mornings. However, he preached a sermon that was directly at us. He spoke on the importance of being a connected member of a local church. So, we had to pursue the search once again as to where we were supposed to plant ourselves.
In February of 2011 we were invited to a "Friends & Family Day" at a local church. We attended and had a good time. We were not sure if this was our final destination or not. But it felt comfortable and we decided to continue to explore whether this was going to be called "home" for us.
Middle of February Maureen's Aunt Patty had once again been diagnosed with cancer. This time in her stomach. Things did not look good and we decided to take my Uncle (her brother) to Texas for a visit. As things progressed it was apparent that she was failing and the surgeries were not successful. The end of March she called to say she was going into Hospice. Again, we felt led to make yet another trip to Texas. That trip lasted 8 days and was very emotional. She was a little fighter but she was at peace with her decision to end the battle. She entered into her eternal home on April 8, 2011.
The end of the school year for 2011 was quite lively. With both of us working two jobs it was an event getting caught up. We had been gone to Texas at a time that was not opportune for either campus. Maureen had been substituting for a lady at a second campus last school year that had cancer. She died about 2 weeks before Maureen's Aunt Patty. That set chaos into motion to get both campuses closed out for the 2010-2011 school year. God got that under control and we ended well.
The summer led to additional chaos with a project that Phil was supporting at his second job. The hours that were initially thought needed to complete the project multiplied from 25 hrs a week to 60 hours a week. So, now he was behind meeting his responsibilities at the school. However, God had that covered as well. In August he was able to break free from that project and focus his 60 hours a week at the school. Not to mention that he had some additional support provided by 3 young men who each gave another 60 hours one week. They got it done.
The 2011-2012 school started without fanfare and we were so glad. Maureen is working two campuses this year. It seems to be working well. Phil is still working his second job but has pulled back to 10 hrs a week. Much more manageable.
We decided that our church visit in February was to become home for us. We are at One Church Columbus. In September Maureen applied to work in the children's church on Sunday mornings one Sunday a month. That has been a blessing and she is enjoying the involvement. Phil has gotten to help out with the tear down process one Sunday a month for the children's church. He has also gotten to work on a project helping assemble some crates for the children's church storage. If it's wood he loves it.
Maureen is still working with a girls group on Wednesday evening at another local church affiliated with the school. This is her third year with the girls. One Wednesday a month she and the girls stay after school and start working on their projects. It ends up being a 5 hour class but the girls love it. The girls would stay every Wednesday if Maureen just had the energy to keep up with them. They are excited about becoming "Honor Stars" this coming spring. It seems that there will be 5 of them reaching that goal.
So, now we are caught up to the present. It's been an eventful couple of months. Maureen has been fighting some sort of virus or fatigue since end of October. She just didn't seem to be able to recover. We just thought it was exhaustion and old age. Phil has been picking up the slack. The cats take lots of care and cleaning. He has been helping more and more with their daily care. Something that he did occasionally but not like recently.
On Thursday, December 8th, Maureen woke up with stomach pain that led us on quite a journey from that point forward. On Friday, December 9th she had emergency surgery to remove her appendix. God had that entire event under control. Even down to the last minute change of surgeons. She has done very well but it has changed the normal pattern of our lives. The appendix is a possible reason why she was not recovering from the viruses and infections that lingered. We go back to the surgeon for follow up in January.
Again, Phil got to enjoy a new experience due to the appendectomy. Not only is he remodeling the kitchen. A complete gutted kitchen remodeling. He got to fill in for Maureen in children's church last Sunday. He didn't do too bad and actually enjoyed the opportunity. He might be hooked, we'll see.
The kitchen project is going so well. Two very wonderful young men are helping Phil with the kitchen. Without them this would not have gone well. In fact it just wouldn't have even been started. They should have the room back into some sort of function by next week. We are still waiting on the financing for the cabinets and fixtures and should know about that piece next week.
So, there is our Journey as One, Part I story for now. New installments will be coming along.
Wishing everyone a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas & a Blessed New Year.
Shalom,
Phil & Maureen
