living a miracle - part 2

This picture is just because she's so dang cute.

A lady from church called us up this evening and asked if we would like to stay at her house for the month of August. Her family goes on a long vacation, and they need someone to a) live there, b) hang out with the dog, c) tend the garden. "Would you be interested?" she asked. I replied sincerely and humbly, "It is an answer to prayer - to many prayers. Yes, we're interested."

You see, our lease ends on July 31st, and my husband won't be done with school yet. We had no place to go, and now we do. As added blessings, a) she mentioned we could stay even after they got back, because they have plenty of space, b) they have a dog which will be a thrill for Kiddo, and c) my husband has lamented more than once that we have no garden, and now we will.

Wow. Prayers offered, answers came.

182 pages - check

I finished the writing today, for real. I sent my dissertation out to my committee for review. I plan to clean the house this weekend, and take a nap with my daughter on Monday.

On Tuesday I will start preparing my presentation for the grand finale of my PhD, but for the next few days, I am trying out the no school routine. I expect to enjoy myself, or at least be better rested.

living a miracle

I walked home from school today feeling great. I was amazed at the work that I had accomplished so far that day, and for the first time this week felt that I could actually get this dissertation off by Friday. In all seriousness, although it's the plan, it would be a miracle. And I thought: "I'm living a miracle, right this moment. This week is a miracle."

That euphoria was tempered by various hurdles that popped up tonight, making that goal seem distant at best. But I can't help think: "if it was true this afternoon, it must be true tonight."

There is nothing that promises that blessings, or even miracles, will go smoothly. They just happen, and turn out right in the end. And I still know I'm living a miracle, right now.

meeting the girls

My mom has a friend who has chickens. They started out as a child's science project, but became so much a part of the family that they stayed. We brought Kiddo to meet them, and maybe touch them. She wanted to, but was pretty nervous about the face. Eventually when we turned the chickens she was able to pet its side. From this picture, it appears that I was nervous too.

Chickens are really soft. Who knew?

no time

Last night as I was brushing my teeth way after bedtime I thought: what will I do next week when my dissertation is handed in? I'll have so much time, what will I do with it all?

Oh, the list is long. But I've been dedicating every spare (and not spare) moment and every thought to this project for so long that I'm not clear what I will do without it. I'm willing to figure out though.

all home

Kiddo and I returned home late Saturday night. She is an excellent traveler, even if she stays awake the whole time. Thank goodness for movies on Apple products. On both legs returning we had an empty seat next to us. She spent some time on the seat, which was a nice break for me, but was mostly happy to be in my lap, which made me grateful I hadn't paid for a seat for her too. Saturday afternoon is a much better time to travel than Friday afternoon.

This is my final week to write my dissertation. I pray for the clarity of mind to get it done, and appreciate my husband putting his work on hold and spending time with Kiddo. After all, who wouldn't want to spend time with her?

half home

By now my husband is back to our home, without his wife and baby, but having completed his job interview. Things went well. Given the nature of the organization it will be a while before we hear back, but we are in the good place where my husband has done all he can (except more prayers of course) and we can "stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see ... His arm to be revealed."

Good Job Sweetheart!