I just read my friend Kristan's post about how her husband and her moved to Iowa a year ago today. This reminded me that Joel and I also moved here exactly one year ago. I can't believe how fast the year has gone. I thought Kristan had a good idea to reflect on this past year, so here we go:
I never would have thought God would place us in IA, but I am glad he did. I was very unsure about moving 7.5 hours away from family. But, God prepared us by first moving us to Detroit, MI. We were 3 hours away from family there, so this is just a little bit longer. I don't always like change, but I remember thinking to myself that I need to see this move as an adventure and trust that God would provide for us. Provide for us he did! One thing I will always see has God's working is how I got my job. I had quit my old job on July 12 and had no contacts in Des Moines, so I was very unsure about how long I would be unemployed and what I would do. I only went 2 months without a job. I turned to United Way 211's website and found agencies that I just sent resume's to in case they had openings. The day Anawim Housing got my resume the person in my position turned in her 2 week notice. I was the only person they looked at. I think my job fits me well and challenges me the way a job should. So, I thank God for my job!
We also have found a wonderful church and friends here. We have loved getting to know the other young adults in our small group. We are thankful for each one of them. I am thankful for the ladies in my coffee group/Bible study. We learn about God and pray for each other. I am also thankful that I get to start helping with the youth group this coming fall. I love high schoolers! So, God provided in that way too.
He also provided a school that Joel loves. Yes, loves. I know medical school is hard work and I don't get to see him a lot during the school year due to classes, labs, and studying, but Joel is doing what he is meant to do--become a doctor. I think having tried 2 years in a row and not get in made this past year and school in general even more enjoyable. He doesn't take it for granted that is for sure. He loves what he is learning and is so excited about being in school. Plus, God provided us with a school that has a great support system for family. I love SAA and have found a lot of other spouses/significant others to be great friends.
Those are just a few of the examples looking back to see how God has provided for us this first year here in IA. There are numerous other things I could probably point out, but we will leave it with the three major ones. I am looking forward to see how he provides for us this year here in IA. One thing I know, I may not know what it is going to bring, but I know God does.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
I'm It--Tagged
Amy tagged me, so here it goes. The trick is I can only answer questions with one word.
1. Where is your cell phone: charging
2. Your significant other: Wonderful
3. Your hair: straight
4. Your Mother: Caring
5. Your Father: Kind
6. Your favorite thing: strawberries
7. Your dream last night: mystery
8. Your favorite drink: lemonade
9. Your dream/goal: Heaven
10. The room you're in: living
11. Your hobby: knitting
12. Your fear: loss
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years: Michigan
14. What you're not: cold
15. Muffins: blueberry
16. One of your wish list items: house
17. Where you grew up: Zeeland
18. The last thing you did: napped
19. What are you wearing: pj's
20. Favorite gadget: computer
21. Your pets: Hat-Trick
22. Your computer: Joel's
23. Your mood: content
24. Missing someone: Family
25. Your car: Jetta
26. Something you are not wearing: Shoes
27. Favorite store: Meijer
28. Your favorite color: Red
29. When is the last time you laughed: today
30. Last time you cried: Sunday
So, I guess I maybe should tag some people: How about Steph, Aup, and Amanda?
1. Where is your cell phone: charging
2. Your significant other: Wonderful
3. Your hair: straight
4. Your Mother: Caring
5. Your Father: Kind
6. Your favorite thing: strawberries
7. Your dream last night: mystery
8. Your favorite drink: lemonade
9. Your dream/goal: Heaven
10. The room you're in: living
11. Your hobby: knitting
12. Your fear: loss
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years: Michigan
14. What you're not: cold
15. Muffins: blueberry
16. One of your wish list items: house
17. Where you grew up: Zeeland
18. The last thing you did: napped
19. What are you wearing: pj's
20. Favorite gadget: computer
21. Your pets: Hat-Trick
22. Your computer: Joel's
23. Your mood: content
24. Missing someone: Family
25. Your car: Jetta
26. Something you are not wearing: Shoes
27. Favorite store: Meijer
28. Your favorite color: Red
29. When is the last time you laughed: today
30. Last time you cried: Sunday
So, I guess I maybe should tag some people: How about Steph, Aup, and Amanda?
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Prayers Please
Okay, so I believe that prayers can make a huge difference in peoples' lives. Now, I realize they may not always be answered in the way we want them to, but they are always answered. I also believe it doesn't hurt to pray for specific things, so I am requesting prayers on behalf of one of my tenants that a specific outcome happen.
My tenant, whom shall be called Jane, received a letter at the end of May saying that her Section 8 was going to be terminated due to unreported income. For those of you who don't know what Section 8 is--it is a government subsidy for housing. Basically, the participant pays no more than 30% of their income and the government provides a voucher for the rest of the rent. There are certain eligibility requirements, but I don't know the specifics. So, Jane has been in public housing for 23 years, which is another government program for low income individuals and housing. She has never been late on rent or caused any problems. When Anawim bought the property she was living in, she was switched to Section 8, so she has been on it for a year. About a year ago, she allowed her 43 year old daughter to move in with her, because she was going to be a caregiver. Jane is 74 years old with multiple health concerns and is in a wheelchair. So, with Section 8 you must report all income changes. Jane's income has not changed--she is at a fixed income of about $600 a month with social security. Jane's daughter on the other hand had been working through temp agencies. Jane would ask her daughter if she was turning in her pay stubs. Her response to her mother was "I am 43 mother." Well, it just so happens that she either forgot or intentionally did not report some income. So, Section 8 decided to terminate Jane's voucher. But, get this: before Jane got this letter Jane had requested her to be taken off the lease. This was for another reason, but remember Jane did not know her daughter hadn't turned in all her pay stubs. So, yes she was ignorant and maybe shouldn't have trusted her daughter, but she is a mom can you blame her for wanting to trust her daughter and believe the best about her. So, we are now in the process to appeal this decision. We had a appeal hearing yesterday for her and Jane had Legal Aid come to help her. I think it could go either way depending on how the hearing officer wants to interpret the policies and what not of Section 8. Because, there were several things that could go Jane's way depending on interpretation of words and sentences. So, I ask that you pray that the hearing officer decides in Jane's favor. She admits to being ignorant, but she did not commit fraud. I believe her and she would have no where to go. Yes, she could stay in her unit with us, but in 3 months when she hasn't paid any rent we would have to evict her, so does that really help her. She is a person that truly does need the help. She worked since she was 14 and due to health the last few years she hasn't been able to work. So, she isn't one of those lazy people that chooses not to work. She is one of the people that the government really should be helping.
What gets me is that Jane is trying to do the right thing and would be willing to pay Section 8 any money owed (due to her daughter's unreported income) and then there are other people out there that fraud the system all the time and get away with it.
The hearing officer makes his decision within 10 calendar days, so pray for this please. I know some of you who read this are true prayer warriors and I would appreciate all the help you can do on that end. I'll let you all know when I hear something.
PS. I know I have to update this with the happenings of the Phillips, but I have been busy at work and too lazy to do it when I am home. (I actually have a husband around since it is summer break--so instead of spend time on the computer I spend time with him.)
My tenant, whom shall be called Jane, received a letter at the end of May saying that her Section 8 was going to be terminated due to unreported income. For those of you who don't know what Section 8 is--it is a government subsidy for housing. Basically, the participant pays no more than 30% of their income and the government provides a voucher for the rest of the rent. There are certain eligibility requirements, but I don't know the specifics. So, Jane has been in public housing for 23 years, which is another government program for low income individuals and housing. She has never been late on rent or caused any problems. When Anawim bought the property she was living in, she was switched to Section 8, so she has been on it for a year. About a year ago, she allowed her 43 year old daughter to move in with her, because she was going to be a caregiver. Jane is 74 years old with multiple health concerns and is in a wheelchair. So, with Section 8 you must report all income changes. Jane's income has not changed--she is at a fixed income of about $600 a month with social security. Jane's daughter on the other hand had been working through temp agencies. Jane would ask her daughter if she was turning in her pay stubs. Her response to her mother was "I am 43 mother." Well, it just so happens that she either forgot or intentionally did not report some income. So, Section 8 decided to terminate Jane's voucher. But, get this: before Jane got this letter Jane had requested her to be taken off the lease. This was for another reason, but remember Jane did not know her daughter hadn't turned in all her pay stubs. So, yes she was ignorant and maybe shouldn't have trusted her daughter, but she is a mom can you blame her for wanting to trust her daughter and believe the best about her. So, we are now in the process to appeal this decision. We had a appeal hearing yesterday for her and Jane had Legal Aid come to help her. I think it could go either way depending on how the hearing officer wants to interpret the policies and what not of Section 8. Because, there were several things that could go Jane's way depending on interpretation of words and sentences. So, I ask that you pray that the hearing officer decides in Jane's favor. She admits to being ignorant, but she did not commit fraud. I believe her and she would have no where to go. Yes, she could stay in her unit with us, but in 3 months when she hasn't paid any rent we would have to evict her, so does that really help her. She is a person that truly does need the help. She worked since she was 14 and due to health the last few years she hasn't been able to work. So, she isn't one of those lazy people that chooses not to work. She is one of the people that the government really should be helping.
What gets me is that Jane is trying to do the right thing and would be willing to pay Section 8 any money owed (due to her daughter's unreported income) and then there are other people out there that fraud the system all the time and get away with it.
The hearing officer makes his decision within 10 calendar days, so pray for this please. I know some of you who read this are true prayer warriors and I would appreciate all the help you can do on that end. I'll let you all know when I hear something.
PS. I know I have to update this with the happenings of the Phillips, but I have been busy at work and too lazy to do it when I am home. (I actually have a husband around since it is summer break--so instead of spend time on the computer I spend time with him.)
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Memories
Memory Lane...
I got this from a friend Debbi's blog. I thought it would be fun! I hope you will play along. Here are the directions:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.
I got this from a friend Debbi's blog. I thought it would be fun! I hope you will play along. Here are the directions:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.
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